Shaking car: Most common causes of vibrations

Do you feel vibrations in your car? Whether it’s in the steering wheel, the seat or the pedals, these tremors can indicate serious mechanical problems. It’s crucial to pay attention to them to drive comfortably and safely! To help you see things more clearly, here are some of the most common causes of a shaking car.

Shaking car: tires may be unbalanced or deformed

Have you noticed unpleasant vibrations while driving? If your steering wheel shakes, the cause could well be hidden under your wheels. Unbalanced or deformed tires (often due to an impact or incorrect inflation) can disrupt the vehicle’s balance. And this happens especially at high speeds, where any imperfection in the tire tends to amplify the shaking of your car.

An unbalanced tire distributes the weight of the car poorly and can create jolts that will be felt in the steering wheel. Worse still, a tire bulge (a bubble on the sidewall) or a deformation can make driving unstable and risky. The solution? Have your tires checked regularly and don’t wait for a small vibration to become a big problem. Only a professional will be able to restore the balance of your car to ensure smooth and safe driving.

A wheel alignment or geometry problem affects the vehicle’s stability

If your car shakes while driving, it could be a sign of poor wheel alignment, a problem that directly affects the stability of your vehicle. When the wheel alignment is not correct, the tires wear unevenly, causing shaking felt in the steering wheel and even throughout the car.

This type of defect is often caused by impacts or improperly driven curbs, and can not only affect driving comfort, but also reduce the life of your tires.

Leaving the problem to persist can make your car’s vibration worse. A wheel alignment adjustment by a professional is highly recommended.

Another cause of a shaking steering wheel: worn brakes or warped brake discs

When a car shakes and jerks while braking, it is likely that the brakes are at fault. When the brake discs are worn or warped, you may notice a vibration in the car when slowing down.

Apart from causing the car to shake, this kind of problem also affects the braking efficiency, compromising your safety.

It is therefore necessary to monitor the wear of the brake discs and pads and replace them if necessary. If you feel any shaking, contact a competent mechanic to have the braking system checked.

A suspension or steering problem is creating a vibration in the car

A persistent vibration in your car could also be related to worn car suspension or steering components. Parts like ball joints, silent blocks or shock absorbers play a crucial role in the stability of a vehicle.

When these parts are faulty or worn, it can cause the car to shake while driving, especially at moderate or high speeds. Faulty steering rods (which connect the steering wheel to the wheels) can also cause the car to shake.

An ignition problem or a dirty injection system causes vibrations in the car

Does your car shake when starting or when you release the clutch? The problem could be with the ignition system or a clogged injection system.

An example? Worn or damaged spark plugs can prevent one of the cylinders from functioning properly, causing jerking when starting. Also, impurities in the air filter or in the fuel can disrupt the air-fuel ratio necessary for the engine to function properly. This type of problem often causes the car to vibrate when stopping or starting. 

Take the time to check these components at the first signs of tremors to prevent the situation from getting worse!

The gearbox or clutch is faulty

If you feel a vibration in your car when you shift gears, the problem could be with the gearbox or clutch. A worn clutch disc or a faulty part can cause a jerking motion when shifting gears.

It is essential to pay attention to these malfunctions, as they can affect the performance of your vehicle and, in the medium term, cause more serious damage to the transmission.

The fuel system or filters are clogged

Another common cause of car shaking (especially when accelerating) is a problem with the fuel system or filters. A clogged fuel filter or a malfunctioning fuel pump can cause the engine to starve for fuel, causing the shaking.

A clogged fuel injection system can also throw off the air-fuel mixture, causing a loss of power and vibrations throughout the car. And be careful, poor quality fuel can introduce impurities that clog the injectors, making things even worse!

To avoid these problems, it is essential to have your fuel filters and injection system checked regularly. If you experience vibrations when starting or driving, a quick inspection can prevent more expensive repairs.

Engine mounts are worn or driveshaft is damaged

Worn engine mounts can cause your car to shake because they allow the vibrations from the engine to travel through the vehicle. Normally, these mounts absorb the jolts, but when they’re damaged, you may feel vibrations in your car when starting or accelerating.

Another potential culprit is a damaged driveshaft, which can cause your car to shake while driving, especially at medium speeds. The driveshaft connects the engine to the wheels, so if it’s worn or bent, it can make the ride less stable and smooth. If you notice these symptoms, it’s best to get your vehicle checked out quickly to avoid more serious damage!

Have your vehicle checked by experts!

If your car’s steering wheel is shaking, don’t wait for it to get worse! At Trans-Mico Automotive, our experts will diagnose and repair the problems at the source of the vibrations. Make an appointment today!

Sources :

OTOGO.CA. Why Does Your Car Vibrate When Driving?
AUTO DOC. Voiture ou volant qui tremble : causes, diagnostics et solutions. [Shaking car or steering wheel: causes, diagnostics and solutions].