Why Does a Car Shake on the Highway?
2 Answers
The reasons why a car shakes on the highway: 1. Air resistance; 2. Different suspension designs causing instability; 3. Variations in the vehicle's center of gravity; 4. Tire performance. When driving at high speeds, the front of the car divides the air into two parts. However, at high speeds, the upper air flows faster, generating lift. The faster the speed, the stronger the lift, which reduces the friction between the tires and the road, leading to the phenomenon of the car feeling unstable. The suspension design is a crucial factor in a car's stability. Cars with stiffer suspensions tend to be more stable at high speeds, but their ability to absorb road vibrations is not as good. On the other hand, softer suspensions offer better comfort but react more noticeably to crosswinds and strong air currents, increasing the likelihood of instability.
I used to frequently experience shaking issues when driving my old car on the highway, which was quite uncomfortable. The shaking usually became noticeable when the speed exceeded 80 km/h, and the steering wheel would also wobble. The most common cause is unbalanced tires—when you drive fast, the wheels rotate unevenly, causing the whole car to shake. Another possibility is a problem with the wheel bearings, such as rust or wear, which can create vibrations at high speeds. If the suspension system is loose or damaged, it can also make the car unstable. I once had a severe shaking incident during a long drive where I almost lost control. Later, when I took it to the shop, they found the tires hadn’t been balanced. After spending a bit of money to fix it, the problem was gone. My advice is that if you notice shaking on the highway, first check the tire pressure and wear condition, or slow down and drive to a service station for inspection. Don’t push through—safety comes first. During regular car maintenance, pay attention to wheel care, and always get a balance check after installing new tires to avoid small issues turning into big problems.
