Experiencing your Car Shaking While Driving can be unsettling, but it’s a fairly common issue with a range of potential causes. The good news is that most of these problems are easily diagnosed and fixed, getting you back to a smooth and comfortable ride.
To help you understand why your car might be shaking, we’ve consulted automotive expert Tom Winninghoff, Green Bay Manager at Matthews Tire, to break down the most frequent culprits and how to address them.
Common Reasons for Car Shaking
According to Tom, if your car is shaking, the problem is often related to your tires, wheels, or suspension system. Simple maintenance or repairs at a trusted service center like Matthews Tire can usually resolve these issues and get you back on the road safely and smoothly.
For drivers in areas with snow and ice, Tom also points out a unique winter-related cause of car shaking: ice and snow buildup.
Winter Car Shakes? Check for Ice Buildup First
“During winter,” Tom explains, “slush and snow can freeze onto your car’s rims, causing an imbalance and subsequent shaking.” In these cases, the shaking isn’t due to a mechanical problem, but rather external elements.
If your car starts shaking during colder months, Tom recommends a simple first step: take it through a car wash. This will melt and remove any accumulated ice and debris, often resolving the shaking immediately.
If the shaking persists after a car wash, it’s a clear sign that a more thorough inspection is needed to identify the underlying cause.
6 Frequent Reasons Your Car Vibrates or Shakes
If a car wash doesn’t solve your shaking issue, one of these common mechanical problems is likely the cause:
1. Worn-Out Tires
Tires have a lifespan, typically around three to five years for quality brands. As tires age and wear down, they can become a source of vibration.
“Old and worn tires often develop slight vibrations,” Tom notes. If your tires are nearing the end of their lifespan, they could be the reason your car is shaking. It might be time to consider a tire replacement to restore a smooth ride. Unsure about the right tires for your vehicle? Matthews Tire offers a tire finder tool to help you choose.
2. Unbalanced Tires
Regular tire rotations are crucial for even tread wear. When rotations are neglected, uneven wear can lead to tire imbalance. Sometimes, this imbalance only becomes noticeable after a tire rotation.
“Uneven wear on rear tires can be hard to detect while driving,” Tom explains. “However, imbalance in front tires is much more noticeable.” If shaking starts shortly after a tire rotation, tire imbalance is a likely culprit. A tire alignment service at Matthews Tire can usually fix this, and regular rotations (every 5,000 – 7,500 miles) can prevent it.
3. Out-of-Round Tires
Tire wear isn’t always uniform. “Tires can wear unevenly around the edges while the center remains thicker,” Tom describes. “This irregular shape causes the tire to bounce slightly as you drive, leading to car shaking.”
Ignoring out-of-round tires can have consequences beyond just shaking. It can put extra stress on your car’s shocks and suspension components. A tire alignment and rotation might be sufficient to address this, but tire replacement might be necessary in some cases.
4. Damaged Wheels
A bent or damaged wheel rim disrupts the wheel’s contact with the road surface. This uneven contact can translate to significant vibrations felt through the steering wheel and throughout the vehicle.
Prompt wheel or rim replacement is essential to prevent further damage to other vehicle components and ensure safe driving.
5. Loose Lug Nuts
Loose lug nuts, while seemingly minor, pose a serious safety risk. “Loose lug nuts vibrate against the bolt threads and can gradually loosen further over time,” Tom warns.
If lug nuts become too loose, a wheel can detach while driving, leading to dangerous situations. If you suspect improperly installed tires or notice loose lug nuts, seek immediate inspection to ensure your safety.
6. Misaligned Suspension
Road hazards like potholes, curbs, and even minor accidents can impact your car’s suspension alignment. If your car starts shaking suddenly, particularly after hitting a bump, suspension misalignment is a strong possibility.
Even normal driving and road conditions can gradually stress the suspension system. Fortunately, a Matthews Tire alignment service can correct suspension issues and eliminate shaking.
Get Rid of Car Shaking and Enjoy a Smooth Drive
Don’t tolerate a shaky car. Restore a smooth and comfortable ride and maintain your vehicle’s condition with expert service at Matthews Tire. We offer tire rotations, alignments, and other services to keep your car running smoothly.
Schedule your service appointment today!
