What causes sudden severe engine shaking?
3 Answers
Sudden severe engine shaking may be caused by engine misfire, worn or loose engine mounts, or carbon buildup issues. Methods to address sudden severe engine shaking: Observe the engine operation condition and shaking intensity, while monitoring the fluctuation range of the tachometer needle to see if it deviates from the idle expected value: If it deviates from the idle expected value, the car engine will definitely shake, requiring idle speed adjustment. Then check for abnormalities in external engine components - if found, professional repair or replacement is needed. Next, inspect whether vacuum tubes are detached or damaged: Damage to these areas can also cause engine shaking, and replacement is recommended. Check for loose wiring connectors: Loose wiring can cause engine shaking and simply needs to be reconnected securely. Also examine for any oil, water, air, or electrical leaks (the "four leaks" phenomenon): Any leakage can cause engine shaking and should be promptly sealed. Engine maintenance methods: Use high-quality engine oil. Engine oil, as the lubricant for engines, serves functions including lubrication, cleaning, cooling, sealing, and friction reduction. Only qualified lubricating oil can reduce engine component wear and extend service life. Therefore, always use premium engine oil - never substitute with inferior products or allow the engine to run low on oil.
I've encountered severe engine shaking a few times, and the most common cause is worn-out spark plugs leading to uneven ignition. Once when idling, my car vibrated alarmingly, and it turned out the spark plugs were too old with poor ignition performance. Fuel system issues are another frequent culprit - clogged fuel injectors or insufficient fuel pump pressure can starve the engine. On the air intake side, a severely clogged air filter or carbon buildup in the throttle body restricting airflow can also cause shaking. If engine mounts become loose or broken, the entire vehicle may vibrate. For safety, pull over immediately when shaking occurs - continuing to drive risks engine damage or roadside breakdowns. Regular component checks prevent problems; my experience shows replacing spark plugs every 40,000 km is most reliable.
I enjoy DIY car repairs, and severe engine shaking is often caused by ignition component failures. Enlarged spark plug gaps or electrode erosion can impair combustion efficiency, while cracked insulation or coil failure in the ignition coil may lead to misfires and vibrations. Fuel system issues include unstable pressure from a worn fuel pump or clogged injectors due to deposits. In the intake system, carbon buildup on the throttle body or a dirty air filter can restrict airflow. Worn or loose engine mount rubber can amplify vehicle vibrations. It's advisable to first use an OBD scanner to identify the root cause via trouble codes, making it easier to address yourself. Replacing spark plugs is straightforward and cost-effective (under 100 yuan), also improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
