What are the causes of car shaking at low speeds?
2 Answers
Car shaking at low speeds can be caused by: 1. Tire issues: Slight shaking or deviation of the car body during driving is often caused by tire problems, possibly due to poor tire balance. It is recommended to perform a four-wheel alignment and dynamic balance as soon as possible. If the car does not deviate, a simple tire dynamic balance may suffice; 2. Wheel rim deformation: This usually occurs in older vehicles. When replacing new tires or wheel rims, tire balancing should be performed. Otherwise, an uneven weight distribution can easily cause steering wheel shaking; 3. Drive shaft deformation or imbalance: Shaking caused by a deformed or unbalanced drive shaft is commonly seen in vehicles that have experienced chassis collisions.
I've been driving for almost 20 years and have seen plenty of low-speed shaking issues. The most common cause is severe engine carbon buildup, where sludge clogs the intake passages and fuel injectors, making the car unstable at idle. Worn spark plugs or loose ignition coils causing poor low-speed ignition can also lead to shaking. I remember older cars often had this problem - my vintage car from younger days would shake like a lullaby at red lights until I replaced the spark plugs, then it immediately quieted down. If left untreated, fuel consumption increases and the engine may wear out faster. I recommend getting throttle body cleaning maintenance every 10,000 km, using higher-grade fuel to reduce carbon buildup, and regularly checking the air filter and idle control valve. Don't let small issues become major problems, as repair costs will far exceed maintenance expenses.
