What Causes Car Shaking During Acceleration?
2 Answers
Car shaking during acceleration can be caused by the following reasons: 1. Half-shaft failure. Excessive wear of the inner CV joint in the half-shaft causes a change in the force point, creating an angle between the transmission and the half-shaft, resulting in a jumping sensation in the vehicle. 2. Engine operation issues. The engine requires sufficient air, adequate fuel, and a properly functioning ignition system. Any problem in these areas can cause the engine to shake. 3. Intake system failure. Minor leaks or small blockages may seem normal at idle, but during rapid acceleration, the car will shake severely, experience weak acceleration, and the engine warning light may come on. 4. Ignition system failure. Ignition high-voltage wires rarely fail, but ignition coils and spark plugs are wear-prone parts. If the spark plugs degrade or low-quality spark plugs are used, it can lead to weak acceleration and shaking during acceleration. 5. Incorrect ignition timing. In older car models, ignition timing had to be manually adjusted, and incorrect adjustments could cause issues. Modern cars typically have automatic adjustments via the car's computer, making such problems rare unless the timing is misaligned after a major engine overhaul. 6. Fuel system failure. During acceleration, especially in manual transmission cars, when the clutch is pressed to shift gears, the RPM may drop significantly, causing the car to shake.
Having driven for over a decade, I've encountered plenty of acceleration shudder issues. The most common culprit is engine problems—like worn spark plugs or carbon buildup causing uneven ignition, making the engine jerk and shudder during driving. Clogged fuel injection systems or stuck injectors can also disrupt power delivery, creating that shaky sensation during acceleration. Tire imbalance is another major factor; unbalanced wheels make the shaking especially noticeable during high-speed acceleration. Then there are drivetrain faults—worn or bent CV axles lead to unstable power transmission, causing body sway. If shock absorbers or suspension components are aging, the shaking becomes more pronounced during cornering acceleration. My advice: first check spark plugs and tire balance—simple fixes you can handle yourself. For complex issues, head to a professional shop immediately—don't compromise safety.
