Does it feel like you’re bouncing around while waiting at a stoplight? Not only can it be annoying when your car shakes or rumbles in idle, but it can also indicate a car problem that should be addressed as soon as possible. It could be a worn mechanical part, an electrical problem, or a lack of air making it into your car’s engine. Because a rough idle can be tricky to diagnose, it’s best to bring your car to a trusted mechanic for diagnostics to ensure any necessary repairs are handled before they grow into more serious car repairs.

Worn Engine Mounts

That shaking or vibration you feel could be caused by your engine bouncing around. Don’t worry, it’s not flying around underneath the hood, but shaking or vibration in idle can indicate the engine mounts that are made of rubber now have more give while running. Motor mounts are meant to hold the engine securely in place so that no damage is caused from it moving around while running or due to the car’s motion. While it’s probably okay for now, you don’t want the engine mounts to fail completely, so it’s best not to wait to have them inspected and replaced if necessary as soon as possible.

Loose or Worn Out Belts

Cars use serpentine drive belts and timing belts to help keep key systems synchronized and in motion. If they’ve become loose or are wearing out, it can lead to parts of your engine not operating properly, which can cause a rough idle. As important as these belts are, it’s also easy to keep an eye on their health. Your owner’s manual will give you time and mileage recommendations that your mechanic should be able to easily tell whether a belt needs to be re-adjusted or replaced and continued regular inspections will help allow them to catch future problems before they turn into bigger auto repairs.

Bad Spark Plugs or Wiring

Though they’re a simple car repair, worn spark plugs can cause a number of problems with drivability, including shaking or vibrating in idle. Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the air-fuel mixture in your engine’s combustion chambers. This combustion powers the engine. When that combustion doesn’t happen how it should, it can cause misfires, engine knocking, and a rough idle. Schedule a tune-up service so your mechanic can inspect your car’s spark plugs, as well as other parts that help with fuel delivery and combustion.

Clogged Air Filters

Proper air-fuel mixture in your car’s engine is important. If your engine’s air filters become clogged, it can prevent enough air from making it into the combustion chambers, leading to a too-rich mixture. This means there’s too much fuel in the mixture, which can lead to a rough idle and poor fuel economy. It can also lead to much bigger engine and exhaust system problems if it continues for too long. Have your mechanic inspect your car’s air and fuel filters to ensure they’re allowing proper flow. The good news is this should be relatively inexpensive car service.

A Worn Oxygen Sensor

Another part that helps control the air-fuel mixture sent into your engine are oxygen sensors. As part of the emissions system, there’s an oxygen sensor measuring the amount of oxygen present in your car’s exhaust fumes. This then helps your car’s computer and fuel delivery system send the proper amounts of air and fuel into the engine for optimal combustion. Your oxygen sensors will naturally wear out with use and you may notice a rough idle or weak acceleration and perhaps a check engine light is on. As another relatively simple car repair that can cause bigger problems if left alone too long, it’s best to make an appointment with your mechanic soon to have your vehicle inspected.

Does Your Car Have the Shakes? Bring it to a Local AAMCO Repair Shop

Let AAMCO Chester’s expert mechanics get your vehicle back to a smooth idle. No matter what’s causing your car to shake, vibrate, or rumble while idling, we’ll accurately diagnose and carry out any auto repair it needs. And when it comes time for your next car maintenance service, don’t hesitate to make your appointment with us! We make it easy to visit your local AAMCO in Chester with our online scheduler – or you can give us a call with any questions or concerns you have about your car.