What Causes a Car Engine to Shake and Lose Power?

[DiAmelia]

Car engine shaking and loss of power can be attributed to the following reasons: 1. Damaged spark plugs, where wear on the spark plug electrode gap leads to insufficient sparking, causing incomplete combustion of the air-fuel mixture and resulting in shaking. Cracks in the ceramic part of the spark plug can prevent sparking, leading to acceleration shaking; 2. Poor quality gasoline results in inadequate atomization by the fuel injectors, causing incomplete combustion of the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders and leading to engine shaking and loss of power; 3. A dirty throttle body or excessive carbon buildup on the fuel injectors can cause the throttle to not close properly or the idle air control motor to stick, resulting in high engine idle. Carbon deposits formed during operation can cause the vehicle to shake.

[AlexandraLee]

Engine shaking and lack of power remind me of many car issues, and there are actually quite a few common causes. First, it could be a problem with the ignition system, such as old spark plugs or faulty ignition coils, leading to irregular operation in certain cylinders and uneven power output, causing the engine to shake and lose power. Second, there might be an issue with the fuel delivery system, like clogged fuel injectors or insufficient fuel pump pressure, resulting in incorrect air-fuel mixture ratios and incomplete combustion. Third, the intake system could be at fault, such as a dirty air filter restricting airflow or a stuck throttle valve. I've dealt with these issues many times, and during repairs, I've found that carbon buildup is also a critical factor—it reduces engine efficiency and makes the car feel unstable. Additionally, faulty sensors like the oxygen sensor or ECU malfunctions can misread signals, affecting overall performance. In short, if you notice your engine shaking, don't delay—get it thoroughly checked at a 4S shop immediately. Regular maintenance can effectively prevent such problems.

[AnnieMarie]

I've been driving for decades and have encountered several instances of engine shaking and lack of power, which were really annoying. I remember one time when I was on the road, my car felt like an old ox pulling a broken cart—it turned out the spark plugs were too carbon-fouled, and replacing them fixed the issue. If the fuel pressure is unstable or the fuel injection is poor, the car jerks like it's having spasms. Air leaks in the intake pipes also cause a direct drop in power. Carbon buildup is another major enemy; once cleaned, the car regains its vitality. On the electronic side, faulty sensors can confuse the engine, and a malfunctioning ECU giving wrong commands doesn't help either. My advice: first check if any warning lights are on the dashboard, then inspect the spark plugs for cleanliness, and consider adding a good fuel cleaner if necessary. But don't attempt random fixes—if you're unsure, consult a professional mechanic for diagnostics. Safety first, after all.

[SanGenevieve]

My car's engine started shaking and losing power shortly after purchase, which is really frustrating for a newbie. Simply put, it's usually caused by faulty spark plugs or wiring, leading to uneven engine ignition. Fuel pump issues can result in insufficient gasoline supply, and clogged fuel injectors disrupt the air-fuel mixture, leading to poor combustion and naturally reduced power. A dirty air filter in the intake system restricts airflow and worsens the problem. Carbon buildup on the piston heads, like thick soot, reduces engine performance. Malfunctioning electronic components or sensors can also exacerbate the shaking. Regular maintenance and cleaning of these parts can greatly improve the situation. Don't panic if this happens; get it checked promptly to avoid safety risks.