What Causes Engine Vibration While Driving?
2 Answers
Engine vibration can occur due to six main reasons. Here are the detailed causes of engine vibration: 1. Engine Mounts: These are rubber blocks placed between the engine and the frame to reduce vibrations and shocks during engine operation, as well as to secure the engine. If the mounts become worn or loose, engine vibration will become noticeably severe. 2. Engine Misfire: This refers to one or more cylinders not functioning properly. Symptoms include intermittent exhaust flow, severe shaking of the exhaust pipe, noticeable engine vibration, and sometimes a sputtering sound. This is often related to faulty ignition coils. 3. Carbon Buildup: This includes carbon deposits in the cylinders, throttle body, spark plugs, and intake system. These components are critical to engine power output. Excessive carbon buildup reduces ignition energy and intake efficiency, leading to engine vibration and sluggish acceleration. 4. Incorrect Fuel Octane Rating: Using a lower octane fuel (e.g., 90 instead of 93) can reduce engine power and performance. Alternatively, clogged fuel tank vents, fuel filters, or fuel lines between the tank and carburetor can restrict fuel supply, resulting in a lean air-fuel mixture and engine vibration. 5. Air Supply Issues: Air is a key component of engine power. A clogged air filter or insufficient airflow can create an overly rich air-fuel mixture, reducing engine power. For turbocharged vehicles, a malfunctioning turbocharger can also cause engine vibration during acceleration. 6. Cold Start Conditions: During a cold start, engine lubrication is less effective due to thicker, less fluid oil, leading to mechanical wear and noise. Lower coolant temperatures and a richer air-fuel mixture can result in incomplete combustion, causing engine vibration.
Last time I experienced engine shaking was on the highway. The car would shake violently once the speed exceeded 80 km/h. After inspection, we found it was due to spark plug issues - they hadn't been replaced for nearly 60,000 km and the gap had widened, causing poor ignition. Additionally, there was severe carbon buildup in the throttle body. The mechanic said driving mostly at low speeds without highway runs allowed carbon deposits to accumulate, affecting air intake. Another time, after refueling at a private gas station, the car shook and lacked power, likely due to poor fuel quality. Other potential causes include aging or broken engine mount bushings that fail to dampen vibrations, or a faulty ignition coil leading to cylinder misfire. My advice: regular spark plug checks, using quality gasoline, and occasional highway driving to clean carbon deposits can basically prevent such issues.
