What Causes Car Shaking in Cold Weather?
2 Answers
Car shaking in cold weather is caused by: 1. Low temperature: The exhaust pipe and oxygen sensor are cold, preventing the vehicle ECU from obtaining accurate data, leading to errors in ignition and fuel-air mixture control, which weakens power output and causes shaking; 2. Carbon buildup: Carbon deposits on the throttle body reduce fuel injection efficiency, resulting in insufficient gasoline for combustion and causing shaking; 3. Worn spark plugs: Uneven ignition gaps cause power imbalances among cylinders, affecting engine performance and leading to shaking. Solutions for car shaking in cold weather: 1. Let the car idle after a cold start to warm up the engine; 2. Clean the throttle body and fuel injectors; 3. Replace the spark plugs.
As a seasoned driver, I always find it annoying when my car shakes during cold weather. The issue is mostly related to cold engine starts. In low temperatures, fuel flow can become sluggish, and fuel injectors may get clogged, leading to uneven air-fuel mixture. If the spark plugs are worn out or have carbon buildup, their ignition capability weakens, causing noticeable engine vibration at idle. Additionally, engine oil thickens in the cold, reducing oil pressure and lubrication efficiency, which worsens the shaking. Another factor is the engine mounts' rubber cushions hardening in cold weather, losing their damping effect. I recommend a thorough pre-winter maintenance, including switching to low-temperature oil and checking the spark plugs. Don’t ignore this problem—prolonged shaking can damage the engine. Safe driving should always be the top priority.
