What Causes Severe Engine Vibration in Cars?
4 Answers
Severe engine vibration in cars can be caused by: 1. Engine misfire: One or more cylinders not functioning properly, resulting in intermittent exhaust flow with noticeable tailpipe shaking, sometimes accompanied by abnormal noises; 2. Deteriorated or loose engine mounts: These components are designed to reduce vibration and absorb shocks during engine operation while securing the engine; 3. Carbon buildup issues: Including cylinder carbon deposits, throttle valve carbon, spark plug fouling, and intake system carbon accumulation. Excessive carbon deposits affect ignition energy, air intake efficiency, and air-fuel mixture ratio, leading to unstable power output; 4. Fuel system malfunction: Using incompatible fuel grades that reduce engine power output.
Having driven for decades, I frequently encounter engine vibration issues. The most common cause is problems with the ignition system, such as worn spark plugs or damaged ignition coils, leading to misfires in a cylinder and causing severe engine shaking. Carbon buildup on fuel injectors or the throttle body can also trigger intense vibrations, especially during cold starts, making the car feel like it's falling apart. If not repaired promptly, fuel consumption will increase, noise levels rise, and other engine components may get damaged. I recommend first checking if the spark plugs need replacement and cleaning carbon deposits from the throttle body. Regular maintenance can effectively prevent these issues. If vibrations worsen during highway driving, it might indicate a faulty mass airflow sensor or oxygen sensor, but these require diagnostic tools for confirmation. It's best to take the car to a professional repair shop without delay.
After working in the repair shop for several years, I've seen many cases of engine vibration. Fuel system issues are the main cause, such as clogged fuel injectors or insufficient fuel pump pressure affecting the air-fuel mixture ratio, leading to uneven combustion and resulting in vibrations. Sensor failures, like problems with the throttle position sensor or mass airflow sensor, are also common, especially in electronic throttle systems. Worn or loose engine mounts can directly transmit vibrations, making driving uncomfortable. You can check if the fuel filter screen is clean yourself and look for trouble codes indicating cylinder misfires. From a safety perspective, ignoring repairs increases accident risks and affects handling stability, so it's best to promptly visit a well-equipped shop for diagnosis and repair.
I drive to work every day and feel anxious when the engine shakes badly. It's usually due to severe carbon buildup or a faulty ignition coil, causing abnormal operation in a certain cylinder. The shaking is especially noticeable in slow-moving traffic, which can be quite frustrating. Poor fuel quality or dirty fuel injectors are also likely culprits, often leading to increased fuel consumption and loud noises. This issue is more common during cold starts in cold weather, so it's recommended to warm up the engine for a few minutes before driving. Getting a carbon cleaning during maintenance can significantly improve the situation—it's not costly and enhances driving comfort. Address the issue early for peace of mind; don't ignore it.
