Feeling your car shake can be worrying, as it could indicate mechanical problems with your vehicle.
Persistent vibrations can affect your driving, comfort, and even safety. As such, it is important to understand what causes these vibrations and how to solve them.
Why is your Car Shaking?
Your car may be shaking for any of a number of reasons, ranging from problems with its mechanical components to issues relating to its tyres, wheels, engine, alignment, and suspension.
These vibrations can be perceived in several places, from the steering wheel shaking when braking to vibrations as you drive.
If your car experiences this uncomfortable vibration, it is crucial to understand the underlying causes to effectively troubleshoot the problem.
Feeling your car shaking when driving at low speeds can be disconcerting and indicate specific problems.
Steering Wheel Vibrating at Low Speeds?
This type of vibration is generally linked to certain problems or operating conditions of the vehicle, such as issues with the steering alignment or problems in the wheel components.
Steering Wheel Vibrating When Braking?
If your steering wheel starts to shake when you apply your car brakes, it can be an indicator of problems with warped brake discs or in your car’s suspension.
Steering Wheel Vibrating at High Speeds?
Feeling vibrations in your steering wheel when travelling at high speeds can be worrying and indicative of problems that require your immediate attention.
These vibrations can be more noticeable when your steering wheel vibrates at 120 km/h, for example.
Why Might Your Car Be Shaking When Accelerating?
If your car vibrates when starting or accelerating, it can be a sign of several potential problems that require your attention.
When you feel your car shaking as you accelerate, it is crucial that you identify the possible causes to properly troubleshoot the problem.
The most common causes include problems in your car’s ignition system, transmission, or wheel misalignment.
What Causes a Steering Wheel to Shake?
Feeling your car steering wheel shaking can be uncomfortable and indicative of various issues.
Your car vibrating is usually a warning sign of underlying problems that require your attention.
Generally speaking, the most common causes for your car to shake are:
Tyres and Wheels
Tyres play a key role in ensuring smooth driving.
For example, if your steering wheel shakes while driving, it could mean problems such as uneven wear, imbalance, or tyre damage.
Engine Problems
If your car vibrates when stopped or if the engine vibrates when idling, you should get the engine checked.
Engine failures, including combustion problems and it stopping running, can produce noticeable shaking of the steering wheel.
Your engine might be misfiring, which could be caused by various components failing, such as the spark plugs.
If the problem is blocked filters, the engine warning light on your car dashboard will likely light up.
Alignment
If you feel your steering wheel vibrating when driving at high speeds, it is a sign that there may be an imbalance in the wheels.
Improper wheel alignment can affect steering stability, which can lead to your car shaking more when driving at over 100 km/h.
Suspension
A worn or damaged suspension can transmit vibrations to the steering wheel, especially when driving over obstacles on the road surface.
Other causes of Steering Wheel Shaking
In addition to the most common causes, several other potential problems could contribute to a steering wheel shaking.
For example, if you feel your steering wheel vibrating when braking, it may be a sign that you need to have your brake discs or other components within the braking system checked.
Other causes may be your car’s transmission or loose parts in your vehicle.
What are the Risks of Driving if Your Car Shakes?
Driving a car that vibrates can pose significant road safety risks, such as:
- Unstable driving: intense vibrations can make driving more difficult, impairing the driver’s ability to control their vehicle accurately and safely;
- Worsening problems: if, for example, there is a mechanical problem underlying the vibration when accelerating and it is ignored, this can lead to more serious damage to your vehicle;
- Irregular component wear: continuous shaking can accelerate the wear of tyres, the car’s suspension, brakes, and other car parts, reducing their effectiveness and increasing the likelihood of failures;
- Risk of injury: in extreme circumstances, intense vibrations can cause muscle discomfort, especially in the driver’s hands and arms, which can affect their ability to react in emergencies.
How Can You Fix a Vibrating Steering Wheel?
The solution will depend on the source of your problem.
For example, if your steering wheel shakes at low speeds, the cause will differ from those that lead to your steering wheel shaking at high speeds. As such, the solutions to your problem will also be different.
However, there are some general steps that can help correct the situation:
1. Check Tyres and Wheels
Make sure your tyres are properly calibrated and have no uneven wear.
Perform wheel alignment to correct any imbalance or misalignment issues.
2. Assess Engine Problems
A full engine check should be done by a technician or mechanic to identify ignition problems, spark plug failures, or irregularities that may be transmitting vibrations to your steering wheel.
3. Examine your Suspension and Steering
Check your car’s suspension for worn, damaged, or loose components that may cause vibrations.
Inspect your vehicle’s steering to identify problems in the steering components that may be contributing to the vibrations.
4. Complete Vehicle Inspection
Check other car parts, such as brakes, transmission, and mechanical systems to try to find problems that may affect the stability of the vehicle.
When Should You Seek Out a Mechanic When Your Car Is Shaking?
In short, whenever you feel abnormal or persistent vibrations or shaking that interferes with your safety or comfort while driving, you are advised to book in to see a qualified mechanic.
The professional will be able to produce a detailed diagnosis of the problem using specific equipment.
In addition, a professional mechanic should be the only person carrying out any necessary repairs on your car to ensure the safety and proper functioning of your vehicle.
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