Can You Still Drive a Shaking Car?
2 Answers
Whether a car can still be driven is not solely determined by whether it is shaking. If the car shakes mildly but the dashboard warning lights are on and the engine sounds abnormal, it is not advisable to continue driving. Here are the details on whether you can drive a shaking car: 1. Slight shaking that is very steady and rhythmic, with no other abnormalities. This is a normal phenomenon, and you can continue driving. Essentially, all gasoline engines will have some shaking because mechanical operation produces vibrations. Pure electric vehicles, however, do not exhibit shaking. 2. Engine shaking during cold starts in winter. The shaking significantly reduces after the engine warms up. This is normal, and the car can be driven. During cold starts in winter, the air-fuel mixture is richer, and factors like poor engine lubrication and incomplete combustion can cause the engine to shake. 3. Severe imbalance in wheel alignment can cause significant body shaking, drastically reducing the vehicle's handling performance. This is particularly dangerous at high speeds and can easily lead to loss of control.
I just came back from a long-distance drive and experienced several instances of car shaking. Based on experience, it's best not to continue driving. The most common causes of car shaking are engine issues, such as faulty spark plugs or severe carbon buildup; it could also be due to unbalanced tires, especially noticeable at high speeds; or aging suspension components causing vibrations. Continuing to drive poses too high a risk, as it can accelerate wear on parts and, in severe cases, lead to breakdowns or even loss of control causing accidents. My personal habit is to pull over immediately when I notice any shaking, check tire pressure and fluid levels, and if the issue isn't obvious, call a tow truck to take the car to a professional shop for inspection. Regular maintenance is key—checking spark plugs and tire balance every six months can effectively prevent shaking issues. Safety comes first; don't risk major losses for minor issues. If someone gets hurt or the car is damaged, regret will come too late.
