What Causes Engine Shaking While Driving?
3 Answers
The reasons for engine shaking while driving are as follows: 1. Dirty air filter: The air filter is designed to protect the engine and reduce wear. It is generally replaced every 10,000 kilometers. If not replaced in time, insufficient air intake can cause low idle speed, leading to engine shaking. Simply replacing the filter can solve the problem. 2. Shortened spark plug lifespan: After 30,000-40,000 kilometers, the ignition efficiency of spark plugs significantly decreases, which can affect ignition. This is the most common issue, and replacing all spark plugs can resolve it. 3. Low idle speed: The engine idle speed is preset in the computer. When the RPM drops below a certain range, the car's computer will automatically adjust it. If the idle speed is too low and causes shaking, it indicates that it is beyond the computer's control range. 4. Abnormal water temperature: The engine operating temperature has a normal range. If the water temperature is too high, it can cause early ignition timing, changes in the air-fuel mixture, thinning of engine oil viscosity, and reduced lubrication performance. 5. Clogged fuel injectors: The fuel injectors in fuel-injected cars are key components for fuel injection and have a long lifespan, reaching hundreds of thousands of kilometers. However, gum deposits in gasoline can clog the injector nozzles, causing inconsistent fuel injection among the injectors, leading to uneven cylinder operation and engine shaking. The solution is to remove and clean them. 6. Carbon deposits and oil sludge clogging: Over time, carbon deposits and oil sludge can clog the throttle body, idle valve, and intake ports, causing poor air intake, which affects idle stability and leads to shaking. Inspecting and cleaning these parts with a cleaning agent can solve the problem without the need for removal.
On days when I'm driving, I sometimes encounter the engine shaking while in motion, feeling like the entire cabin is vibrating. This is often because the spark plugs have been used for too long and are worn out, failing to ignite properly, and the fuel can't burn efficiently; or the fuel line is a bit clogged, causing the fuel injectors to spray unevenly, making the engine run unsteadily. Another reason could be that the rubber mounts securing the engine have aged or cracked, leading to insufficient support and severe shaking. If the shaking worsens in cold weather or when going uphill, be extra cautious and don't force the drive—stalling could be dangerous. I once ignored it, only to end up spending more on repairs later. In short, take it to a proper repair shop promptly for a check-up—don't risk bigger troubles to save a little money.
As someone who enjoys tinkering with cars, I believe engine vibration issues can be investigated from several aspects. Problems in the ignition system are the main cause, such as dirty spark plugs or faulty ignition coils, where unstable current makes the engine tremble. The fuel system should not be overlooked either; clogged fuel injectors or insufficient fuel pump pressure can cause uneven fuel supply leading to vibrations. From my own experience, I first use an OBD scanner to read the fault codes to see where the alarm is coming from, then check if the air flow sensor has accumulated dust. ECU control malfunctions could also cause this, but don't rush—start with simple fixes like replacing spark plugs. Regular maintenance, such as frequently changing filters, can prevent most problems. If the car starts shaking with abnormal sounds, don't drive far—pull over and inspect immediately.
