Is It Normal for the Engine to Shake a Little?
3 Answers
Engine shaking is normal under normal working conditions, but this shaking should be relatively steady and regular. If you clearly feel increased or persistent shaking in the vehicle, then there is a problem that requires inspection and repair. The reasons for engine shaking are as follows: 1. Excessive carbon deposits: Excessive carbon buildup in the combustion chamber not only increases the compression ratio, creating high pressure, but also generates hot spots on the carbon deposits, causing the engine to shake. 2. Excessive intake air temperature: If the engine operates in an overly hot environment, leading to high intake air temperature, or if the engine coolant circulation is poor, it can cause engine overheating and detonation shaking. 3. Misfire issue: If the spark plugs are severely carbon-fouled or the electrodes are burnt, or if a single-cylinder high-voltage coil is damaged, or there is a wiring fault, then a cylinder may fail to fire, leading to a misfire issue, and the engine will shake severely.
Slight engine shaking can indeed be normal at times, such as during cold starts when the engine may shake a few times until the coolant temperature rises. My car does this when starting in winter, but it stabilizes after warming up. However, if the shaking persists when the engine is warm, especially when the steering wheel vibrates at a red light, then there's likely an issue. Possible causes include carbon buildup clogging the throttle body, aging spark plugs causing unstable ignition, or worn-out engine mounts reducing vibration absorption. The last time I encountered this, it turned out to be an issue with the ignition coil, and replacing just that part solved the problem. Ignoring prolonged shaking can lead to increased fuel consumption and potential damage to internal engine components, so it's advisable to diagnose and address the issue promptly.
It depends on the specific situation. It's relatively normal for a new car to shake for about half a minute during a cold start, but if the shaking persists, you should be concerned. Common causes include excessive carbon deposits affecting the air-fuel mixture, degraded spark plug performance after 50,000 to 60,000 kilometers, clogged fuel systems leading to uneven fuel injection, or aged engine mounts failing to dampen vibrations. I once experienced body shaking at high speeds, and the inspection revealed it was due to tire imbalance, which in turn affected engine resonance. Don't underestimate shaking issues—over time, fuel consumption can increase by up to 15%, and it may even lead to misfiring. Getting a timely inspection is always better than breaking down on the road.
