My Car Shakes When Idling: Why?

Is Your Car Shaking After New Tires?

If you got different tires recently, then the car vibrating could be caused by the wheels and tires not getting balanced correctly. Balancing the tires makes sure the weight is evenly distributed for the most peaceful ride possible. If you feel the tire shuddering while you are driving, it might be an unbalanced tire. If you can confirm that the tires are properly balanced, but the car is still shuddering, ensure the tires are inflated to the correct air pressure, and check to make sure the lugnuts are completely tightened and make sure the tire pressure is correct. If you find that your tires are causing the vibration, you should have them checked out immediately.

My Steering Wheel Shakes

If the car shakes when braking, that is a pretty obvious gauge that you should have the brakes checked out. The most likely reason for your steering wheel shudder is worn brake rotors. When a driver pushes down on the brake pedal, brake pads compress against the brake rotors to create friction which will then bring your car to a stop. If you want smooth braking, you must have a smooth brake rotor surface. A warped surface will cause shudders when braking, kind of like how a brick road feels rougher than a highway. Other potential causes of the shaking include stuck calipers or damaged shocks. If you notice your steering wheel begin to wobble, bring it to us, and we’ll check it out.

Why is My Car Shaking in Idle?

If a vehicle is shuddering before you ever start driving, then you probably have broken parts. The most obvious causes of your vehicle shaking in idle are:

The Driveshaft has Broken – If damaged or not perfectly balanced, it could cause shudders
CV joints That Have Failed – Working together with the driveshaft, cv joints get the power from the engine to the wheels and tires and, if they are failing, can be the cause of the vehicle shaking.
Broken Engine Mounts – As the name suggests, these components help secure the engine to the vehicle. If they are worn or broken, it can allow the engine to engine vibrate under the hood.

If you have noticed a new vibration in your car, then bring it in, and we’ll inspect it and diagnose the problem. Our skilled techs will find the cause of the shudder and get you back on the road.