What Causes Shaking When Accelerating a Car?
4 Answers
A dirty throttle body, excessive carbon buildup in fuel injectors and intake manifolds, or damaged inner CV joints can all cause shaking during vehicle acceleration, requiring prompt inspection at a repair shop. Below are basic engine maintenance methods: Regular Oil Changes: Engine oil serves as the lubricant for the engine, providing lubrication, cleaning, cooling, sealing, and friction reduction functions - essentially acting as the engine's "blood." Prolonged failure to change oil can lead to severe engine component wear and reduced engine lifespan. It is recommended to change every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers. Regular Replacement of Three Filters: The three filters refer to the air filter, oil filter, and fuel filter. These filters protect the engine by filtering out impurities while improving engine efficiency. Their standard maintenance cycle aligns with oil change intervals.
I've been driving for over twenty years and have encountered quite a few cases of car shaking during acceleration. I remember one time when my old Ford's steering wheel was shaking violently while accelerating on the highway, and it turned out to be an issue with the ignition system. Specifically, worn spark plugs or poor contact in the high-voltage coil can cause incomplete engine combustion, leading to vehicle vibration. Another possibility is clogged fuel injectors, where uneven fuel supply can easily cause shaking. Or, mechanical problems like engine misfire—when one cylinder isn't working—can make the car unstable, like running with a limp. I recommend starting with simple checks, such as replacing spark plugs or cleaning fuel injectors. If that doesn't solve it, you should take it to a professional shop to check cylinder compression. Regular maintenance is crucial—don't wait until the shaking gets severe to address it, as it could damage the engine or cause safety hazards. This habit has saved me a lot on repair costs.
Having worked in an auto repair shop for a long time, I often see customers complaining about acceleration shuddering, which is mostly caused by ignition or fuel system failures. Common causes include aging spark plugs or increased electrode gaps leading to insufficient ignition energy; clogged fuel injectors or unstable fuel pump pressure affecting mixture formation; or issues with ignition coils or distributors. During diagnosis, it's recommended to directly open the engine hood for inspection: check the spark plug condition for carbon buildup; listen for smooth engine sounds, as abnormal noises may indicate cylinder problems; a simpler test is trying new spark plugs. Regular oil and air filter changes help maintain system cleanliness and prevent major overhauls. Never ignore this issue—shuddering at high speeds can lead to loss of control, so prompt action is crucial.
Last week, I took my old car on a long trip, and every time I stepped on the gas to accelerate, the car would jerk violently up and down, which really made my heart race. After asking a friend, I learned it might be due to aging ignition coils or unbalanced tires. He said if the spark plugs are too worn out, the engine's ignition timing can be off, causing the car to shake when accelerating. Other issues like a dirty fuel filter or clogged fuel lines could also cause this. Even worse, if the suspension system is damaged, such as failed shock absorbers, the shaking would be even more noticeable. I've now sent the car for inspection, and the initial estimate is a few hundred bucks to replace a part. I suggest you don’t delay either—get a professional mechanic to check it out sooner rather than later. Safety first, after all.
