Why Is My Car Shaking?

When you're behind the wheel, the sudden shaking of your automobile can be a very scary and alarming situation to be in. Anything out of the ordinary can be cause for concern when it comes to safety, so Crown Nissan of Decatur encourages you to make an appointment with our expert team of technicians if you experience something like your vehicle shaking or vibrations in the steering wheel. Here are some of the different things we'll look at when we inspect your vehicle.

Engine

Spark plugs are one of the first parts of your engine that we'll look at. If they aren't firing correctly, this can cause some vibrations or shaking (depending on what type of vehicle you have). It's important to note, your spark plugs usually near their end of life around 90,000 miles. After we check the spark plugs out, we'll check to see if your engine's air filter needs to be changed. A clogged filter can prevent adequate airflow, resulting in shaking.

Brakes and Rotors

Your brakes and rotors will wear out over time, thanks to the regular use of your vehicle. You may find that the front brake pads wear out at a faster rate than the rear ones. Since your brake pads have a life expectancy of 50,000 miles, it's a good idea to keep an eye on this time frame when you're a vehicle owner. You can also look at your owner's manual for more information on when you should have brakes and rotors serviced.

Wheel Service

If you're driving on an uneven road surface, you're probably aware of it by way of bumping or vibrations from the road. If you have issues with your wheels, you can expect to feel these same things while you're driving. When you bring in your vehicle, expect inspection and service to your tie rod ends, wheel bearings, and ball joints.

Axles

Axles are used to connect your wheels on each end. Because there are two of these axles on your automobile, one or both of them can become damaged. You can also experience damage to your CV joints and driveshaft. The shaking you're experiencing will likely be worse if it increases with acceleration.

Tires

Tires should be regularly rotated and serviced, but they must be adequately tightened and aligned after this service. We'll also check to see that all four of your tires are filled to the recommended PSI level that has been set by the manufacturer.

If you have recently experienced shaking while driving your vehicle, contact our service department at Crown Nissan of Decatur for more information on an upcoming appointment.