Normally, a car that is in good condition will hardly shake or make funny sounds. It provides a steady and smooth experience for both the passengers and the driver. If you experience any car shakes when your vehicle is idle or when it’s speeding, then that might be something worth checking out. Luckily for you, most of the remedies we’ll discuss below are minor and not anything to leave a big hole in your pocket.
Here are a few causes of car shaking and vibrating;
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Worn out tire treads
The tires are the only part of the vehicle that touches the ground. Each tire has treads which give the car better traction and stability by gripping the ground better. However, since they are constantly spinning on the ground, they are more vulnerable to faster wear and tear. When this happens, you will experience a lot of shakiness which gets worse or intensifies as you speed up in the same vehicle. The only remedy is replacing the worn out tires with new ones.
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Loose or disconnected hoses
Hoses that have become loose or disconnected can cause several types of engine vibration. You may therefore need to replace or reattach them for a smoother driving experience.
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Wheels out of balance
When wheels get far out of balance, it can cause shaking and vibrating in your vehicle. Worse still, this can predispose you to accidents and so it is very important that you have a professional mechanic check them as soon as possible.
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Bent axle
The slightest bend on your car’s axle can be the cause of serious car shakes and vibrations. This shaking however intensifies more if you accelerate faster. Twisting of the axle can be caused by small bumps on the road, minor fender-benders, or if you drive through rough terrain regularly.
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Used spark plugs
Spark plug issues are normally overlooked. When one of your plugs are faulty or worn out, the engine can misfire thereby causing vibrations. The easiest and best remedy is to periodically replace your plugs as specified by their manufacturer.
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Bad engine mount
Your car’s engine is connected to the rest of the car’s body by an engine mount. It also connects transmissions to the car body as well. The engine mount is designed to absorb shocks and vibrations that arise as you drive on the road. If it is damaged or becomes worn out, it will cause your car to vibrate and shake all the time.
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Worn out ball joints
Ball joints are supposed to keep your suspension tight and steady when you are driving or while things are moving. When they begin to wear down, they can cause pronounced shaking that is hard to miss.
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Transmission filter and fluid
If you notice that your car shakes or vibrates upon acceleration, there is a possibility that your oil filter is clogged up or that the level of your transmission fluid is becoming very low. The shakes can feel quite scary and harsh with the simple solution for this being replacing it.
Wrap-up
Irrespective of what is making your car shake or vibrate, it’s important and wise to have your car checked and fixed by a professional as soon as possible. Remember, most of these small problems could ultimately lead to other major problems if left unchecked. Of course, you don’t want to pay huge sums for ignoring minor car issues that could hardly cost you a few bucks.
Happy driving!
