Is your car shaking while you’re driving it? Several issues can cause that; some of which are an indicator of a bigger problem.
First things first: if your car is vibrating in the winter, take it to a car wash. Sometimes, the snow and ice will freeze on the wheels and cause a shake. Washing the car will remove the debris and (hopefully) stop the shaking.
If the car continues to vibrate, the issue is likely mechanical in nature. Here are five common reasons your car is shaking while driving!
1. Unbalanced Tires
If the vibrations pick up once you start speeding, your car’s tires might be out of balance. To confirm this, check your tires for uneven patterns. If you see them, take your shaking car to an auto repair shop for tire balancing.
There’s also a chance your tires are simply underinflated. Tires without enough air in them will face variable pressure, which can cause vibrations. This can lead to a dangerous driving experience at high speeds.
2. Bent Axle or Drive Shaft
Have you recently been in a fender-bender? If so, there’s a chance your vehicle now has a bent axle. You can tell this is the case if your car starts shaking at 40-50 mph, with vibrations increasing at higher speeds.
If vibrations are occurring during low-speed driving, check your drive shaft. A bent drive shaft will cause the car to shake and make it seem like you’re driving through mud.
3. Shifted Tire Belt
As far as vehicle problems go, a shifted or broken tire belt is fairly common. When a belt shifts or breaks, it will change the shape of the tire. As a result, they’ll cause vibrations that you’ll feel through the wheel.
Belts can shift for many reasons, from poor durability to wear caused by driving on rough roads. Again, your best bet is to pinpoint the cause of vibrations by getting the tires balanced.
4. Rattling Engine
Many shaking vehicles will also have rattling engines. The most common engine issue involves faulty spark plugs. If your car starts to shake when you hit a certain speed, your spark plugs likely aren’t creating enough power.
A worn-out spark plug could cause the cylinders in the engine to misfire at any time. In this situation, it’s best to take your car to a well-reviewed auto shop as soon as possible.
5. Faulty Brakes
If you tend to use force when braking, the brake rotors will eventually start to overheat. This will cause them to become warped and dig into brake pads. Eventually, this will cause vibration every time you apply the brake.
A car may also shake while braking due to a faulty brake caliper. You can confirm this by smelling a burning odor every time the car stops. The longer you go on without fixing the car, the less effective your brakes will be.
Car Is Shaking While Driving: What to Do?
As you can see, there are plenty of reasons for a car to shake. The one thing all these issues have in common is that they require urgent care. Otherwise, they could threaten the car’s endurance and your safety.
If your car is shaking while driving, bring it to our experts at RNS Service! Contact us here to find out why we’ve been in business since 1977!
Owen Stoller is a third-generation member of the Stoller family and serves as a Service Advisor at RNS Service in Orrville, Ohio. Carrying on a family tradition that began in 1977, Owen is committed to helping customers make informed decisions about their vehicles through honest communication, technical expertise, and a genuine commitment to their safety.
With five years of professional automotive experience, Owen has earned Master ASE Certification, including the prestigious ASE C1 Service Consultant certification. His combination of technical knowledge and customer service expertise allows him to bridge the gap between the repair shop and the vehicle owner, ensuring every customer understands their vehicle's needs and can make confident maintenance and repair decisions.
Owen earned his bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management from The University of Akron, bringing a strong foundation in operations, organization, and problem-solving to the family business. He is passionate about continuous learning and regularly studies leadership to better serve both the RNS Service team and the customers who rely on them.
As the grandson of RNS Service founder Bob Stoller and the son of Jeff Stoller, Owen is proud to continue the values that have defined the business for nearly 50 years: integrity, quality workmanship, and treating every customer like family. He believes that auto repair is about more than fixing vehicles—it's about building lasting relationships based on trust and helping keep families safe on the road.
Outside the shop, Owen has been married to his wife, Carissa, for five years, and together they are raising their three children, Tucker, Wesley, and their youngest. Family life keeps him busy, whether he's hobby farming, making maple syrup, dreaming up new projects and ideas, or simply spending time with his children. Those same values of hard work, stewardship, and community continue to shape the way he serves customers every day at RNS Service.