Have you ever experienced your car shaking when you step on the gas pedal, but it runs smoothly when you coast? This issue can be quite unsettling, especially if you’re driving on the highway.
The modern automobile is an engineering marvel. With so many moving parts and electronic sensors, it’s no wonder that problems can arise. The most frustrating issues can occur when your car starts to shake or vibrate, especially when accelerating.
There are several reasons why your car shakes when you accelerate, and it’s essential to identify the root cause before the problem worsens. Ignoring this issue could lead to more significant problems, such as engine damage, costly repairs, or even a crash. In this article, we’ll explore seven potential causes and what you can do to remedy them.
Reasons Why Car Shakes When Accelerating But Not When Coasting
Worn-out Motor Mounts
A damaged motor mount is the primary and most frequent cause of an automobile shaking when accelerating but not while coasting. If the mount is damaged or not connected firmly, it can easily cause shaking. If you speed, you will sense this shaking, but if you coast, you won’t notice it. If the quantity does not cause the defective components, you must proceed down the list to identify the issue.
Damaged CV Joint
The CV joint is often the cause of many shaking issues. The CV joint, which connects to the car’s wheel, ought to constantly be in good condition. You will start to notice some shaking behaviours when this joint is worn down or has some issues, especially when accelerating.
The CV joint can become damaged for various causes, including dirt and pollutants penetrating the part and causing it to wear out more quickly than usual. When insufficient lubrication, you can also experience CV joint issues; in this case, your mechanic may lube the CV joint to fix the problem.
Brake Calliper Stuck
Inspect the brake calliper if you cannot identify what is causing the shaking problem. The brake calliper can become caught or jammed for various reasons, and in these circumstances, you may experience general vehicle trembling that ends whenever you coast.
You need to speak with the mechanic before determining why the brake calliper became stuck; numerous potential causes include the calliper’s age and any foreign matter or contaminants. However, determining the probable culprits is easier if your mechanic conducts a thorough inspection.
Unstable Bearings
A car may shake due to a loose bearing when accelerating but not coasting. As a result, check the bearings to determine if they are loose or improperly attached as you search for potentially defective parts.
Any loose or damaged bearings need to be fixed immediately to avoid causing other issues that will be extremely expensive to solve. On occasion, it might even affect the whole car.
Defective Spark Plugs
Have you ever considered how easily malfunctioning spark plugs might cause your car to shake? Yes! These spark plugs provide the engine with the necessary spark at the proper moment, causing the air and fuel mixture to ignite.
The car’s ability to generate power will be impacted if the spark is not supplied promptly, which might easily result in scenarios where your vehicle cannot drive or generate any power.
However, because your car has multiple spark plugs, dealing with a bad one can affect performance but will only render you powerless if you disregard them or experience issues with most of them.
Tips to Fix the Problem
Check Your Tires
One common reason your car might shake when accelerating is uneven tire wear or a lost wheel weight. This can cause the wheels to lose balance and generate vibrations at higher speeds.
Therefore, first, you should check your tires for signs of wear, misalignment or damaged wheel weights. You can also take your car to a mechanic who can help you diagnose the issue and recommend specific solutions.
Inspect Your Suspension and Steering System
Your car’s suspension and steering system can also be a potential culprit for shaky rides. A worn-out shock absorber, strut, or bushings can cause the car to wobble at high speeds. Steering components such as tie rods, ball joints, and bearings can also be the reason behind the problem. If you notice any issues, don’t hesitate to take your car to a professional mechanic to inspect and replace the defective parts. This will not only improve your ride quality but will also ensure your safety on the road.
Fuel and Fuel Delivery System
Another potential cause of a shaky car could be a problem with your fuel or fuel delivery system. This could be due to issues like clogged fuel filters, dirty fuel injectors, or a malfunctioning fuel pump, which can cause the engine to struggle under acceleration.
In this case, you might need to take your car to an experienced mechanic who can check and clean the fuel system as required.
Check Your Engine Mounts
Engine mounts are designed to hold the engine in place and prevent it from vibrating excessively. Worn-out engine mounts can cause the engine to shake, especially when accelerating at high speeds.
If you suspect the engine mounts cause the problem, ask your mechanic to inspect them and replace them if necessary.
The Bottom Line
If your car shakes when accelerating but not when coasting, it can be quite an annoying problem to deal with. But, following the tips outlined above, you can diagnose and solve the issue effectively.
Feel free to seek professional help if the issue persists or if you need more confidence in handling the problem yourself. A safe, smooth ride always starts with a well-maintained vehicle.