Why does the car shake while driving?
2 Answers
When a car shakes during driving, the most common cause is tire-related issues. Possible reasons include uneven tire wear, ineffective tire dynamic balance, or fallen balancing weights. These can be addressed by performing a dynamic balance adjustment at a repair shop. Additionally, shaking can also result from an unbalanced or deformed drive shaft, which typically occurs in vehicles that have experienced chassis collisions. Below are relevant explanations: 1. Low ignition energy: Severe car shaking is primarily caused by low ignition energy, carbon buildup on valves or intake manifolds, incorrect air-fuel mixture, malfunctioning coolant temperature sensors, or uneven cylinder performance. Over prolonged use, the spark plug gap tends to widen, reducing ignition energy and affecting performance, leading to car shaking. Other faults such as aging ignition coils, worn-out high-voltage spark plug wires, or electrical leakage can also decrease ignition energy. 2. Incorrect air-fuel mixture ratio: In closed-loop control systems, the oxygen sensor requires a minimum operating temperature of 370°C (698°F). If the car has just been started and the exhaust pipe temperature hasn't reached 370°C, the oxygen sensor won't function. In this case, the ECU makes incorrect judgments, leading to errors in controlling the air-fuel mixture and ignition timing through actuators, thereby reducing the car's power output and causing shaking.
There are several common reasons why a car may shake while driving. Last month, I experienced a similar situation on my way to work—the steering wheel was shaking noticeably. The primary cause could be tire-related issues, such as imbalance or uneven wear, which is especially noticeable at high speeds. When I took it to the shop for inspection, the mechanic said the wheel balancing was off because the balancing weights had fallen off. After rebalancing, the problem was resolved. Another possible cause is the braking system—warped brake discs or stuck brake calipers can also lead to shaking. Additionally, aging suspension components, such as damaged shock absorbers or loose control arms, can make the car shake more noticeably over speed bumps. It's advisable to regularly check tire pressure and tread wear and schedule periodic wheel balancing to minimize such issues. If the shaking is severe, it's best to visit a professional shop as soon as possible—safety comes first.
