Has your car’s smooth, easy ride turned shaky? Whether you press the brakes and feel a vibration or notice a constant shake while you drive, it won’t help to ignore the problem. Several components and systems impact your vehicle’s movement and keep it smooth on the road, including the suspension and steering systems, brakes, engine, and transmission. Diagnosing and fixing the problem will help make each drive safe and enjoyable again.
Let’s take a look at how you can tell which repairs your car may need if you’ve noticed more shaking or vibration each time you drive.
Pay Attention to When and Where You Feel Shaking or Vibrating
The first step in diagnosing which car problem you’re dealing with is to take note of the timing and location of any change in feeling. An issue with the brakes will show up differently from a transmission problem, so the details matter. Any change in your car’s performance should be diagnosed by a trusted mechanic, but any information you can provide about symptoms will help point both of you in the right direction for repairs.
When Applying the Brakes? You May Have Warped Rotors
Do you press the brake pedal and immediately feel the vibration? The problem may be part of the brake system. More specifically, your car may have warped rotors. This leads to inconsistent contact between the brake pads and rotors, creating the shaking sensation you feel. The quickest and simplest repair to restore smooth braking is a replacement of one or both rotors.
If this doesn’t solve the problem, it’s possible you’re also dealing with an issue with the calipers, brake pads, or another component or system in your vehicle.
Consistently While You Drive? It May Be a Suspension Problem
You’re cruising down the road — is there a consistent shaking sensation? Most likely, you’re dealing with a problem with one or more components in the suspension system. These parts are responsible for holding and steadying your vehicle. Each bump in the road is smoothed by components of the suspension system and tires help maintain traction with the road.
Uneven tire pressure or wear, worn ball joints, and bent axles can all cause shaking while you drive.
Does a Gear Shift Start the Shakes? Your Transmission Fluid May Be Low
When your vehicle shifts gears, does it shake or grind? Normally, each gear shift should feel smooth and easy with no abrupt sounds. If instead, you notice grinding, hesitation, shaking, vibration, or any other changes in how your car shifts gears, it may mean there’s a problem with the transmission. Most commonly, this can be low transmission fluid, though that can also grow into a larger issue.
Have your transmission fluid checked and replaced, if necessary — and if that doesn’t fix the problem, your mechanic may need to look for worn or damaged components.
Only from the Steering Wheel? There May Be A Steering System Issue
Does the vibration seem to only happen with the steering wheel? If so, it may be an issue with the steering or suspension systems. When tires are out of alignment, the wheel bearings are worn, or there are faulty components in either the suspension or steering systems. The vibration may happen consistently or only when turning your vehicle. Let your mechanic know about the timing of when you notice a vibration in the steering wheel to help point them in the right direction for diagnostics and repairs.
Sudden Shaking During Acceleration? It Could Be Engine Misfires
Does your vehicle suddenly shake when you press the gas pedal? That shaking you feel may be jerking and hesitation from engine misfires. Most commonly, engine misfires happen due to worn or faulty spark plugs, though it could also mean there’s an issue with fuel delivery, sensors, or the ignition. The best way to stop engine misfires in their tracks is to have key components of the engine inspected.
Schedule an engine tune-up and your mechanic will be able to check and replace faulty spark plugs, adjust the idle speed, and ensure your car’s engine runs smoothly again.
Got the Shakes? Smooth Out Your Ride By Visiting AAMCO
Don’t let shaking or vibration slow your roll. Get back to a smooth, enjoyable ride each time you sit behind the wheel by visiting your local AAMCO Chester mechanics. We’ll help accurately diagnose and handle any repairs your vehicle may need so that you can drive with confidence again. Schedule your appointment with us online today!