Is Your Vehicle Shaking?
Are you on an amusement ride each time you drive your vehicle? These aren’t the Good Vibrations, the Beach Boys we’re talking about. If you’re experiencing this problem, you’re probably wondering why its happening and if there’s something you can do to make it stop.
There are several reasons why your vehicle is shaking and we’re naming the top 3.
We always recommend to speak with our trained service advisors at our Tire & Auto Center at Quick Lane at Hacienda Ford!
Tires
The most common reason for a car to shake is usually related to tires and there are many reasons why your tires could be causing your shaking and wobbling every time you start driving.
- Tire Rotation – The most common cause of vehicle shakes at 50 m.p.h. or higher is tire balance. You will need to rotate your tires if they are wearing unevenly.  This causes the balance of your vehicle to get thrown off and make your vehicle shake!
- Tire Tread – Old, worn out tires can also be the cause of vibration. If you haven’t rotated your tires, this can cause your tire tread to wear out quickly making your tire’s lifespan shorter than average. You can click here to learn how to check your tire tread with a penny!
- Bent Rim – Potholes are evil, especially for your rims. If your vehicle is shaking for most of the time and the vibration can be felt in the steering wheel or seats (depending on which wheel is bent) , it could be because you have a bent rim. Bent rims can happen because of a pothole or driving over a curb. Bent rims can cause decreased fuel efficiency and poor handling.
- Brakes – Does your vehicle shake intensify when you apply the brakes? The issue might be that your vehicle is adapting to warped brake rotor(s). The rotor can get bent out of shape due to normal wear and tear. Sometimes instead of being uniformly flat all the way across, a deformed rotor is raised or lowered on part of its surface. The calipers and brake pads which are what squeeze the brake rotors to make the car stop care not able to get a proper grip on a warped rotor creating the vibration.
Engine Problems
Shakes from your vehicle can be due to engine problems. Sometimes a shake or shudder will originate from the engine because the engine isn’t getting the proper amount of air, fuel or spark that it needs to run smoothly. If this is the case, you’ll notice the following symptoms:
- Staccato shaking within a particular speed range. (It feels like you’re driving over those speed rumbling strips)
- Jerking and shuddering when you press on the accelerator.
- Your car probably will start ok and drive fine for a bit but eventually will start shaking after a while.
Any of these symptoms might indicate that its time to change your spark plugs or dirty air filter.
Power Steering Problems
Are you feeling shaking or vibration only when you turn your steering wheel? One hint that it might be the power steering is if the vibration is also felt if you turn your wheel while the vehicle is in park. Look at the power steering system’s hoses to see if there any visible leaks and check the reservoir to see if the power steering fluid needs to be topped off.
More than Just Oil Changes
Our service advisors and technicians at Quick Lane at Hacienda Ford are skilled in multiple services including tire rotation, brake services, alternators, batteries, belts and hoses and more. We service all makes and models with no appointment necessary!
At your Quick Lane at Hacienda Ford, we are ready to serve in any way we can. Give us a call or come drop by. We are located at 211 S. McColl Road in Edinburg, Texas.
