Overview
If you have owned your car for some years now, the chances are that you might have come across a feeling of subtle shake or vibration as you go ahead in your journey. It is one of the most common problems that arise when the vehicle ages and sometimes can be a bit difficult to understand, given that it creeps up ever so subtly that you don’t even notice until someone points it out.
It is important to look at the matter as soon as possible since delays can result in more severe damage that would require you to spend more bucks unnecessarily. The fix to this could be as easy as a tire change or can require a more thorough repair from a professional. Regardless, you have to understand the cause of such vibrations in order to find a fix for it.
What Is This Vibration Exactly?
When you are driving down the road, you will feel a sudden type of change in the vehicle’s movement. It would start jerking more even when the road is smooth. This vibration feels like the car is moving up and down. It can be felt through the seat steering wheel or even in the breaks.
No one likes to ride a car that keeps vibrating and shaking throughout the ride. It is obvious that smooth rides are the most convenient and are preferred by all. So if you are facing this issue, you might want to understand what is causing it in the first place and then move ahead to get it fixed.
What Exactly Are Causing Such Vibrations?
1. Issues With The Engine
One of the most obvious and common reasons for your car to vibrate when moving would be a defect in the engines, which might mean that there is a certain lack of air, fuel, or spark that is required for it to run smoothly.
Symptoms:
Some other symptoms that would confirm that your car is vibrating due to engine-related issues include:
- Sudden jerking or shudders at the time of acceleration
- Staccato shaking at a particular speed range
- The car works fine when it starts and drives smoothly for a while but later begins to shake.
Solution:
If you notice these symptoms in your car, it might be time to get a new pair of spark plugs, or maybe the plug wires to need a check. If they seem to be fine, there might be a possible issue with the air filter that has become dirty over time or the fuel filter that has clogged. You can inspect them yourselves using the car’s manual and replace these inexpensive parts at home to have a smoother ride.
2. Wheel And Tire Problems
When you notice a persistent vibration or shake in your car, you must stop and check for the tires if they are loosely fitted. These are the most prevalent issues that cause vibration in the vehicle. You should also check the wheel and tire balance to get your problem fixed. If you have not changed your tire in a long time, you might want to consider this option as worn-out tires are more prone to cause vibrations.
Solution:
A number of these issues can be easily avoided by a routine car inspection before getting into your car every morning. This routine should include visual inspection of the tires and wheels, checking the air pressure in the tires, checking the tightness of lug nuts, etc. Wheel alignment should also be taken care of from time to time.
3. Issues With The Brake
If the vibration is excess in the braking area, it is very likely that there is some problem related to the car’s front brake mechanism. Since the brake pads bear the most stress as all the force is applied to them when braking the vehicle, it is obvious that it can wear out easily.
Solution:
Certain parts of the front disc brake need to be replaced every now and then to increase the health of your brakes. When the brake pads become too worn out with constant use, it can be a cause for your car’s vibration.
4. Axle Problem
Cars have two separate axles, one is in the front connecting the front wheels, and the other one is in the back connecting the back wheels. A problem of vibration can simply occur when any one of these axles get bent or are dented due to any accident or mishap on the road in which the vehicle is hit. It usually ends up increasing the intensity of the vibration when more pressure is applied in acceleration.
Solution:
When you are facing such a problem, you must also check the CV joints and driveshaft for any potential problems in that area.
5. Steering Wheel Wears Out
Have you ever noticed the difference between driving an old car versus a new one? You would have noticed that it is smoother to work with the steering of a new car as it is more responsive than the older one that helps in a smoother drive. Just like other parts of your car, the steering wheels also wear out after a point of time, and as it happens over a period of time, it is difficult to notice at first.
Solution:
The steering wheel comprises many little moving parts that help connect the steering wheels to the four wheels, and if they start wearing out, the wheels on the ground don’t respond properly to your commands and need to be replaced.
Wrapping It Up
While there might be some other issues relating to other parts of your car that cause vibrations, these are some of the most common ones that you need to check for before you take it to the repair shop. However, if you notice that the shaking hasn’t improved even after trying to fix one of these issues, it is advisable to take your car to the repair shop and ask them to investigate the problem with your vehicle thoroughly. It is always a better idea to seek professional help before you decide something major for your car’s health.
