What Causes Engine Shaking?
2 Answers
Engine shaking can be caused by: 1. Aging or loosening of engine mounts; 2. Engine misfiring; 3. Excessive carbon buildup in cylinders, throttle valves, spark plugs, or intake systems; 4. Fuel system malfunctions leading to lean air-fuel mixture and engine shaking; 5. Intake system failures. Solutions for engine shaking include: 1. Replacing brake pads and discs; 2. Removing carbon deposits from the engine; 3. Improving fuel quality; 4. Replacing spark plugs; 5. Increasing cylinder pressure. The function of an engine is: to convert the thermal energy of gasoline into mechanical energy by burning it within sealed cylinders, causing gas expansion that drives pistons to perform work.
I've driven quite a few cars, and the most common cause of engine vibration is still ignition system issues, such as aging or damaged spark plugs, or faulty ignition coils which can lead to uneven ignition. Fuel system malfunctions are also major culprits—clogged fuel injectors or insufficient fuel pump pressure can cause poor combustion, making the engine shake. Additionally, a dirty air filter restricts airflow and affects the air-fuel mixture ratio. When the engine mounts' rubber deteriorates and loses its damping function, the car vibrates even more severely. Last time my car was shaking badly, an inspection revealed broken mounts, and replacing them made it much more stable. I recommend checking these areas during regular maintenance, using high-quality fuel to reduce carbon buildup—safety first, don't cut corners.
