What Causes Engine Shaking While Driving?
3 Answers
Vehicle engine shaking while driving can be caused by: 1. Damaged spark plugs where the electrode gap wear leads to insufficient spark ignition, resulting in incomplete combustion of the air-fuel mixture; 2. Poor fuel quality causing inadequate atomization by the fuel injectors, leading to incomplete combustion in the cylinders; 3. Excessively dirty throttle body or excessive carbon buildup in fuel injectors; 4. Abnormal fuel pump pressure or faulty readings/malfunctioning of the intake pressure sensor. The engine's function is to convert thermal energy into mechanical energy by burning fuel in sealed cylinders to expand gases that push pistons, thereby providing power to the vehicle.
Once when I was on a long drive, my car suddenly started shaking, making it as uncomfortable as sitting on a massage chair. I asked an experienced mechanic to take a look, and he said it's mostly due to ignition system failures, such as aging spark plugs causing a cylinder to misfire, which makes the engine run unevenly and leads to shaking. Fuel system issues are also common; clogged fuel injectors or an uneven fuel supply from the fuel pump can cause this. Additionally, damaged engine mounts can worsen the vibrations, making it feel like the entire cabin is shaking. A dirty air filter or sensor errors should also be noted. If you encounter this situation, don't push through it; get it checked at a professional repair shop promptly. Otherwise, prolonged driving like this can wear out the engine and consume more fuel. Moreover, regular vehicle maintenance and replacing consumables can effectively prevent shaking issues, making for a worry-free and safer drive.
I enjoy fixing cars myself. When encountering engine shaking while driving, my first thought is that the ignition coil and spark plugs might be the issue. Misfiring often leads to cylinder misfires, causing the engine to run unevenly and shake. The fuel system also needs checking—clogged injectors or a dirty filter can affect fuel injection, leading to an imbalanced air-fuel mixture and vibrations. Aging wiring or relay failures can also cause trouble. A simple test method is using an OBD scanner to read fault codes, checking for sensor errors or circuit shorts. Air intake leaks or a faulty crankshaft position sensor should also not be overlooked. While working on the car, it’s good practice to clean carbon deposits and check cylinder compression to quickly pinpoint the root cause. For prevention, it’s recommended to inspect spark plugs every 20,000 kilometers and use high-quality fuel to keep the system clean—these habits help the car run smoother.
