Why is my car shaking?
Being broken down on the side of the highway or dealing with a shaking vehicle is a problem that no one wants to deal with. Regular maintenance from a reliable auto mechanic in Fort Wayne will help you avoid this problem. Car parts will wear down over time when you drive day after day. However, catching their demise before it happens will help you avoid unnecessary grief and high repair costs. At Kruse Automotive, we employ certified auto mechanics to diagnose your problem quickly and provide you with auto repairs that get you back on the road in no time.
One common problem many drivers experience is vehicle shaking. This can occur at different times, whether you are braking for a red light or accelerating on the freeway. Read on for some common reasons why your car may be shaking as you drive.
1. Brake Issues
Your front brakes take on the most stress every time you press down on the brake pedal. If your car starts to shake when you touch the brake, then your issues may be due to the front brake mechanism. The pads and rotors are two main parts that will need to be replaced now and again. The round metal discs that attach to the wheels are known as the car’s rotors. Brake pads typically need to be replaced more often than rotors, but it is still important for a mechanic to regularly look at them. Over time, the pads can become warped from wear and tear.
Your brake pads also need to be a certain thickness if you want them to work properly. When the brake pads become too thin and worn, your car may start to vibrate. Your mechanic can inspect your vehicle if it is shaking to see if the brakes are the culprit. Check your owner’s manual to learn an accurate timeline for brake pad and rotor replacement. Additionally, a mechanic can take a look at the condition of both when you take your car in for an oil change.
2. Engine Issues
Your car may be shaking due to a malfunction of the engine air filter or spark plugs, both found within the engine of your vehicle. Spark plugs should last for around 80,000 to 100,000 miles. How long yours will last will depend on the make and model of the car. If your car is shaking, check the spark plugs in the engine to make sure the connections are sound. You will also need to check your air filter to make sure it isn’t too dirty or clogged. If it is, your engine may not be receiving the amount of fuel and oxygen it needs to function properly.
3. Wheel Issues
If your car is shaking, it may be due to the wheels. If your wheels are not spinning the way that they should, you will feel it in the steering wheel as you drive. A shaking car may also be due to tie rod ends, wheel bearings, or ball joints. Kruse Automotive can take a look at your wheels to figure out if there is an issue.
4. Tire Issues
Shaking issues could also be because of your tires. Several issues could cause shaking to occur. If the car starts to shake when you reach a certain speed, then your tires likely need to be balanced for it to stop. If your tires are beginning to wear unevenly, your car may also vibrate and shake as you are driving. A tire rotation can help stop the shaking if this is the case. For some drivers, a brand new set of tires may be needed to stop the vibration from occurring.
5. Axle Issues
Most cars have two axles. The first one connects the two front wheels while the second connects the two rear wheels. If these axles get damaged somehow, your car may start to vibrate and shake when you hit a certain speed. Damage can happen from an accident or from hitting a huge pothole in the road. A mechanic should always check the driveshaft and CV joints and the axle to ensure they aren’t the culprit.
It’s important to remember that your car will begin to rust and collect some damage over time, no matter how careful you are. Some damages may cause your car to shake as you drive it. Since this can happen anywhere on your vehicle, you’ll want an experienced auto mechanic in Fort Wayne to take a look at your car. Since 1971, Kruse Automotive has offered quality service to all of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Whatever the cause may be, you can fix or prevent the issue by talking to a certified professional at Kruse Automotive. They will go over your vehicle and provide any auto repairs that you need.