Have you ever felt like a roller coaster ride while riding? And have you been wondering, “Why is my car shaking?” Well, you are not alone on the list.
You are among the many car enthusiasts constantly bothered by their cars’ shaking and vibration.
Driving a car that vibrates and shakes frequently can be annoying and dangerous. Abnormal shaking of cars may result in a dangerous road accident.
That is why it is pertinent to check the condition of your car frequently. If you are a car enthusiast like me, you would probably want to repair and alter your car.
On the other hand, if you don’t like to check your car yourself —or you don’t have enough time—you must consult your nearby mechanic.
What Causes My Car to Shake?
Car shaking is an unfortunate consequence of the overall condition of your vehicle.
The car may shake if any part of the machinery malfunctions, from the exterior to the engine and brake calipers.
However, there are three common and patent causes of car shakes:
Misalignment of Tires
Car shaking is the most obvious result if you have a flat tire. Likewise, if you puncture your flat tire frequently (4 to 5 times), the whole vehicle loses balance, resulting in the car shaking.
Nonetheless, a slight misalignment of tires can cause car shaking. The shaking worsens as you speed up to 50 to 60 miles per hour (mph).
You feel the bothersome car shake in your driving wheels. This “Tire Cause” can be dangerous and even deadly sometimes.
So, to understand firsthand “why is my car shaking?” double-check your tires. If you find any issue with any of the four tires, get it fixed instantly to avoid any major damage to your car.
Outdated Brake Rotors
Old and malfunctioning brake rotors are another common cause of car shake. If your car vibrates and shakes as you peddle the brake, it is because of the rotors.
Malfunctioning brake rotors can be either misalignment of the rotors or the brakes totally out of function.
This car shake may result in a disastrous accident as your car loses its balance as you want it to stop.
In either case, it’s important to check with an auto professional. Next time you wonder, “Why is my car shaking?” notice when exactly it shakes.
While stopping the car, you must double-check your brake rotors immediately.
Malfunctioning Brake Calipers
Brake calipers are another reason for abnormal car shaking. In this scenario, you can sense a burning smell in your car. And the shaking doubles up as you speed up the car.
Generally speaking, this car shaking starts at 35 to 40 miles per hour (mph.) Before panicking about “why is my car shaking?” measure the cause.
If it is due to malfunctioning brake calipers, replacing them and having them properly adjusted is better.
How Can I Avoid My Car From Shaking?
As mentioned earlier, before you panic about “why my car is shaking” or “how I can avoid my car shaking,” sit back and understand the cause. Once you gauge the cause, you can fix it accordingly.
Based on the three causes mentioned above, here are the easiest ways to prevent your car from shaking:
- If the car shakes because of the tires, replacing them with new ones is an efficient solution. Brand-new tires last long and do not cause the car to shake in the long run.
- On the other hand, if the car shakes due to a brake rotor issue, you can fix it through proper maintenance and by replacing the archaic rotors.
- Similarly, if your car shakes because of the brake calipers, replacing them with good-quality calipers is the most efficient way.
Nevertheless, consistent and proper maintenance is the sole solution for all car shakes.
Sticking to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule to keep your car healthy is worthwhile.
