We chatted to some of our mechanic friends to answer the question “why is my car shaking?” and what to do to fix the problem.
Your car is something that needs to be well looked after. It takes you from work and back, fetches your kids from school, allows you to just pop to the grocery store and of course, it takes you and your family on some memorable road trips.
But when our cars start to make strange noises or shake, then this usually means that something is mechanically wrong and that it’s time to do some digging into the issue.
Perhaps your car is in need of a service or it’s something a little more serious, whenever something feels wrong when you drive your car, you should always get it checked out by a certified mechanic.
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Why is my car shaking?
Your car consists of complex mechanical systems and components in order for it to run. If one of these systems is not working properly, then your car might start to shake, squeal and splat.
There are a number of reasons as to why your car might shake, it’s important that you pay close attention to when it shakes, where it shakes and how it shakes to help a mechanic find the cause of the issue.
According to Firestone, here are some of the top reasons why your car might be shaking.
If your car shakes when idling
If your car shakes when you come to a stop, this might indicate an issue with the engine.
Experts suggest that a loose engine mount might be the cause. An engine mount is a connection between your car and the engine. It keeps the motor attached when your engine vibrates. If these connections wear out, then you might feel the vibrations from the engine.
Other reasons for this shaking include:
- Faulty timing belt
- Worn out spark plugs
In some cases, these engine issues can be fixed with a service or a cleaning of the fuel system.
If your car shakes when you accelerate
This often feels a little scary and like you might lose control of your car.
If the engine mounts are damaged or loose, then this might be the cause of the shaking. As mentioned, when the engine mounts are loose, this causes you to feel the vibrations of the engine when idling or when you accelerate.
In other cases, your steering might be misaligned, or your suspension system is causing your steering wheel to shudder and shake when accelerating.
These two issues feel very similar to you as the driver but require different solutions to fix.
If your car shakes when you brake
Faulty brakes are one of the leading causes of road accidents in South Africa. If your car shakes when you brake, this might indicate a big problem and it is something you need to get checked out immediately.
If your steering wheel, brake pedal or your car shakes when hitting the brakes, this puts you at risk of a potentially serious car accident.
The reason for your car shaking when you brake could be brake pads that are worn out, warped brake rotors, or guide pins that have not been lubricated properly. All of which are important factors that allow for safe braking when you drive.
If your car shakes when you drive fast
If your car starts to shake when you speed it up (like when you drive on a highway), then your tyres might not be balanced properly, or your wheels are misaligned.
You can typically tell which of these problems is the cause depending on where the shaking is coming from.
If you feel your steering wheel shaking, then your car might need a service and a wheel alignment check. If you feel the shaking coming from your seat and floorboard, then your tyres may need to be balanced.
Wheel misalignment is typically caused when the suspension components are not angled properly. Tyre imbalance when the weight of your car is not distributed evenly across the tyres.
What to do when your car is shaking
No matter when, how, or why your car is shaking, you need to get it checked by a mechanic. If your car is covered under a service plan or warranty, then you might not have to cover these costs out of pocket.
Mechanical issues can result in serious accidents and put your life and the lives of others in danger. Make sure your car is always in good working order and is regularly serviced.
Your Insurance Family,
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