A car that shakes or vibrates may have serious problems that can become safety issues or cause more damage to your vehicle if they're not corrected. Before calling our technicians for diagnostics and repairs, you may be able to determine where the problem is coming from based on the car's symptoms.

Engine

If the car starts shaking when you first start it up, there may be a problem with the engine or transmission. The engine has some smaller components that can contribute to the vibrating sensation you're experiencing. One of the easiest parts you can look at yourself is the air filter. The engine, like the cabin, has an air filter that is designed to remove impurities. In this case, the air filter's role is to keep contaminants such as dirt and dust particles from getting into the engine. This allows clean, oxygenated air to reach the engine and provide sufficient power. The engine's spark plugs, which help supply fuel to the car, can wear out with age, causing excessive vibration as they go.

Tires

Multiple problems coming from the tires can produce shaking. The car may shake if the tires are wearing out unevenly or don't have enough tread left. The tread can also become separated, which usually happens with excess wear. Most vehicles should have their tires rotated about every 5,000 to 6,000 miles. The tires should be checked after a winter of driving over potholes, if you're in an accident, or following a long road trip to ensure they are working correctly and don't have any issues.

Wheels

As with the tires, the wheels on your car can also become damaged from hitting hard or uneven surfaces or if you get into an accident. If the wheels become dented or bent, they can cause the car to vibrate and shake. Smaller components on the wheels can sometimes cause problems, such as the lug nuts. The lug nuts will cause the vehicle to shake if they're not tight enough. You may find that the steering wheel also shakes if there is a problem with the wheels.

Brakes

The brakes may also be the source of the car's shaking issues. The brakes should last for about 50,000 miles on most cars. However, frequently driving in stop-and-go traffic or heavy braking can make them wear out faster. The brakes have several parts, including the brake pads and brake rotors, that can wear out and lead to the shaking you're noticing. Brake-related vibration is usually worse when you depress the brake pedal. Worn brakes might also produce a screeching or metallic sound.

Axles

The car's axles can become dented or get bent out of shape following an accident or a sudden impact such as hitting potholes or curbs. Damaged axles usually cause the car to shake more with acceleration.

Contact our Scottsdale dealership for vehicle diagnostics and repairs today.