Why Is Your Car Shaking? Understanding Common Causes and How to Fix Them

The simple and obvious answer to, “Why is my car shaking?” is that your suspension or brakes are worn out. But there are several other reasons why this might be happening. Understanding what it means when your car starts shaking and how you can fix it will save you time and money (and make you feel like a pro).

If your car is shaking while driving, it could be caused by worn struts, shocks, damaged brakes, bad wheel hubs or CV joints, or bent wheels or tires. Learn the common causes and how to fix them in this comprehensive guide. Save time and money by understanding what it means when your car starts shaking and how to fix it like a pro.

 Problem #1: Worn Struts
Struts are the suspension components that control your car's height, and they're usually made of rubber or metal. If they wear out and break, your car will be lower to the ground and feel like it's shaking when you drive over bumps in the road--this is called "shock absorber failure." 

The symptoms of worn struts include:

1. The front end of your vehicle sags when it's parked on an incline;
2. You hear a rattling sound coming from under the hood when driving;
3. Your steering wheel vibrates during acceleration or braking.

Problem #2: Worn Shocks
If your car is shaking, it could be that the shocks are worn out. Shocks are what make your car ride smooth, much like a spring that absorbs shocks. They should be replaced when they start to wear out; if you notice any leaks or breaks in them as well, then it's time for new ones!

Problem #3: Damaged Brakes
If your car is shaking, it could be due to a problem with the brakes. Brakes are a major component of your vehicle's suspension system and steering system. They also help control the drivetrain of your car, which is why it's important that they work properly at all times. If you suspect that this might be causing an issue for you and your vehicle, here are some things you can do:

Check for leaks or other signs of damage on each wheel rim (the part where the tire sits). If there are any cracks in this area, then it may be time for new rims altogether!

Have someone else look at them as well--they might have seen something different than what was visible from where we were standing when we looked at them earlier today when we were driving down Highway 4 during rush hour traffic!

Problem #4: A bad wheel hub or CV joints
What's happening: The drive shaft connects the engine to your car's wheels, but it doesn't do so directly. Instead, it uses a series of CV joints that connect to each other and allow for movement between them.

As you drive around town, these joints are constantly spinning as they transfer power from one end of your vehicle to another. Over time, however, they can wear out and become loose--which means that instead of working smoothly together like they should be doing all day long (and night), they begin bouncing around as though they were two pieces of metal banging against each other in an endless game of pinball machine roulette.

This causes a vibration in one part or another on your vehicle (usually at speeds above 20 mph) which feels like shaking underneath you when it happens--and makes driving unpleasant at best!

Problem #5: Bent Wheels or Cracked Rims
If your car is shaking, it's possible that one or more of your wheels are bent. This can happen for a number of reasons:

If you hit a curb or pothole and don't notice it immediately. The impact might not be enough to cause any obvious damage on the outside of the vehicle, but if the wheel is not straightened properly afterward then there may be internal damage to both its alignment and suspension system that will cause problems down the road.

If you hit a curb or pothole and then drive on that wheel for some time afterward without noticing anything wrong until after several miles have passed by in which case all sorts of other issues could arise (such as flat tires).

Problem #6: Bent Tires and Wheels
If your car is shaking, it's possible that the wheels or tires are bent. Bent wheels can be caused by hitting a curb, pothole or other obstacle. They can also be the result of hitting another car in an accident.

If you've hit a curb or other obstacle with your wheel and feel vibrations while driving over bumps, then it's likely that one of your tires needs to be replaced as well as its corresponding wheel (if not both).

Problem #7: Your car is shaking because there is an issue with the suspension or brakes.
The suspension is the system that supports the car's weight and absorbs shock, while brakes stop it. There are many components involved in these processes: tires, wheels, hubs, CV joints and shocks/struts. These parts can wear out over time and cause your vehicle to shake when you drive it down the road.

What to Do When Your Car Shakes and You're Stuck on the Road
If your car starts shaking while you're driving, it can be a scary and dangerous situation. It's important to stay calm and take the right steps to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. Here's what to do if your car starts shaking while you're driving:

Pull over to a safe location: If you're on a busy road, try to pull over to a safe location as quickly as possible. Turn on your hazard lights and make sure your car is visible to other drivers.

Check your car: Once you've pulled over, check your car for any visible damage or signs of a flat tire. If you see any issues that you can fix, like a flat tire, and have the necessary tools, you can attempt to fix it yourself. However, if you're unsure about what's causing the shaking, it's best to call for help.

Call for help: If you're unable to fix the issue yourself, call a reliable towing company like West Sacramento Towing Company for assistance. We offer free quotes and our team of experienced professionals will quickly assess the situation and provide you with the best solution.

Stay safe: While you're waiting for help to arrive, make sure you stay safe. Stay inside your car with your seatbelt fastened and your hazard lights on. If you need to get out of your car, make sure to do so on the side away from traffic.

Don't let a shaking car ruin your day or put you in danger. If you're in the West Sacramento CA area and need help, call West Sacramento Towing Company for fast and reliable service. Remember, we offer free quotes, so you can have peace of mind knowing what to expect.

Conclusion
In conclusion, it's important to know the different causes of car shaking. If you notice that your vehicle is shaking, it could be caused by worn struts or shocks. If so, then it will need to be replaced with new ones before driving again. You should also have an inspection done by a mechanic if your brakes are making noise because they may need attention as well (such as new pads). FInd a safe spot to park, and Call for professional help.