Why does the car shake when running?
3 Answers
The following are the reasons why the car shakes when running: 1. Excessive carbon deposits in the fuel injector and throttle valve. During cold starts, the carbon deposits inside the engine absorb some gasoline, causing the combustible mixture to become too lean, leading to difficult starts or engine shaking. 2. Faults caused by car tires. It is necessary to check the tire pressure, tire wear, shock absorbers, and other components. 3. Shaking caused by abnormalities in the car's fuel supply system and ignition system. It is necessary to check whether the intake pressure sensor, fuel supply pressure, spark plug ignition, etc., are normal. 4. Problems with the car's body components. It is necessary to check whether the engine mounts, rubber ball joint covers, and parts securing the engine are loose or aged and damaged.
I've experienced the car shaking issue a few times, mostly due to tire problems. Last time when my car exceeded 60 km/h, the steering wheel vibrated violently. After inspection at the shop, it turned out the front wheel dynamic balance was off - the mechanic said it happens when the balancing weights glued to the rims fall off. If the shaking is severe at low speeds too, you should check for tire bulges/deformation or significant tire pressure differences. Another possibility is rim deformation from hitting curbs - when rotated, it can make the whole car tremble. There's also the case of warped brake rotors causing vibration when braking, that squealing sound is truly nerve-wracking. Car vibration is really annoying, especially on highways where it keeps you on edge. If you notice this problem, it's best to address it early - after all, it's unsettling to drive like that.
With over 20 years of experience in auto repair, I've found that most vehicle vibrations are wheel-related. The most common issue is wheel imbalance, where the shaking becomes more pronounced at higher speeds. Another culprit could be a warped wheel hub, making the car wobble like it's dancing – this requires a thorough inspection of the rim for any impact damage. Brake disc heat distortion is often overlooked, especially after prolonged braking when high temperatures cause warping, resulting in noticeable steering wheel vibrations upon braking. Beyond these, problems with the chassis or undercarriage, such as loose tie rods or worn ball joints, can make the car feel like a rocking horse. If the steering wheel is misaligned after replacing suspension components, it indicates incorrect toe-in adjustment, necessitating an immediate wheel alignment to prevent not only vibrations but also excessive tire wear.
