Why is My Car Shaking?

Have you begun to experience your car shaking recently? There are many different reasons why this may occur. From the engine, to the brakes, a vehicle is a complex machine which makes it difficult for the average person to diagnose. Below are some possible causes, but for a proper diagnosis by a certified mechanic, schedule a service appointment with us in Phoenix, AZ.

Tires

One of the most common sources of shaking is from your vehicle's tires. This is easy to identify as your vehicle will vibrate constantly at certain speeds or it will become worse as you drive faster. Over time your tires can become unbalanced. This is normally the result of day-to-day driving conditions as the tires absorb impact from curbs, potholes, and other road obstacles. When this happens the vehicle should be serviced by a professional to balance and rotate the tires.

Brake System

When brakes are the source of the problem, shaking or pulsating will be felt while depressing the brake pedal. The front brakes usually wear faster than the rear brakes because they absorb the greatest amount of the energy that brings your car to a complete stop. As you apply the brakes, you may feel a significant amount of shaking if the brakes are worn or the brake rotor has become warped. In this instance a brake inspection is warranted and highly recommended.

Engine

When the engine is the culprit for vehicle shaking, it can be related to many components. In many instances the check engine light will illuminate. One in particular is worn spark plugs. Since spark plugs tend to have a long lifespan of around 80,000 to 100,000 miles, this issue is typically seen in higher mileage vehicles. If you're unsure what engine component is the cause of the shaking, our certified technicians are available to help.

Driveline

The driveline transfers power from the engine to the wheels. When a part related to this process isn't functioning properly, like the differential or transmission itself, shaking can occur. Also, every car has a front and rear axle. A damaged axle can cause a sizable amount of shaking and even impact your steering. The CV joints can also cause issues if damaged by allowing debris to reach the axles.

Don't delay in finding out why your vehicle is shaking! We're here to help, so schedule an appointment with our service center in Phoenix to get to the root cause.

* For informational purposes only. For an official diagnosis and details on your vehicle, please schedule an appointment with our dealership.