What Are the Causes of Severe Car Vibration?
3 Answers
Severe car vibration is caused by issues with wheel dynamic balance. Performing a dynamic balance test on each wheel can prevent car vibration. The steps for car dynamic balancing are: 1. Remove the lead weights from the rim and clean the rim thoroughly; 2. Mount the tire with the installation surface facing inward onto the balancing shaft, select the cone, and secure the tire with the locking device; 3. Turn on the balancer power and measure the rim data; 4. Rotate the tire until all position lights on the balancer light up, and continue until the balancer displays 0. The dynamic balance process is complete, and the tire can be removed. The benefits of dynamic balancing include: 1. Enhanced driving comfort; 2. Extended tire lifespan; 3. Improved straight-line stability of the vehicle; 4. Reduced wear on chassis suspension components; 5. Increased driving safety.
Last time I was on a long-distance drive, my car suddenly started shaking like a sieve, so I immediately pulled over to check. The most common issue is with the ignition system, such as spark plugs that haven't been replaced after 50,000 to 60,000 kilometers, where electrode erosion causes misfiring. Another possibility is aging ignition coils, which can fail outright when dampened by rain. Next, check the engine mount rubber pads—when these age, their vibration-dampening effect wears off, making gear shifts particularly shaky. Severe carbon buildup in the intake system can also disrupt the air-fuel mixture ratio, causing noticeable shaking, especially when idling with the AC on. Tire imbalance or wheel hub deformation often triggers shaking at high speeds—if a balancing weight falls off, get it fixed ASAP. A clogged fuel filter can also lead to insufficient fuel supply; it's recommended to replace it every 30,000 kilometers. Lastly, check the throttle opening—if it exceeds 5%, it's time for a cleaning.
My old car was shaking like a massage chair last week, so I rushed it in for a check-up. Engine issues accounted for 70% of the problems, such as excessive spark plug gap or carbon buildup causing a cylinder to misfire. Don't overlook fuel quality either—low-grade gasoline from small gas stations contains more gum, leading to incomplete combustion and shaking. The most troublesome issue is worn engine mounts; when the rubber cracks, all the engine vibrations transfer into the cabin, making the rearview mirror blur when reversing. Modified cars need extra attention—installing a lightweight flywheel without proper tuning can easily cause resonance. Tire problems, like uneven tread wear or a puncture, can also cause shaking. The mechanic taught me a self-check: if it shakes at idle, inspect the engine; if it shakes while driving, check the drivetrain and tires.
