In this blog entry, the Chicago vehicle recovery and Chicago roadside assistance team here at Chicago Towing will detail the top issues that cause cars to experience shaking movements.

Brake Issues

Brake problems are the most common cause of shaking cars. If your car shakes or trembles during braking, the brake pads and rotor need to be replaced. If your car shakes when you accelerate above 50 MPH or if you smell a burning odor when accelerating, the issue is likely a stuck brake caliper.

Tire Problems

Irregular tread wear causes car trembling that begins at constant speed and gets worse as the car speeds up. Loose or improperly balanced tires can also cause vibration. Tire issues should be handled ASAP, as they can cause serious accidents.

Suspension System Issues

If the shaking is largely occurring in the steering wheel it’s likely caused by a faulty suspension system. This issue is usually caused by bearings, ball joints, struts, or shock absorbers, and needs to be professionally handled as soon as possible in order to avoid seriously dangerous potential accidents.

Loose Nuts

It’s possible that mechanics may have forgotten to tighten nuts when working on your vehicle. This causes wheel shaking, and can actually cause a great deal of danger.

Spark Plug Issues

Spark plugs can get worn out or jammed. This issue is hard to identify. Spark plug issue related car shaking usually occurs when the accelerator is floored, but it can be hard to distinguish from shaking caused by low transmission fuel, broken engine mounts, or bent driveshafts. Contact a professional towing service team for assistance.

Low Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid, along with lubricant, provides hydraulic pressure that helps the internal parts of your vehicle to properly function. When transmission fluid runs too low, your vehicle will begin to tremble at particular speeds. This can cause permanent damage to vehicle transmission when not handled in a timely fashion.

Driveshaft and Axle Problems

Sometimes, car driveshafts start to bend. This bending causes serious trembling or vibration when accelerating. Driving over rough earth with tons of rocks can also hurt your vehicle axle, bending it, and causing vibrations.