Recently, you noticed that your car shakes as you drive it down the road or perhaps when you stop at a light. At first, the shaking was barely noticeable, you thought that maybe you imagined it; now, your vehicle vibrates violently every time you take it out and you’re very concerned.
So, why is your car shaking on the road? Unfortunately, there’s not just one answer. Many different issues can cause an automobile to begin shaking as you drive in Minnesota. These are some of the most common reasons that your car might be shaking on the road.
Common Causes of Vehicle Shaking
- Damaged or Unbalanced Tires – Of all the parts of your car, your tires suffer perhaps the most wear and tear as you drive around Minnesota. It’s important to get your tires replaced regularly to keep them from being worn dangerously low but even new tires can become damaged or unbalanced. Did you hit a curb or a big pothole shortly before your car started shaking? If so, damaged tires are almost certainly the culprit. Even if you didn’t hit something recently, tires can become unbalanced over time, resulting in your whole car shaking.
- Warped Brake Rotors – Does your vehicle shake the most violently when you try to brake? That means your brake rotors have been warped. When brake rotors are warped out of shape, they will begin to grind against your brake pads, causing the shaking that you feel every time you stop. Brake rotors and brake pads should both be changed roughly every 80,000 miles to prevent this problem from occurring.
- Worn CV Axle or Bent Driveshaft – Your car’s driveshaft and CV (constant velocity) axle transfer power from the engine to the wheels. Damage to either of these components can negatively affect your vehicle’s performance and result in shaking. If your car’s shaking problem is not being caused by issues with your tires or brakes, it’s probably being caused by a bent driveshaft or a worn-down CV axle.
- Low Transmission Fluid – Is your car shaking the most when it accelerates? Then the problem is probably a lack of transmission fluid. When your transmission fluid levels dip too low, the first sign will usually be shaking during acceleration accompanied by a loud noise. If this happens, be sure to refill your transmission fluid immediately, as continuing to drive at low levels could result in critical damage to your automobile’s transmission. If your transmission fluid is leaking, you may need to bring the car to a mechanic for repairs.
- Steering & Suspension Issues – If none of the above reasons are culprits in your vehicle’s shaking, then the issue most likely lies with your steering and suspension systems. Leaking power steering fluid, loose bearings or ball joints, damaged shock absorbers and faulty tie rods are all problems that can result in your vehicle shaking when you drive, especially when turning. Make sure to have your vehicle’ steering and suspension systems regularly inspected at an auto repair shop in Minnesota to prevent these problems from occurring.
The West Twin Cities’ Most Trusted Auto Repair Shop
If you can’t diagnose the problem that’s causing your vehicle to shake or you have no idea how to fix it, then it’s time to bring your car in for servicing at a reputable local auto repair shop. Reach out to Arvu Auto today for top-tier vehicle repair services in the West Minneapolis metro!
