Is your car shaking for no apparent reason? Do you feel like it’s vibrating or jerking around even though there are no other cars around and the roads are smooth? You might have a problem with an axle, suspension, tire balance, wheel alignment, brakes or some other part of your car. This blog post will help diagnose why is my car shaking so that you can take care of the issue as soon as possible.
Why is my car shaking?

Every time you drive over a bump in the road, your car shakes. It’s an unpleasant feeling that leaves drivers wondering what could be causing it and how to fix it. There are many reasons why your car might shake or vibrate while driving, some of the most common ones are:
- Your vehicle is experiencing vibration due to one or more tires that are underinflated or have uneven wear patterns. This can also occur when your vehicle’s suspension system has been damaged and needs replacement as soon as possible.
- You have selected an improper gear ratio for driving conditions, such as using too low a gear in hilly terrain or too high a gear on flat ground with little engine load.
- The front end components (ball joints) of your vehicle may need attention if they make sounds which change with speed or steering.
- The front or rear rotors might need to be turned if they are vibrating
- Your car may need brake work done as soon as possible, such as replacing the pads and rotor(s), resurfacing the discs, installing new calipers, etc.
- You have a worn out bearing on one of your car’s wheel axles.
- Your wheels are out of alignment, which can cause an imbalance in your car’s tires and excessive tire wear
- The suspension or other steering parts may need to be checked if your car is shaking while you turn.
- The engine mounts on your vehicle might have been damaged due to a collision.
A qualified mechanic will be able to diagnose why is my car shaking and take the appropriate action for your particular vehicle.
Car Shaking/Vibrating FAQs:
The car may shake or vibrate in many other situations too and they are described below.
Why is my car shaking when I idle?
When you drive a car, it can shake or vibrate due to the number of reasons mentioned above. But when your car is idling with no one inside, vibrations are often caused by worn suspension parts that need regular maintenance in order to avoid expensive repairs later on.
Why do I feel shaking or jerking of my car?
This may be a sign that your car is low on oil. You should have it looked at as soon as possible, because if you continue to drive the car without enough oil in it, there could be extensive damage done to engine components and other hardware.
Why does my car shake when I brake?
If your steering wheel shakes while braking or vibrates while braking, this may indicate that your vehicle needs a brake job soon.
My car is shaking in neutral gear?
If you have been driving for an extended period of time and the car shakes when shifting into or out of neutral gears, it could be due to worn parts on the transmission. You should also make sure that there isn’t a problem with the vacuum in your car, which can cause this effect.
My car shakes when I accelerate?
If your car is shaking or vibrating while accelerating, it may be a sign of worn out engine mounts that need to be replaced soon before they tear and break. This could lead to expensive repairs later on if not addressed now .
My car is shaking when it’s not moving?
This could be a sign of an axle, suspension, tire balance, wheel alignment or brake problem. A qualified mechanic will know how to diagnose why is my car shaking and offer the appropriate solution for your vehicle.
Why is my car shaking when I start it?
If your car is shaking or vibrating when you start it up, this could be a sign of bad engine mounts that are tearing.
My car starts to shake after driving for awhile?
This may indicate that the anti-lock braking system (ABS) needs replacement as soon as possible before there’s extensive damage done to brake components and other hardware.
My car starts to shake when I let off the gas?
If your vehicle is shaking or vibrating while you release pressure from the accelerator, it could be a sign of worn out engine mounts that need to be replaced soon before they tear and break. This can lead to expensive repairs later on if not addressed now.
How to avoid car shaking?
The best way to avoid this problem is by maintaining an awareness of your car’s health. Check your tire pressure before every use and take care of any issues that you find as soon as possible so they don’t get worse. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule to keep your suspension system in good shape, too:
- Drive periodically on a flat surface with one wheel off the ground to check for uneven wear on the tires.
- Check your brake pads and rotors for abrasions or breaks, wear at the edges of pad material, uneven patterns in braking performance over time
- Inspect suspension components such as ball joints for excessive play or noise when moving car up and down
- Replace air filters regularly to keep engine running smoothly. This will also help with fuel efficiency and will save you money on gas in the long run
- Check your engine mounts for wear or damage
- Inspect all of your car’s suspension components, including steering linkage (tie rod ends), bushings, ball joints, springs.
It’s always a good idea to have an emergency roadside kit ready in case you need to change a tire, perform minor repairs or get your car towed. You should include:
- Locksmith (make sure they have access to the same type of locks as your vehicle)
- Rags and towels for spills/cleaning up messes
- Basic tools such as screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, tape measure
- A spare tire and wheel (if it doesn’t come with your vehicle) – Gas can for topping up fuel tank on long trips
- Reflective triangle or warning sign to indicate that you are broken down ahead of time.
And remember to check all the components in your engine compartment periodically to ensure they are in good condition.
If you have liked this article, additionally you can also read why is my steering wheel shaking.
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