Is Engine Shaking Normal?
2 Answers
Engine shaking under normal working conditions is normal, but this shaking should be relatively steady and regular. If you noticeably feel an increase in vehicle shaking or if it persists continuously, there may be an issue that requires inspection and repair. The cause of engine shaking is excessive carbon buildup in the combustion chamber, which not only increases the compression ratio, creating high pressure, but also generates high-temperature hot spots on the carbon deposits, leading to engine shaking. If you have already cleaned the engine carbon deposits, cleaned the throttle body, and replaced the spark plugs but still observe body shaking during idle, it is recommended to check whether the fuel supply pressure and the intake pressure sensor are functioning properly. Abnormal fuel pump supply pressure or incorrect values and poor performance of the intake pressure sensor can all cause engine shaking.
Having driven for nearly thirty years, I can say I have some authority on engine vibrations. To be honest, slight tremors at idle are quite common, as natural as the rise and fall of human breathing. But if the steering wheel shakes like a massage chair and the car body wobbles so much you can't sit still, there's definitely something wrong. The most typical issue I've encountered is misfire-induced shaking—once when a spark plug burned out, the engine bucked like a limping horse. Worn engine mounts can also cause vibrations, as aged rubber transfers engine tremors directly into the cabin. Carbon buildup is another concern; a dirty throttle body makes the engine shudder like someone gasping for air. Poor fuel quality can trigger vibrations too, especially after filling up with substandard gasoline—the engine acts like it's drunk. The key is distinguishing normal vibrations from pathological shaking, the latter often accompanied by sluggish acceleration or warning lights. Regular spark plug replacements and throttle cleaning can prevent most issues.
