What are the reasons for severe car shaking and inability to accelerate?
4 Answers
Car shaking severely and inability to accelerate can be caused by the following reasons: 1. Dirty air filter: The air filter is designed to protect the engine and reduce wear. It should generally be replaced every 10,000 kilometers. If not replaced in time, insufficient air intake can cause low idle speed, leading to engine shaking. Simply replacing the filter can solve this issue. 2. High-voltage line break: A high-voltage line break refers to the breakage of the wire core inside the high-voltage line, which can affect ignition and cause engine shaking. Use a multimeter to measure the resistance and replace the one with significantly higher resistance. 3. Spark plug lifespan: Spark plugs have a limited lifespan. After exceeding 30,000 to 40,000 kilometers, their ignition efficiency significantly decreases, which can affect ignition. This is the most common issue, and replacing all the spark plugs can resolve it.
When my car starts shaking violently and struggles to accelerate, the issue usually stems from the engine. For instance, if the spark plugs are worn out or have excessive carbon buildup, they may fail to ignite, causing a cylinder to misfire and leading to severe shaking and poor acceleration. Damaged ignition coils or issues with high-voltage wires can also interrupt the ignition process. Problems in the fuel system, such as insufficient fuel supply from the fuel pump, clogged fuel injectors, or a dirty air filter preventing the engine from drawing enough air, can hinder acceleration. These issues often become more noticeable at high speeds. I once ignored it, resulting in severe shaking and increased fuel consumption, ultimately requiring expensive major repairs. Regularly replacing spark plugs and inspecting the fuel system can prevent such troubles—don’t overlook these components during routine maintenance.
Difficulty in accelerating accompanied by severe shaking may be related to transmission issues. In manual transmission vehicles, clutch slippage or excessive wear can prevent power from being effectively transferred, causing the car to jerk and shake. For automatic transmissions, insufficient transmission fluid or internal component failures, such as a clogged valve body, can also disrupt smooth gear shifting. The electronic control system in modern vehicles plays a crucial role as well. If the ECU malfunctions or sensors like the throttle position sensor become inaccurate, poor coordination between the engine and transmission can lead to shaking and acceleration difficulties. I've encountered a similar situation where the car felt like it was being held back during acceleration. Later, testing revealed deteriorated transmission fluid, which was resolved after replacement. Make it a habit to check your transmission fluid regularly—don’t wait for major problems to arise. Monitor the fluid color for any abnormalities as part of routine maintenance.
Severe car shaking and difficulty in accelerating are often caused by tire or suspension issues. Unbalanced tires or deformed rims can cause significant shaking while driving. If the suspension system, such as the shock absorbers, is damaged or the control arms are loose, the entire chassis becomes unstable, leading to severe shaking, especially noticeable during acceleration due to uneven power distribution. Additionally, worn wheel hub bearings can also cause this. I remember encountering this during a long-distance drive—shaking and difficulty accelerating—and the inspection revealed that the tire dynamic balance was off. After recalibration, the car ran smoothly again. Although these chassis issues may seem minor, addressing them early can prevent more significant damage. It's essential to check them during every maintenance session.
