Why does the car shake when accelerating during driving?

[AlanaMarie]

If the car shakes when accelerating during driving, it is very likely caused by engine misfire. Excessive wear of the inner CV joint in the driveshaft: Due to changes in the force application point, a certain angle is formed between the transmission and the driveshaft, resulting in a jumping sensation in the vehicle. It is recommended to directly replace the driveshaft. Additionally, the main reason for excessive wear of the inner CV joint is often the consequence of the owner not replacing the damaged dust cover on the driveshaft in time. Therefore, if you see the dust cover cracked and leaking oil, it must be replaced immediately, otherwise it will be more costly in the long run. Air leakage or blockage: The engine requires sufficient air, adequate fuel, and a well-functioning ignition system to operate properly. Any issues in these areas can cause the engine to shake. Minor air leaks or small blockages may seem normal at idle, but during rapid acceleration, the car may shake severely, with weak acceleration, and the engine warning light may come on. Sealing the leaks or clearing the blockages can solve the problem. Damaged ignition coil or spark plugs: Ignition high-voltage wires rarely have issues, but the ignition coil and spark plugs are wear-prone components. If the spark plugs' performance degrades or inferior spark plugs are used, it can lead to weak acceleration and shaking during acceleration.

[OIsla]

I've been driving for over 20 years and often encounter car shaking during acceleration. This is mostly due to ignition system issues, such as worn spark plugs or faulty ignition coils. When spark plugs age, carbon buildup or electrode wear can cause misfires in certain cylinders, leading to unstable engine RPM. If the ignition coil fails, unstable voltage output results in insufficient power. Other possibilities include worn engine mounts transmitting excessive vibration during acceleration. I recommend first checking the spark plugs - they typically need replacement every 20,000 kilometers. Test ignition coils with a multimeter for continuity. Continuing to drive without repairs may cause severe shaking leading to stalling or engine damage, so professional inspection is advised. Regular maintenance including spark plug replacement and ignition coil cleaning can prevent such issues.

[OTaylor]

As a daily driver, I've also experienced the car jerking during acceleration. That time it was a fuel system issue—either clogged fuel injectors or a dirty fuel filter causing uneven fuel spray and abnormal combustion. It was fixed after cleaning. Additionally, insufficient fuel pump pressure or poor fuel quality can cause similar symptoms. It's recommended to use higher-grade fuel regularly and replace the fuel filter every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers as a preventive measure. Excessive engine carbon buildup can also lead to jerking; using a carbon cleaner can help. From a safety perspective, driving while jerking can easily lead to loss of control, especially on highways, so immediately slow down and pull over to check. For a simple self-inspection, listen for rough engine sounds; if abnormal, get it repaired quickly. Don’t delay small issues turning into big ones—spending a little money now saves hassle later.

[VonBryce]

I often repair cars, and acceleration shaking is usually a mechanical issue. Problems like a broken engine mount or loose suspension screws can cause significant engine vibration that transfers to the entire vehicle when accelerating. A simple check at idle can reveal abnormal engine shaking; replacing a cracked mount costs just a few hundred bucks. It could also be due to unbalanced tires, causing shaking at specific speeds—getting them balanced at a shop solves the issue. Regular maintenance checks on mounts and tires can prevent this. Driving with shaking isn't safe, so address it promptly.