Why Is My Car Shaking?

For those of you who drive an aging vehicle, a high mileage vehicle, or drive a vehicle that you purchased used recently, you’ll want to read this blog post. Because one of the most commonly asked question for people in these situations is, “why is my car shaking?”.

It can suddenly come on out of the blue, or it can start as a slight vibration, and slowly worsen over time.

Additionally, it could have been present at the time that you bought your vehicle if you purchased used. However, the issue that the previous owner thought it was might not actually be the problem.

What Makes a Car Suddenly Shake?

Most vehicles don’t typically start shaking suddenly and without warning. That’s not to say that it doesn’t happen at all, but it’s just not as common as a progressive shake that has evolved over time.

From bad brakes to a faulty sway bar to even something as simple as tire or wheel damage; we’ll discuss in detail what the most common causes of a car shaking are and what to do about it in today’s blog post.

We are a professional scrap car removal company that has been buying scrap cars across the Lower Mainland since 2005. We have seen and hear it all when it comes to mechanical failures and defects. And today, we’ll share some of the knowledge and experience with you.

What Is My Car Shaking When Driving?

When it comes to shaking on a vehicle, it’s not so much the severity of the shake that helps a mechanic determine what is causing it, as it is when the shake is happening.

Because if your vehicle is shaking only when you brake, that could signal worn, damaged, or malfunctioning brake systems.

But if your vehicle is shaking when you accelerate, that could imply that the transmission is struggling, the engine isn’t secure, and a whole host of other problems.

The Most Common Causes of Car Vibrations

With such a plethora of causes of vehicle vibrations, shaking, and shuddering, we’ve broken down which issues you may be experiencing, and what can cause it below.

1. Car Shaking When Idling

Aging vehicles, like the ones we buy across the Lower Mainland, have a natural tendency to shake or vibrate when idling.

This is due in part to worn engine components and tired transmissions, but it can also signal a deeper and more costly repair that is on the horizon.

The Most Common Causes of Your Car Shaking When Idling Include:

• Loose or damaged engine mounts
• Malfunctioning idle control valve
• Miscellaneous vacuum leaks
• Worn spark plugs (should be changed approximately every 150,000 kms)
• Failing fuel pump
• Malfunction throttle position sensor
• Dirty fuel injectors
• Damaged or worn belts
• Clogged fuel filter
• Faulty camshaft timing

As you can see, there are many different reasons that your vehicle will shake, shuddering, or vibrate while sitting at idle. It could be something minor, or something more in depth.

The best way to determine what you’re dealing with is to have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic like the good people at Hudson Automotive in Langley, BC.

2. Car Shaking When Accelerating

If the shaking you’re feeling only happens when you’re accelerating, it could be one of several different causes. And these issues are particularly common amongst older or high mileage vehicles.

Possible Causes of Car Shaking When Accelerating Include:

• Wheels not balanced
• CV joint damage or failure
• Engine issues like misfires or worn engine mounts
• Driveshaft malfunction
• Failing transmission
• Damaged tires or wheels (or both)
• Suspension issues
• Sway bar issues

The most common problems we see as a scrap car buyer that cause vehicle vibration or shaking when accelerating are failing transmissions, failing engines, or suspension problems.

And when that happens on an older vehicle, many Lower Mainland residents turn to the scrap car removal services of More Cash For Scrap instead of doing a costly repair.

3. Car Shaking When Braking

If you’re noticing that your vehicle is shaking when you’re braking, the most likely cause is, you guessed it, your brakes!

Because any issue that happens when you apply the brake, typically means that something within your brake system is malfunctioning or failing. And the most common cause of shaking when braking on a car is bad, worn, or damaged rotors.

Additionally, it can also be due some of the following:

• Extremely worn brake pads
• Suspension issues
• A poor wheel alignment
• A seized brake caliper
• Tires with cupping, bulging, or minimal tread

If your vehicle is shaking when braking, the cost to repair it is likely more inexpensive than if it were shaking upon acceleration or idle.

However, complete brake jobs or major suspension work can be costly in some cases, depending on the type of vehicle you drive, and its age.

4. Car Shaking When I Turn

If you’re noticing that your vehicle shakes when you’re turning corners, it could be something as simple as a bumpy road, unfilled potholes, or even the desperate need for a wheel alignment.

However, it could also signal a much bigger issue, or multiple issues, that need to be properly addressed by a professional mechanic.

Most Common Causes of Car Shaking When Turning Include:

• Suspension problems
• Damaged, worn, or over inflated tires
• Damaged wheels
• Failing CV axle
• Poor wheel alignment
• Limited or no traction (on slippery roads)
• Steering system malfunction
• Extremely bumpy roadways

No matter what the reason for your vehicle shaking, it’s always a good idea to have it inspected by professional to rule out any potential safety risks.

This is especially common with older vehicles or vehicles with high mileage. Which is why many Lower Mainland residents choose to scrap their car with us instead of doing costly repairs.

Cash for Scrap Cars with Mechanical Failure

It can be stressful having a vehicle that’s got mechanical issues, electrical problems, or even rising maintenance costs that are equal, or even more than, a monthly new car payment.

Fortunately, we pay MORE cash for scrap cars in ANY condition. And we do so while providing free towing and same day scrap car removal.

Our junk car buyers operate throughout Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. So, no matter where your vehicle is when it reaches its expiry date, we can help.

What Types of Scrap Automobiles Do We Buy?

At More Cash For Scrap, we are passionate about buying junk vehicles of every make, model, and year, and in any condition.

Whether you’ve mangled your Mazda in a major collision, or need to junk your Jeep from too much off-roading, we’ll buy it and we’ll offer you MORE cash for scrap cars than the other guys.

Our experience scrap car removal team even purchases scrap commercial vehicles, out of province automobiles that have failed the BC vehicle inspection, and vehicles that were written off by ICBC.

Contact Our Vancouver Scrap Car Buyers Today!

Getting an instant cash offer on any scrap automobile in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley is easy. You just need to pick up the phone or send a quick message to one of our dedicated team members.

We are happy to answer any questions you might have about our scrap car removal process. And we’ll do so while providing the best customer service possible. Because we want you to feel like you are MORE than just a number!

So, if you want to scrap your car for fast cash in the Lower Mainland, scrap it with More Cash For Scrap. We offer MORE customer service, MORE flexible scrap car pickup times, and we pay MORE cash for scrap cars than the other guys!