Why Is My Car Shaking?

The shaking and vibrating that you're noticing in your car can arise from several causes. It can also range in severity from barely noticeable to so prominent that you stop your vehicle on the side of the road. Even if you don't think the problem seems that bad, always have an expert mechanic look at your car to diagnose the problem and make repairs. Ideally, you should schedule a service appointment at the first signs of trouble so that you can correct a problem before it gets worse.

Tires

The tires bear the stress of daily driving, and they're the first point of impact when you hit curbs or potholes. Therefore, it's not uncommon for tires to be the source of your car's shaking and wobbling. Many tire-related shaking problems can be prevented by taking your vehicle in for regular tire inspections as recommended in the owner's manual. Some possible reasons that your tires make your car shake are related to the treads. Treads that get separated or don't have sufficient depth remaining can lead to your car's shaking. The tires may also get worn unevenly, especially if you haven't had an alignment or an adjustment in awhile.

Wheels

The wheels also have several possible causes that can produce the shaking and vibrating in your car. Wheels can easily become damaged and dented. If they're bent out of their normal shape, shaking can occur as you're driving. The wheels might also not be spinning correctly, which translates to shaking and vibrating, or the lug nuts that hold the wheels to the car may have come loose.

Brakes

Shaking that comes from the brakes starts or gets worse as you bring the car to a stop. One of the most common problems is that the brake rotors are no longer uniform in shape or warped due to abnormal wear. That usually happens if the brake pads wear out and can no longer keep the rotors from colliding. The heat and friction generated by the rotors making frequent impact results in them wearing out and preventing the brake pads from properly gripping the surface. Worn brakes might also make scraping or metallic sounds when you step on the brake pedal.

Engine

There are several possible explanations for your car's shaking that begin with the engine. If the engine is the source of the problem, the shaking might worsen with driving, and it might also be notified when you turn the car on. If the shaking comes from the engine's radiator, the engine may also overheat. Other possible causes are the air filter, which can get dirty, and the spark plugs, which have a lifespan of approximately 90,000 miles.

Axles

The axles can get bent from accidents, potholes, and hitting speed bumps at high speeds. They also have CV joints that can wear out or get cracked, allowing dirt and contaminants to enter.