Feeling your car shake when you accelerate can be quite alarming. It’s not only uncomfortable but also a sign that something might be wrong with your vehicle.
However, when the shaking stops as soon as you let off the gas and coast, it can be confusing.
This article will help you understand why your car shakes when accelerating but not when coasting, and what you can do about it.
Common Causes of Car Shaking When Accelerating
Several issues can cause your car to shake when you press the gas pedal. Let’s fin out some of the most common reasons.
1. Worn Out Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are small but essential parts of your car’s engine. They ignite the fuel-air mixture in the engine, creating the explosion that powers your car. Over time, spark plugs can wear out or get dirty, causing them to misfire. The misfire can make your car shake when you accelerate.
Solution: Replace the old spark plugs with new ones.
2. Unbalanced Tires
Tires need to be balanced to ensure a smooth ride. If your tires are not balanced, you might feel vibrations, especially when you accelerate. It can happen if the weights on your tires fall off or if the tires wear unevenly.
Solution: Take your car to a mechanic to get the tires balanced. They will add weights to the tires to ensure even distribution, which should stop the shaking.
3. Damaged Inner CV Joint
The CV (Constant Velocity) joint connects the transmission to the wheels and allows for smooth power transfer. If the inner CV joint is damaged, you might feel vibrations when you accelerate.
Solution: A damaged CV joint needs to be replaced, which is a more complex repair and should be done by a professional mechanic.
4. Bent Axle or Driveshaft
If your car has been in an accident or hit a curb hard, the axle or driveshaft might be bent. It can cause vibrations when you accelerate.
Solution: A bent axle or driveshaft needs to be inspected and replaced by a professional. Driving with a bent component can cause further damage to your vehicle.
5. Stuck Brake Calipers
Brake calipers can sometimes get stuck, causing friction even when you’re not braking. It can also make your car shake when you accelerate.
Solution: Have a mechanic check the brake calipers. They might need to be repaired or replaced.
6. Bad Motor Mounts
Motor mounts hold the engine in place and absorb vibrations. If the motor mounts are worn out or broken, the engine’s vibrations can cause the car to shake when you accelerate.
Solution: Replacing bad motor mounts will fix this issue. It is another repair that should be done by a professional.
Diagnosing the Problem
If your car shakes when you accelerate but not when you coast, it’s important to diagnose the problem correctly. Here are some steps you can take:
- Listen for Noises: Pay attention to any unusual noises when the car shakes. Different sounds can indicate different issues.
- Check the Tires: Look at your tires for signs of uneven wear or damage. Also, check if the wheel weights are still in place.
- Inspect the Engine: identify issues with the motor mounts or spark plugs, open the hood and see if the engine shakes when the car is idling.
- Use a Diagnostic Tool: If your car has a check engine light on, use an OBD-2 scanner to read the error codes as it can give you a clue about what’s wrong.
When to See a Mechanic
While some issues can be fixed at home, others require professional help. If you’re not sure what’s causing the shaking or if the problem seems serious, it’s best to see a mechanic. Driving with a shaking car can be dangerous, so it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible.