You’ve had your car for several years now, and it just started vibrating whenever you drive it. There’s a little shimmy in the steering wheel, and your vehicle also seems to be riding more roughly. Now those annoying vibrations have got you worried that you’re going to get stranded along the roadside unless you can figure out what’s wrong. Whenever a vehicle starts shaking it’s not a good sign. In fact, there are several possible mechanical reasons why your car is vibrating, including these:
Motor mounts, or engine mounts, hold your vehicle’s engine to the chassis. Most motor mounts are made from a combination of rubber and metal, either of which can wear out over time. When that happens, there’s no longer a firm grip between the chassis and engine, and the rubber cushion stops absorbing vibrations like it should. As a driver, you’ll then start noticing vibrations.
Power from your engine travels through the driveshaft to the axle and wheels so you can cruise down the highway. If your axle gets bent for some reason, like hitting a pothole, it can cause noticeable shaking.
Vehicle shuddering or jerking during acceleration, staccato shaking when you’ve reached a certain speed, or a car that starts up fine but then shakes later are all signs of possible engine trouble. Those problems could be from bad spark plugs, a clogged fuel or air filter, or worse.
If your car vibrates only when you’re turning, it’s probably related to the power steering system. Check the hoses for leaks and the fluid reservoir to make sure it’s topped off.
Have you ever noticed the firm and responsive steering of a brand new car? The steering components in your vehicle can wear out over time just like any other part. There are also a lot of moving parts in between your steering wheel and the 4 wheels that it controls, and when any of those components get worn out, you’ll start to feel steering wheel vibrations or excess play in the wheel.
Because they are the only part of your vehicle that makes contact with the pavement, one of the most common causes of unusual road vibrations are bald or worn-out tires. Old tires, tires with uneven tread wear or underinflated tires can also cause vibrating. And, the last thing you need is a blowout on the highway.
Do you notice the vibrations when you apply the brakes, or do they get worse when doing so? If that’s the case, you may be driving around with one or more warped brake rotors. A rotor can get bent out of shape from long-term use, which then keeps the brake pads from gripping properly. Not only could it place you at risk, but you’ll also feel vibrations when pressing the pedal.
Small wheel weights are used to keep your wheels balanced while they spin. If your wheel gets knocked out of balance it can start shaking. Hitting a pothole or speed bump too fast can also bend or otherwise damage your wheels.
Being involved in even a minor fender bender can cause many of the vibration issues listed above by inflicting damage to your axle, suspension, power steering, wheels, motor mounts, tires or engine. When your car’s been in any type of accident it’s wise to have it promptly inspected at a nearby collision repair shop.
Trying to find a reputable auto body or glass repair shop after a fender bender can be frustrating and stressful. At Carwise we’ve simplified the process by compiling profiles on over 19,000 nationwide collision repair shops and then placing that information right at your fingertips. Within seconds, you can find a list of local shops with I-CAR and ASE-certified professionals who are highly trained to use the latest technologies while restoring vehicles like new again.
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