You don’t want your car to shake and vibrate when cruising down the highway or stuck in traffic. It’s uncomfortable and unsettling when your car shakes while driving, as you know something isn’t quite right. While it’s a common issue, the root cause varies from minor issues to severe problems that demand immediate attention.
Cars feel shaky when accelerating, braking, or just driving along at a constant speed because of one or multiple of the following issues:
- Worn-out tires.
- Crooked or deformed tires and wheel misalignment.
- A worn driveline U-joint.
- Suspension problems.
- Engine misfires.
- Brake deformities.
- Steering components.
Your car’s safety and performance are paramount, and addressing any shaking or vibration while driving is crucial as soon as possible. Let’s take a closer look at some of the common causes and what you can do to fix them.
Common Causes of a Car Shaking While Driving
1. Worn-out Tires
Tires are the only contact point between your car and the road, so it’s no surprise that worn-out tires can cause vibrations and shaking while driving. If your tires are balding or wearing unevenly, they can’t grip the road properly, leading to a shaky ride.
Tires wear out unevenly for several reasons, including improper tire pressure, misaligned wheels, and suspension issues. Checking your tires for wear and tear often is essential to avoid this problem.
You’ll need to replace your tires with new ones to fix this issue. Get them properly aligned and inflated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations for a smooth and safe ride.
2. Crooked or Deformed Tires
If your car shakes only at certain speeds or when turning, it could be due to crooked or deformed tires. Your tires become crooked when you hit a curb, pothole, or other road hazards, throwing off the alignment of your wheels.
Sometimes, a bent rim can also cause your tires to become deformed and lead to a shaky ride. Getting a professional mechanic to inspect your tires and rims and replace any damaged parts is essential.
Misaligned wheels are also a major issue, especially when moving. A little crookedness is compounded by speed and distance. If not fixed, this problem causes uneven tire wear, which can cause your car to shake severely.
You also risk losing control of your vehicle if you continue to drive with crooked or deformed tires.
3. A Worn Driveline U-Joint
Alias U-joint, a universal joint, is a vital vehicle driveline component. It allows power transfer from the transmission to the wheels and accommodates the suspension’s up-and-down movement.
Over time, a universal joint wears out due to use and sustained exposure to harsh conditions, potentially damaging other driveline components.
One of the most common signs of a worn U-joint is excessive vibration or shaking when driving at high speeds. It occurs because of an imbalance in the driveshaft due to uneven wear. Ignoring such an issue could escalate as the driveshaft takes further; it could even break.
Another potential issue caused by a worn U-joint is a clunking or banging noise when shifting gears. Excessive play in the joint causes it to move and hit other components.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible. Replacing a worn universal joint is relatively inexpensive than what you could spend fixing the damages it can cause.
Regular maintenance and lubrication are crucial for prolonging U-joint lifespans.
4. Suspension Problems
Your suspension system is necessary for your car’s stability and control, so it’ll shake when the system is faulty. Suspension problems can cause various issues with your vehicle’s performance, handling, and overall safety.
The suspension system delivers a smooth ride by optimizing handling and stability. It entails components like shocks, control arms, struts, and springs, all working together to absorb hits and keep the tires grounded.
As with any other car part, the suspension system can experience wear and tear over time. Common issues include :
- Worn shock absorbers or struts.
- Damaged control arms.
- Broken springs.
So if you’re having a bumpy ride, uneven tire wear, or difficulty steering and handling, it could be due to suspension problems.
5. Engine Misfires
If your car’s engine is not running smoothly and you notice a lack of power or strange noises, it could be experiencing an engine misfire. Engine misfires occur when one or more cylinders fail to ignite properly, disrupting the combustion process.
The following are reasons why engine misfires occur:
- Faulty spark plugs: Faulty spark plugs often produce weak or no sparks, leading to incomplete combustion and engine misfires.
- Bad ignition coils: The ignition coil supplies the high voltage necessary to spark the spark plugs. When faulty, it can result in weak or no sparks.
- Dirty fuel injectors: Over time, dirt and debris clog the fuel injectors, affecting the fuel spray pattern and causing misfires.
- Low fuel pressure: If the system has insufficient fuel pressure, the engine receives insufficient fuel, causing misfires.
- Vacuum leak: A vacuum leak can affect your engine’s air-to-fuel ratio, causing incomplete combustion and misfires.
- Faulty sensors: Malfunctioning sensors, such as oxygen or mass airflow sensors, can disrupt the engine’s proper functioning and result in misfires.
Some common symptoms of engine misfires include:
- The car is shaky while driving.
- Loss of power and acceleration.
- Check the engine light is on.
- Engine noises such as popping, sputtering, or backfiring.
6. Brake Problems
Brake problems could be what causes your car to shake while driving. Several specific brake problems can cause your car to feel shaky while driving, including:
A. Worn Brake Pads
Over time, the brake pads in your car will wear down, becoming less effective at stopping your vehicle. It can cause vibrations and shaking when you apply the brakes.
B. Warped Rotors
Your rotors help slow down and stop your vehicle. If they become warped or unevenly worn, they can cause vibrations and shaking when you brake.
C. Malfunctioning Calipers
Calipers are the part of your braking system that squeeze your brake pads against the rotor to slow down and stop your car. If they malfunction or become stuck, it can cause vibrations and shaking while driving.
D. Loose Suspension
Issues with your suspension can also contribute to a shaky ride while driving. Loose or worn-out suspension components, such as control arms or ball joints, can cause vibrations and shaking that may feel similar to brake problems.
E. Faulty Wheel Bearings
Wheel bearings allow your wheels to spin smoothly. When damaged, they cause vibrations and shaking in your vehicle while driving. You can often feel the shaking while steering.
7. Steering Components
Similar to brake problems, issues with your car’s steering components can also cause it to shake while driving. Such issues may include:
A. Worn Tie Rod Ends
Tie rod ends are what connect the steering system to the wheels. Over time, they can wear out and cause shaking in the steering wheel.
B. Damaged Steering Gear
The steering gear is responsible for taking input from the driver and transferring it to the front wheels of the car. If it’s damaged or worn, it can cause vibrations and shaking while driving.
C. Loose or Worn Suspension Components
As mentioned before, loose or worn suspension components can affect both braking and steering performance, causing vibrations and shaking while driving.
It’s important to regularly inspect and maintain all of these steering components to ensure safe and smooth driving.
Why Does My Car Shake More When I Drive Fast?
If you notice that your car shakes more when driving at high speeds, it could be a sign of an underlying issue with your suspension or steering components. When driving at higher speeds, any problems with these components can become more pronounced and cause increased vibrations and shaking.
Additionally, driving at high speeds can put more strain on your tires, especially if worn or unbalanced. It can also contribute to shaking while driving.
Is It Dangerous to Drive When Your Car Is Shaking?
Driving with a shaking car can be dangerous as it limits your ability to properly control the vehicle. It’s important to address any issues causing the shaking as soon as possible to avoid potential accidents or further damage to your vehicle.
What To Do If Your Car Is Shaking
If you experience excessive shaking while driving, it’s best to pull over and have your car inspected by a professional mechanic before continuing on your journey. Ignoring the problem could lead to more serious and costly repairs in the future.
How Can Rite-Way Auto Glass Help?
At Rite-Way Auto Glass, we have over 75 years of experience answering questions and providing solutions for car owners. We’ve been asked so many times why cars shake when rolling up windows that we know it often comes along with today’s topic question, “What causes a car to shake while driving?”
Our technicians are skilled and equipped enough to diagnose and fix any issues with auto windows, suspension, steering, or tires. Get in touch today!
