Top Reasons Why Your Car Might Be Vibrating

There are few things more annoying than driving a car that shakes. It’s uncomfortable, scary, and it might make you feel like your car might just fall to pieces on the highway – so why is my car vibrating? Vibrations and shaking can sometimes be symptoms of serious car problems, so it’s good to pay attention to the symptoms that you are experiencing on the road. While almost any abnormality in a vehicle’s functioning compromises its safety to a degree, you might save some money and time if you find out what causes a car to vibrate and repair your vehicle’s vibration the DIY way. Otherwise, you can take advantage of a great auto shop in your area, like the service department at Biggers Chevrolet in Elgin.

Troublesome Tires

If your  car vibrates when driving, it most likely has something to do with your wheels, most often with the tires. A million different things can happen to tires, and most of them will cause shaking of some kind. If your tires are rolling unevenly, you’ll simply have to get them replaced. But lots of other problems can be fixed by basic tire maintenance. Rotating tires can do wonders – and if your car is only vibrating within specific speed ranges, balancing them can restore stability, too.

Bad Brakes

If your car vibrates when braking, then your braking system might be the culprit. When your car is in motion, so are your brake pads, but when you press down on the brake pedal, the calipers and brake pads clamp down on the rotors, generating friction and slowing the vehicle. With excessive wear, however, rotors can become warped, so that when the brake pads squeeze down, they can’t get a steady grip on the rotors, and thusly vibrate. Fixing a warped rotor involves some serious machinery, so unless you know exactly what you’re doing, you should take the car to a shop.

Engine Issues

If your tires and brakes seem fine after a troubleshooting session, then you might have to dive under the hood to find the source of your problems. Engine issues can lead to shudders and shaking on the road, and you’ll want to head into the dealership as soon as possible if you suspect that may be the case. You may just need a new set of spark plugs or a new air filter, but it’s always best to be on the safe side when it comes to engine woes.

Is There Any Way to Prevent Shaking?

• Most vibration-related problems occur because a car’s components are starting to show their age, but regular inspections and repairs can prevent minor problems from becoming major.
• Regular car maintenance will keep your tires and brakes running smoothly. Keep up on those tire rotations and brake adjustments!
• Don’t underestimate the value of smart driving. Avoid rough roads and be gentle with your car. It will return the favor!