What Causes the Car to Shake When in Neutral at a Red Light?
2 Answers
Possible causes include poor fuel injector atomization or partial clogging, which can degrade the quality of the air-fuel mixture during idle or result in excessive fuel injection, leading to a lean mixture and causing the engine to shake at idle. Below is a relevant introduction to car engine maintenance: 1. Regular oil changes: Engine oil acts as a lubricant, providing lubrication, cleaning, cooling, sealing, and wear reduction for the engine. It is often referred to as the 'lifeblood' of the engine. Prolonged intervals between oil changes can lead to severe engine component wear and reduce the engine's lifespan. Manufacturers recommend changing the oil every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers. 2. Regular replacement of the three filters: The three filters refer to the air filter, oil filter, and fuel filter. These filters help remove impurities, protect the engine, and improve its efficiency. The replacement cycle for the three filters typically aligns with that of the engine oil during routine maintenance. 3. Regular inspection of power steering fluid: Commonly known as steering fluid, it should be checked periodically for leaks or noticeable abnormal noises. 4. Regular inspection of brake fluid levels: Braking is crucial for driving safety. Brake fluid is highly hygroscopic and can absorb moisture from the air automatically.
I've been driving for over 20 years and often encounter the issue of car shaking when idling at red lights. This is usually caused by unstable engine idle speed, possibly due to worn spark plugs or clogged fuel injectors leading to poor ignition. Excessive carbon buildup can also affect idle stability, especially noticeable in stop-and-go traffic when engine RPM fluctuates. If the engine mounts are worn or aged with poor vibration isolation, the shaking transmits to the steering wheel, making it feel like the car is trembling. Once my car shook violently, and it turned out to be a faulty ignition coil - replacing it made a big difference. I recommend checking these components during routine maintenance, cleaning throttle body carbon deposits, and replacing spark plugs every 20,000-30,000 kilometers for smoother driving. If shaking persists, visit a repair shop for thorough diagnostics rather than waiting until the problem worsens.
