If your car shakes at idle but smooths out while driving, you know how confusing it can be. You might be wondering what’s wrong with your car and whether or not you should take it to the mechanic.
Car shaking while idling could indicate a problem with your engine mounts. Engine mounts are designed to keep your engine in place and minimize vibration. If they’re worn out or damaged, they can cause your engine to shake excessively. Sometimes, this can also cause your car to make strange noises.
In this blog post, we’ll explain what’s happening and provide tips on addressing the issue. Keep reading to learn more!
What Does It Mean When Your Car Vibrates?
When your car vibrates, it means that there is a problem with the engine, tires, or suspension:
- If you feel vibrations coming from the engine, it could be a sign of an issue with the motor mounts or the engine itself.
- If the vibrations come from the tires, it could be due to problems with the treads or alignment.
- If you feel vibrations in the steering wheel or seat, it could be a sign of a problem with the suspension.
What Can Cause A Car To Shake At Idle But Smooths Out While Driving?
There are a few different things that could be causing your car to shake at idle but smooth out while driving. It could be an issue with your engine mounts, spark plugs, fuel injectors, and a few more components. Let’s have a closer look at each:
Faulty Motor Mounts
If your car’s motor mounts are damaged or broken, it can cause the engine to shake excessively while idling. However, once you start driving, the engine will be better supported and stop shaking. Depending on the severity of the problem, it can cost upwards of $500 to replace motor mounts.
Damaged Spark Plugs
A damaged spark plug can also cause your car to shake while idling. This is because the spark plug is responsible for igniting the fuel in the engine, and if it’s damaged, the ignition process will be less efficient.
The cost to replace spark plugs will vary depending on the make and model of your car, as well as the type of spark plug you need. In most cases, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $100 for new spark plugs. However, if your car has a particularly high-performance engine, the cost could be closer to $400.
Blocked Fuel Injectors
Fuel injectors can become blocked over time, causing a restriction in fuel flow to the engine. This can cause the engine to shake, particularly at idle when there’s less fuel being delivered to the engine.
The cost of replacement injectors will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle but can range from $600 to $12,000.
Broken Or Loose Vacuum Hoses
Vacuum hoses are responsible for carrying air to the engine so it can combust properly. If these hoses are broken or loose, it can cause the engine to shake as it’s not getting enough air. The average cost of vacuum hose replacement is between $200 and $500. This cost will vary depending on the make and model of your car, as well as the location of the vacuum hoses.
Worn Out Timing Belt
The timing belt is responsible for synchronizing the crankshaft and camshaft so the engine valves open and close at the correct time. If the timing belt is worn out, it can cause the car engine to shake as the idle air control valve is not opening and closing at the correct time. One of the most common and expensive car repairs is replacing a worn-out timing belt.
Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, replacing a timing belt can cost anywhere from $300 to $500. That’s a big chunk of change, especially if you’re not prepared for it.
Damaged Intake Airflow Sensor
The intake air temperature sensor measures the temperature of the air going into the engine. If this sensor is damaged, it can cause the engine to shake as it’s not getting the correct information about the air temperature.
The cost to replace a damaged intake airflow sensor will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $400 for the parts and labor involved in this repair.
Defective Throttle Body
The throttle body controls the amount of air that goes into the engine. If it’s defective, it can cause the engine to shake as too much or too little air goes into the engine.
The cost to replace a defective throttle body will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. However, it is typically a fairly inexpensive repair. The average cost to replace a throttle body is between $200 and $400.
Broken Coil Packs
Coil packs are responsible for providing the spark that ignites the fuel in the engine. If they’re broken, it can cause the engine to shake as the spark is not being delivered properly. Fixing a broken coil pack can be expensive, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Expect to pay around $200-$400 for the replacement part and labor.
Damaged Fuel Intake System
The fuel intake system is responsible for Pack’s delivering fuel to the engine. If it’s damaged, it can cause the engine to shake as the fuel is not being delivered properly. The cost of a damaged fuel intake system can vary depending on the severity of the damage. A minor repair may only cost $100-300, while replacement could cost several thousand dollars.
Bad Car Alternator
The alternator is responsible for charging the battery and powering the electrical system. If it’s not working properly, it can cause the engine to shake as the battery is not being charged properly. Bad car alternators can cost a lot of money to fix.
Depending on the problem, you may end up paying for a new alternator, which can be very expensive. If your car’s alternator fails, it can be very expensive to replace. In some cases, the cost of a new alternator can be as high as $1,000 or more.
How To Fix Car Shakes At Idle But Smooth Out While Driving?
It can be pretty unnerving if you’re driving along and your car starts to shake. But don’t worry, you can do a few things to fix the problem.
- First, check your tires. If they’re low on air, that could be the cause of the shaking. You should also check to see if they’re evenly inflated. If one tire is more inflated than the others, that could also cause shaking.
- Another thing to check is your engine mounts. If they’re loose, that can cause shaking as well. You’ll need to tighten them up if they’re loose.
- Finally, if your car is still shaking, it’s time to take it to a mechanic and have them take a look. They’ll be able to diagnose the problem and get your car running smoothly again.
Check Out Fix Rough Car Idle And Main Causes For Shaking Vibrating While Stopped:
FAQs
Is it safe to drive if your car shakes?
Driving with a shaking car can be dangerous and may cause further damage to your vehicle. If you’re unsure what’s causing the shaking, it’s best to err on caution and get your car checked out by a mechanic. Once you know the cause of the shaking, you can take steps to fix the problem and get back on the road safely.
Is it usual for the engine to shake a little?
The engine may shake a little bit when it is first started, but it should smooth out after a short time. If the engine continues to shake, there may be an issue with the motor mounts or other engine components. Have a certified mechanic check it out to be sure.
Is it possible that low oil cause cars to shake?
It’s possible that low oil could cause your car to shake. If your car is low on oil, it might not have enough lubrication to keep all engine parts working properly. This can lead to a lot of vibration, making your car shake.
If you’re concerned that low oil might be causing your car to shake, you should check the oil level and add more if necessary. You should also have your car inspected by a mechanic to ensure there aren’t any other issues causing the shaking.
Can the use of the wrong gear oil cause vibration?
Yes, wrong gear oil can cause vibration. The wrong grade of oil can be too thick or too thin, and both can cause problems. If the oil is too viscous, it can’t flow properly and will cause increased friction. If the oil is too thin, it won’t provide enough lubrication and protection. Either way, this can lead to the gears not meshing properly and cause vibrations.
Is it possible for the transmission to cause the car to shake?
In some cases, transmission problems can cause the car to shake. This is usually due to a problem with the torque converter or the gears within the transmission. You can often fix transmission problems relatively easily, but if left unchecked, they can cause more severe problems down the road.
Can a faulty fan clutch cause vibration?
Yes, a bad fan clutch can cause vibration. The fan clutch is responsible for connecting the fan to the engine, and if it is not working properly, it can cause the fan to vibrate. This can lead to increased wear on the engine and other components and ultimately lead to engine failure.
If you notice any vibration coming from your engine, it is essential to have it checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible to avoid any further damage.
Final Considerations
The most likely culprit is a problem with the engine mounts. When the car is idling, the engine’s weight pushes down on the rubber mounts, dampening the shaking. When you start driving, the engine moves around less and therefore doesn’t put as much pressure on the mounts, so they can’t vibrate as much. If the issue persists, check out the other causes as discussed above.
