What Causes Engine Shaking and Abnormal Noises in a Car?

[DiLucia]

Car engine shaking with abnormal noises can be caused by: 1. Dirty throttle body; 2. Faulty spark plugs; 3. Non-functioning engine cylinders; 4. Aging rubber components inside engine mounts and transmission mounts. The car engine is the device that provides power to the vehicle, determining its power performance, fuel economy, stability, and environmental friendliness. Car engines are categorized into diesel engines, gasoline engines, electric vehicle motors, and hybrid motors. Methods for engine maintenance include: 1. Regularly changing engine oil and oil filters; 2. Periodically cleaning the fuel system, car radiator, and crankcase.

[MacLola]

I've encountered engine shaking with abnormal noises quite a few times, usually caused by multiple component issues leading to imbalance vibration and unusual sounds. The most common culprit is ignition system failure - things like carbon buildup or erosion on spark plugs disrupt normal combustion, causing shaking; aging ignition coils similarly make the engine run unsteadily with a 'clattering' sound. Next comes fuel system problems - clogged fuel injectors cause uneven fuel distribution, significantly increasing shaking and noise at idle. Mechanical wear like loose engine mounts can make the whole vehicle vibrate, combined with timing belt slack producing 'clicking' friction noises. Don't forget the lubrication system - insufficient or degraded oil leads to piston ring wear, creating abnormal sounds and persistent shaking. I recommend first checking simpler components like spark plugs and air filters. If shaking worsens during acceleration, it's likely internal parts like bearings are damaged - timely repairs can prevent greater losses. Regular oil changes and carbon deposit cleaning can effectively prevent these issues.

[SanTimothy]

When the engine starts shaking and making unusual noises while driving, I immediately become alert, as these symptoms often indicate serious underlying issues that should not be ignored. For instance, shaking could stem from unstable fuel supply or a dirty air filter causing insufficient air intake and abnormal combustion. If the noise resembles metal grinding, it’s often a precursor to bearing or connecting rod wear. I’ve encountered cases where aging engine mounts led to cracked rubber cushions, transmitting vibrations to internal components and creating noise. Ignoring such issues can result in drastically increased fuel consumption at best, or complete engine failure or even accidents at worst. As a safety-conscious driver, I would promptly pull over to check the oil dipstick for proper lubrication. If the noise comes from the belt area, tightening or replacement is usually needed. Remember, delaying minor repairs can lead to costly major problems—visit a professional repair shop when necessary.

[FelixFitz]

I'm also curious why the engine shakes and makes strange noises—simply put, it's like the body getting sick. If the ignition system, like the spark plugs, isn't working properly, uneven combustion causes severe shaking; strange noises could be from a loose belt making a "squealing" sound or timing belt wear. Regularly cleaning the fuel injectors can prevent shaking caused by fuel blockage. After I started maintaining my car myself, I learned to replace the air filter to reduce carbon buildup, and the idle became much smoother. If the noise changes with speed, it might be due to loose internal parts, and it's time for an inspection. Don't ignore it!