What Causes Vehicle Shaking?
2 Answers
Vehicle shaking causes: 1. Shaking during startup: Mainly due to incomplete fuel combustion resulting in insufficient power, especially when fuel and lubricant temperatures are low, requiring more throttle input to meet power demands; 2. Idle shaking: Causes include severe engine carbon buildup, ignition system issues, unstable oil pressure, and aging engine components; 3. High-speed shaking: Overinflated or underinflated tires, abnormal tire wear, rim deformation, shock absorber failure, tire imbalance, and significant wheel alignment deviations can all cause vehicle shaking. Vehicle shaking may also relate to worn engine mounts - the engine's vibration damping system that absorbs minor vibrations during operation. If engine mounts fail, these vibrations transmit to the steering wheel and cabin, causing shaking at idle.
I've been driving for over thirty years and have seen all kinds of shaking issues. The most common is engine misfiring causing unstable idling. Worn-out spark plugs or faulty ignition coils can make the car shake like a sieve. Unbalanced tires can also easily cause wobbling at high speeds, and slightly deformed rims or uneven tire pressure can cause trouble. Chassis suspension components, such as failed shock absorbers or worn ball joints, can lead to noise and shaking on bumpy roads. During one of my long-distance road trips, I suddenly felt the steering wheel shaking, and upon inspection, it turned out the right front rim had a slight bend. I recommend having the technician check wheel balance and the engine ignition system during every maintenance session to catch issues early—saving money and ensuring safety.
