What Causes Low-Speed Shaking and Jerking in a Car?
2 Answers
The reasons for low-speed shaking and jerking in a car are as follows: Excessive carbon buildup in the throttle body, fuel injectors, and intake manifold: Many malfunctions are caused by carbon buildup, and some vehicles may experience jerking due to it. It is recommended to regularly clean carbon deposits. Poor fuel quality: Poor fuel quality leads to incomplete combustion. Faulty spark plugs or ignition coils: This can cause a misfire, which requires inspection and repair at a service center to avoid further safety hazards. Clogged engine fuel lines: This can result in reduced engine air intake, weak ignition, or decreased fuel injection, leading to insufficient power and causing jerking during low-speed driving.
Low-speed shaking and jerking are most commonly caused by ignition system failures. When the car is moving at low speeds, the engine RPM is low. If the spark plugs are worn out or the ignition coils are faulty, stable ignition cannot be achieved, leading to incomplete combustion in the cylinders and directly causing vehicle shaking. Carbon buildup can also affect ignition, especially more noticeable at idle, as the small RPM variations make the issue more apparent. Preventive measures include regularly checking the condition of the spark plugs—typically replacing them every 20,000 kilometers—and not waiting until they are burnt out. Additionally, using higher-quality gasoline can reduce carbon deposits and avoid similar troubles. If you encounter this situation while driving, avoid sudden acceleration and head straight to a repair shop for diagnosis to ensure safety.
