What Causes Engine Shaking During Acceleration?
2 Answers
The causes of engine shaking during acceleration are: 1. Incomplete absorption of gasoline into the engine, leading to excessive carbon buildup and incomplete combustion; 2. Prolonged non-replacement of oil filter, air filter, or cabin air filter, causing clogging by impurities and incorrect signals from the engine control unit; 3. Severe wear of timing gears due to prolonged use without replacement, resulting in loose meshing, abnormal noises, and jerking sensations; 4. Uneven tire tread, bulges, or foreign objects; 5. Damaged spark plugs where worn electrode gaps lead to insufficient sparking, causing incomplete combustion of the air-fuel mixture and affecting acceleration.
When your car shakes severely during acceleration, it's usually a sign of ignition system issues. I've experienced this before - replacing the spark plugs made a significant improvement, as aged spark plugs can cause individual cylinders to misfire, resulting in unstable engine RPM. Another common cause is fuel delivery problems; clogged fuel injectors or insufficient fuel pump pressure can lead to uneven fuel mixture. Don't overlook the intake system either - an excessively dirty air filter restricts airflow and causes shaking. Worn engine mount rubber components losing their damping effect will also amplify vibrations. For DIY solutions, I recommend first checking the spark plugs and air filter, which are relatively easy to handle. If the problem persists, use diagnostic tools to check trouble codes or have a professional shop inspect the fuel system and mount conditions. Regular maintenance of these components can prevent shaking and extend engine life - don't let minor issues escalate into major repairs.
