5 Possible Reasons Why Your Car is Shaking

Does your car have a case of the shakes? Does it vibrate, jolt, or quake when you drive or sit at an idle? There are some very good explanations for this. Continue reading to learn the top 5 most common and likely reasons why your vehicle is shaking, plus the safest way to remedy the problem.

Tow Truck Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484
Tow Truck Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484

Why Does My Car Shake So Much When I Drive?

This is one of the most common automotive questions asked among car owners who begin to notice changes in the way their vehicles perform. The truth of the matter is, there could be many reasons, in some cases multiple reasons, why your car might be shaking so much when you drive or idle. However, the most common and possible reasons why your car shaking include malfunctions or defects with the car’s wheels, brakes, engine, steering, and suspension.

Wheels

When it comes to a shaky car, the very first place you should look is the wheel system. The tires and all related wheel parts, including the rims, axles, lug nuts, bearings, and balance weights, are usually the reason why cars shake when they drive or sit in Park while the engine is running.

You might just have a loose lug nut or a missing balance weight, or you could have a broken wheel bearing. If you notice that your car shakes more when you drive at higher speeds and the vibrations are coming from your floorboard, you probably just need a wheel balance and alignment. You also might have poor tire tread in the entire replacement.

Brakes

Coming in at a close second for top causes of a shaking car is car brake problems. If you notice that the shaking and vibrating increases as you press on the car brake pedal, it could be that your rotors and brake pads are worn down or warped. Simply replacing the worn or warped brake pads and rotors will fix the problem. If you’re detecting a burning smell when you use the brakes, you could have a jammed brake caliper.

Suspension

A malfunctioning car suspension system is another reason why vehicles will begin to vibrate while driving, breaking, or sitting in idle. suspension system. This is likely the cause if you notice the shaking increases as you accelerate. It could also be a defective CV joint, driveshaft, or bent axle.

Steering

Just like the suspension system, the steering system could be damaged, thus causing shaking and vibrating when you drive. If your car was recently involved in an accident or has undergone major automotive repairs, and now you notice that it’s shaking, it could be a weakened or damaged steering system.

Engine

The most common engine problem associated with is worn spark plugs. If the spark plugs are fine, it could be loose spark plug wires. You might also have a loose motor mount. If your check engine light is on, and your car is shaking and vibrating, it needs immediate attention.

Do Not Drive Your Car if it Shakes

If your car is shaking or driving, whether parked in idle or driving, it is important that you do not drive it any further. The longer you drive on a car that is experiencing mechanical malfunctions, the more damage you will do to it. And the more damage you do to your vehicle, the more expensive it will be to repair. In fact, you may total it.

Always contact a trusted Indianapolis towing company for prompt and professional light duty toe services for your broken down vehicle. They can safely transport your vehicle to your automotive repair shop of choice for professional diagnosis and repair.

Not sure which towing company in Indianapolis to trust for cheap rates and fast service? Contact Zore’s Towing for 24 hour roadside assistance  and tow truck service in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. We provide towing, recovery, equipment transport, car lockout service, flat tire service, jump starts, refueling, and more!

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How to Safely Operate a Vehicle that is Being Towed With a Tow Strap

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

Breaking down, running out of fuel, and getting stuck in a ditch are just a few scenarios that call for a friendly tow. One common method for towing vehicles with other vehicles involves using a tow strap. Tow straps are towing ropes that connect one vehicle to another for the purpose of relocating them short distances. Whether to the nearest auto shop or simply back onto the road, tow straps can be a convenient and quick solution for car to car towing.

During the process of using a tow strap to pull another car, each vehicle must be “manned” by a person. Someone must of course drive the car doing the towing, while another person must operate the vehicle being towed. Continue reading to learn the proper techniques to safely navigating a vehicle that is being towed by another, and who to call for professional towing services near you.

Tow Strap Towing

Once both ends of the vehicles are securely fastened with the tow strap, the towing can begin. But there are still three important rules to always follow when towing with a tow strap:

1. Never Tow an Unattended Vehicle
2. Do Not Drive Over 15 MPH
3. Focus on SMOOTH Driving

With these rules in mind, the driver in the towing vehicle can go ahead and begin to slowly press on the gas and move forward until the strap is taught. Once the strap is taught, the towing vehicle can slowly accelerate and begin driving forward. They must keep a safe distance between other vehicles, allow ample time for turning and other maneuvers, and avoid braking suddenly to prevent jolting and jerking the other vehicle.

As for the vehicle being towed, it is important for the person inside to know what they are doing, and to do it right. The person inside the vehicle being towed must pay close attention during the entire hauling period and actively operate its brakes and steering wheel. It is their job to steer the wheel along with the direction of the towing vehicle, and watch intently for its brake lights and turn signals. All while doing these tasks, those inside a car being towed by another car must maintain the right amount of resistance in the tow strap by keeping a proper distance between the two vehicles.

No Tow Strap?

If you don’t have a tow strap, don’t trust a pal to tow your car, or happen to be alone, simply contact a local wrecker service for safe and professional towing assistance. You can get fast and affordable roadside assistance or towing service anywhere in the state! Just be sure to hire a licensed company with an upstanding reputation and years of experience.

Zore’s Towing

Zore's Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484

Zore’s Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for fast and friendly roadside assistance and towing in Indianapolis you can afford! We offer a wide range of towing services and roadside assistance services at the most competitive prices in town. Where or when never matters when you call Zore’s Towing, since they provide towing and roadside assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and all throughout Indianapolis! Call 317-247-8484 the next time you need a tow in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding counties.