What Causes Car Shaking After Installing New Tires?
4 Answers
Car shaking after installing new tires may be due to wheel-related issues. Steering Damage: During driving, collisions may cause deformation of the tie rods and steering linkage. Wear and tear on ball joints or irregular tire wear can lead to changes in toe-in or toe-out. Additionally, damaged steering dampers, oil leaks, or deformed front suspension springs can affect vehicle stability. Camber Issues: All four wheels should be perpendicular to the ground. If they tilt inward (negative camber) or outward (positive camber), the car will shake while driving. In severe cases, imbalance may occur even on regular roads, not just at high speeds. The more precise the wheel alignment, the more stable the car runs. Some vehicles may perform well on regular roads but exhibit problems on highways, or maintain stability at 100 km/h but develop issues at higher speeds - this depends entirely on the accuracy of the wheel alignment.
I've seen many cases of car shaking after tire replacement, mainly due to improper wheel balancing. Some tire shops get lazy and skip the balancing test when installing new tires, causing vibrations at speeds over 60 km/h. Another possible cause is unclean wheel rims, where old adhesive or rust affects the balance. Tire pressure can also be a factor—too high pressure makes tires stiff and increases vibration, while too low pressure causes deformation and shaking. If new tires are of incorrect size or different brands, poor matching can also lead to shaking. It's recommended to return to the shop immediately for a free rebalancing if issues arise, as prolonged driving can damage the suspension system and compromise safety. Always test at low speeds before long trips to ensure smooth operation.
I just had my tires replaced last week, and the car started shaking as soon as I hit the road, feeling like sitting on a massage chair. After inspection, it turned out to be improper installation: the wheel hub wasn't aligned or the bolts weren't tightened properly, causing imbalance after the new tires were mounted. In terms of tire pressure, both too high and too low can cause vibrations, especially when there's a slight difference in the front tire pressure, making the car wobble while driving. If the tires themselves are of poor quality with uneven surfaces or don't match the original model specifications, they are more prone to shaking. After changing tires, don't rush to drive at high speeds; first, drive at low speed for a while to test. If there's any abnormal noise, go back to the shop immediately for re-inspection and adjustment. Unskilled workers are a common issue, and switching to a reliable shop can make a big difference in service quality.
New tire vibration usually stems from balancing issues. Improper dynamic balancing causes uneven wheel rotation and increased shaking at high speeds. Residual dirt or deformation on the wheel hub can prevent the new tire from seating properly. Sometimes minor suspension system flaws become apparent with new tires, such as aged shock absorbers amplifying vibrations. Incorrect tire pressure is also critical - both overinflation and underinflation create uneven contact patches. If vibration occurs, immediately reduce speed and pull over for inspection. It's best to have professionals check tire balance to prevent further damage. Don't wait until a long trip to address it - safety comes first.
