Ever felt your car shake or vibrate and wondered why? You’re not alone. It could be due to several issues, from brake problems to worn-out tires, suspension issues, or even engine troubles.
Understanding these common causes can help you identify your car’s problem and get it fixed. Let’s dive in and examine why your car’s shaking or vibrating, what you can do about it, and how experts like Trafton’s Foreign Auto can help.
Common Causes of Car Shaking
You’re likely experiencing your car shaking due to common causes such as unbalanced tires, worn-out brake rotors, or engine problems.
Unbalanced tires can cause your car to vibrate, especially at high speeds, as the weight isn’t evenly distributed around the tire. This could lead to uneven tire wear and, in severe cases, premature tire failure. In some cases, tires can have the cords break inside the tire or a flat spot or even a bulge. This will cause the tire to become out of round.
Worn-out brake rotors might also cause your car to shake. As brake rotors wear down, they can become warped due to heat, causing your car to vibrate when you apply the brakes. This “shutter” feeling is most commonly noticed at speeds over 50 mph with light breaking. When a rotor becomes worn/thin, it heats up faster, which can cause the rotor/disc to warp. When the brake pads are engaged, the mating surface between the brake pads and rotors are uneven due to warpage and this causes the shaking.
Engine problems, such as a cylinder misfiring, can be caused by a number of reasons, and it is most commonly caused by fouled spark plugs and burnt ignition coils. Also, a common cause of shaking can be caused by issues with the fuel system such as trim levels that are affected by a failing purge valve or an intake leak, etc. These issues can cause your engine to run unevenly, disrupting the smooth operation of your vehicle.
Brake System Issues and Vibrations
Your car’s brake system might be the culprit behind the vibrations, but it’s also possible that other mechanical issues are at play. The shaking could be due to warped brake rotors. It’s essential to diagnose the issue properly to avoid escalating the problem.
Being aware of these issues can evoke emotions such as:
- Fear:
– Fear of a potential accident due to malfunctioning brakes.
– Fear of costly repairs if the issue is ignored.
- Relief:
– Relief that identifying the problem can prevent further damage.
– Relief that knowing the cause may lead to a quicker, more affordable solution.
Problems With Suspension and Shaking
Faulty suspension is another common cause of car vibrations. If your vehicle’s shaking is accompanied by a bouncy ride, it’s worth checking your suspension system. Your car’s suspension system is designed to absorb bumps and provide a smooth ride. Worn-out or damaged components can lead to excessive shaking. Struts and shocks are responsible for absorbing shocks from road imperfections. However, if they’re worn, they can’t perform efficiently, resulting in a bouncy ride. Additionally, you need to consider your car’s ball joints and control arm bushings. These components allow your suspension to move and flex without causing damage. If they’re worn or damaged, they can cause your vehicle to vibrate. It’s crucial to conduct a proper inspection of your suspension system to diagnose the cause of car vibrations. Worn strut mounts as well as worn ball joints and control arms can cause clattering sounds over bumps and rough roads as well as during turning and stopping depending on the conditions.
Impact of Worn-Out Tires on Vehicle Vibrations
Driving on worn-out tires can have serious consequences. Not only are you risking an unexpected flat, but you are also increasing the chance of your vehicle vibrating. These vibrations can lead to additional wear and tear, and they aren’t just uncomfortable. There are several reasons why driving on worn-out tires is dangerous:
- Accelerated Degradation: When tire treads wear out faster, you have less control over the vehicle. This increases the risk of accidents. Additionally, the shaking caused by worn-out tires can damage the suspension system. This escalates maintenance costs.
- Safety Concerns: Worn-out tires can result in tire blowouts, which can be extremely dangerous. These blowouts can lead to loss of control and potentially cause accidents. Furthermore, the vibrations from worn-out tires can lead to poor handling, making driving hazardous, especially in bad weather conditions.
To avoid these issues and keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely, it is crucial to ensure regular tire maintenance.
Engine Troubles Causing Car Shakes
In the midst of dealing with car shakes, it’s crucial to check for issues in the engine, as they’re often the root cause of this unsettling phenomenon. Your car’s engine operates by a precise balance of air, fuel, and spark. When this balance is disrupted, it can cause your vehicle to vibrate.
An engine misfire, often due to faulty spark plugs, ignition coils or fuel injectors, disrupts the engine’s balance, causing your car to shake. Engine timing issues can also cause shaking. Clogged filters impede airflow, affecting the fuel-air mix, which could also lead to shaking.
Always prioritize regular engine maintenance to prevent these issues.
The Role of Axles and Drivetrain in Vehicle Vibrations
Both the axles and drivetrain play a significant role in vehicle vibrations, and any imbalance or damage to these parts can lead to noticeable shaking. If you’re experiencing a shaking car, it’s crucial to check these components because they’re directly related to the wheels and power transmission.
- Axles:
– Bent or worn axles can cause your vehicle to shake or vibrate irregularly, making your ride uncomfortable.
– A worn-out CV joint in the axle will also lead to noticeable shaking, potentially causing distress while driving.
- Drivetrain:
– Imbalances or damages in drivetrain components such as the drive shaft or U-joints can result in vibrations, evoking anxiety about your car’s condition.
– A misaligned drivetrain won’t only cause shaking but can also lead to severe mechanical issues if ignored.
Trafton’s Foreign Auto Can Help Your Shakey or Vibrating Car
Almost every car vibration issue you’re facing can be quickly addressed by the experts at Trafton’s Foreign Auto. Our team is proficient in diagnosing and resolving vibration problems, whether they’re rooted in your Subaru’s axles, drivetrain, or elsewhere.
It’s important to remember that these issues don’t just affect your driving comfort; they can also signal underlying mechanical problems that might compromise your vehicle’s reliability and durability.
We don’t just fix the symptom; we aim to rectify the root cause to prevent future recurrences. From brake services to timing belt replacements, we’ve got you covered.
Contact us today to experience excellent customer service.
The car services we provide:
- Volkswagen, Porsche, Lambo, Bentley, and Subaru Repair Services
- Brake Repair Service and Repair
- Oil Changes and Coolant Services
- Transmission Repair
- Tire Rotation
- Engine Light Check
- Air Conditioning & Heating Services
- Electrical Repairs
- And More
Visit our About Us page for more information about our auto repair shop.