What are the causes of engine vibration?
4 Answers
Engine vibration can be caused by: 1. Damaged spark plugs, where the wear of the spark plug electrode gap leads to insufficient spark ignition, resulting in incomplete combustion of the air-fuel mixture; 2. Poor quality gasoline, which affects the atomization effect of the fuel injector, leading to incomplete combustion of the mixture in the cylinder; 3. Dirty throttle body or excessive carbon buildup in the fuel injector; 4. Abnormal fuel pump pressure or incorrect readings and poor performance of the intake pressure sensor. An engine is a machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy, first developed in the UK. It can refer to either the power generation device or the entire machine including the power unit. Types of engines include internal combustion engines, external combustion engines, and electric motors. Common gasoline and diesel engines are both types of reciprocating piston internal combustion engines, which convert the chemical energy of fuel into the mechanical energy of piston movement to generate power.
I've been driving for over a decade, and recently the engine keeps shaking, feeling like the whole car is shivering. It's really annoying. This kind of vibration usually has several common causes. First, there could be an issue with the ignition system—spark plugs with worn electrodes after prolonged use may not ignite smoothly, or aging ignition coils might deliver unstable current. Then there's the fuel system, such as clogged fuel injectors with carbon deposits causing uneven fuel spray, or too much sediment at the bottom of the fuel tank affecting fuel quality. Mechanical issues are also common, like worn-out engine mount rubber leading to insufficient support, or poor piston ring sealing causing compression ratio imbalance. Excessive carbon buildup can block the intake manifold, leading to uneven airflow and resulting in shaking. It's advisable to listen for any unusual sounds before starting the engine and get it checked by a professional shop as soon as possible. Don't take it lightly—safety comes first.
I've repaired thousands of cars, and engine vibration can stem from various causes, but diagnosis isn't difficult. Common issues include ignition faults: spark plug gaps too wide or insulation cracked, leading to misfires, and if the ignition coil gets damp and leaks electricity, it's game over. Fuel problems are also frequent, like dirty fuel injectors spraying inaccurately, fuel pump pressure being insufficient for steady delivery, or water and impurities in the gasoline worsening the air-fuel mixture. Mechanical factors such as broken engine mounts causing severe shaking at idle, or air intake system leaks leading to misreadings by the air flow meter, confusing the ECU. Carbon buildup on valves or cylinders can also cause uneven misfires. My advice is to first use an OBD scanner to check for trouble codes—don't just guess and replace parts. Replace what needs to be replaced for peace of mind.
My old car often shakes, just like an irregular heartbeat. Simply put, the most common issue is ignition problems, such as corroded or worn-out spark plugs failing to ignite, causing cylinder misfires and shaking. A clogged fuel filter restricting fuel supply or low-octane gasoline leading to poor combustion can also be related. Excessive carbon buildup blocking fuel injectors and intake ports disrupts the air-fuel mixture balance. Worn-out engine mount rubber losing its cushioning effect fails to stabilize the engine, intensifying vibrations during acceleration. For daily driving, remember to use high-quality fuel and periodically clean the throttle body to prevent issues from worsening. If the shaking becomes severe, pull over to avoid damaging the car.
