When your car start moving, it's normal to have slight vibration since there are so many components rotating. However, you should feel a smooth movement as the car gain momentum. If the car's normal vibration feels more like shaking as you cruise down the road, it's high to take it to a professional for inspection and repair.
Three common problems that make your car shakes include;
1. Imbalanced Tires
Do the wobbling and shaking get worse as the speed increases? If the vibration turns to an intense shaking when the car reaches 50 or 60 miles per hour, then the most likely cause is imbalanced tire(s). Tires should be rotated at a regular interval—every six months or 6,000 to 8,000 miles—to avoid uneven wear and tear. If you forgot to rotate the tires on time and the car is shaking, worry no more. All you need to do is take the car to a professional mechanic to have the tires checked, rotated, and balanced. If some or all the tires are worn out, you will be advised to invest in new ones, and the problem will go away.
2. Engine Problems
From crankshaft to transmission gears, a car's engine is made up of rotating components. If one of these moving parts malfunctions, it could cause the car to start shaking. Spark plugs and air filters are two common parts that are more likely to make the car shake. Generally speaking, spark plugs have a service life of between 80,000 to 100,000 miles. If they are new and the connection is okay, air filters may be the problem as dirty filters tend to starve the engine of fuel and oxygen.
3. Damaged Axle
The axle can be damaged or bent for a number of reasons. If this happens, the car will start shaking, which will become more intense, with an increase in speed.
When your car start shaking, chances of finding your self-broken down on the road side is very high. Also, it's very uncomfortable to drive a shaking car. More often than not, these problems can be avoided by proper maintenance and taking your car for inspection once in a while.
When you drive your car and it starts shaking, your first step should be seeking the attention of a professional mechanic. If you need a repair, we invite you to bring your vehicle into our auto repair shop today!