What Causes Car Shaking When Accelerating Hard?
2 Answers
Car shaking when accelerating hard can be caused by the following reasons: 1. Ignition system: Issues with spark plugs, possibly due to excessive carbon buildup. Solution: Replace spark plugs. Worn-out spark plugs or using inferior quality ones can cause weak acceleration and shaking. 2. Intake system: Dirty throttle body or oxygen sensor, which leads to improper air-fuel mixture ratio, resulting in shaking. Solution: Clean the affected components. 3. Fuel system: Common causes include faulty fuel injectors, malfunctioning fuel pump, or clogged fuel filter. Any abnormality or failure in these components can cause engine shaking during acceleration.
Having driven for over twenty years, I've encountered numerous instances of engine shaking upon hard acceleration. Experience tells me the most common culprit is the ignition system—worn-out spark plugs or faulty ignition coils causing uneven engine firing. Clogged fuel lines can also exacerbate this issue. It's also wise to regularly check if the air filter is overly clogged with dust, which hampers air intake efficiency. This kind of shaking not only affects driving comfort but, if ignored for long, can lead to engine damage or a sharp spike in fuel consumption. I recommend regular maintenance, including cleaning the throttle body during oil changes to prevent carbon buildup, especially for older vehicles. Don’t wait for a major breakdown to fix it—spending a few hundred bucks on a comprehensive inspection at a professional shop is far better than dealing with a stall on the road.
