You don’t have to be a car expert to know that if your vehicle is shaking, you probably have a problem. If you feel vibrations in the steering wheel when you’re driving, you should take your car in for auto maintenance, but it’ll help if you know what’s causing it. Keeping track of when you notice the most intense vibrations helps diagnose the exact reason for the issue.

Why Is Your Car Vibrating? 

1. Bad Bearings

Your wheel hub bearings are designed to support the weight of your car and keep your wheels turning without friction, but if they aren’t lubricated properly or have endured damage, it can cause your steering wheel to shake. If you have bad bearings, you’ll likely notice the vibration when you’re turning. Sometimes cleaning and applying additional lubrication will eliminate the shaking, but if not, an auto maintenance technician can replace the parts.

2. Issues With Your Brakes

From the brake pads to the rotors and discs, your braking system consists of a variety of parts, and damage to any one of these can cause your car to vibrate. When you have issues with your brakes, the vibrations become more extreme as you’re slowing down.

3. Your Tires Are Out of Balance

The more you drive, the more likely it is for your tires to get out of balance. Once this happens, the weight is no longer distributed evenly, causing your car to vibrate. It becomes most noticeable when you’re driving at high speeds, typically starting at 50 to 55 miles per hour.

4. Problems With Your Axles

If you start to notice your car shaking after being in a car accident or having a mishap on the road, you might have damaged one or both of your axles. Bent or dented axles will throw off the alignment in your wheels and cause your car to vibrate. A clear sign damaged axles are the culprit is if the shaking intensifies the more you accelerate.

5. Engine Problems

Sometimes the vehicle vibrates all the time, making it tougher to single out a root cause. Constant shaking could indicate you have engine problems and require auto maintenance. When you take your car in, the auto mechanic should check both your spark plugs and the engine’s air filter, as both of these issues hinder your engine’s performance and could cause the vehicle to shake. 

 

If your car is shaking or vibrating while you’re on the road, turn to the professionals at Brothers Tire Sales in Kannapolis, NC. With more than 200 years of combined experience, their auto maintenance technicians specialize in brake service, tire service, oil changes, and wheel alignments, and they’ll ensure your car is safe — and comfortable — to drive. They also carry a wide selection of tires from leading manufacturers including BFGoodrich® and Michelin® if it’s time for new wheels. Schedule an appointment today by calling (704) 933-2203 or visit them online to learn more about their services.