My Car Is Shaking When I Drive

October 4, 2024

My Car Is Shaking When I Drive

When your car shakes while driving, it could be caused by a few different issues. Here's a breakdown of the most common reasons:

1. Tire Problems

Unbalanced or Misaligned Tires: If your tires are unbalanced or misaligned, it can cause the car to shake, especially at higher speeds.
Tire Wear: Worn-out tires can create uneven vibrations. Check for uneven tread wear.
Solution: A wheel alignment or tire balancing service could resolve this. Wheel alignment is recommended every 10K miles, according to Wayside Garage’s maintenance plan.

2. Brake Issues

Warped Brake Rotors: If your car shakes when you brake, the problem may be warped brake rotors. This can happen over time due to heat and pressure from braking.
Solution: A brake system inspection can identify and fix the problem.

3. Suspension Problems

Worn Suspension Components: Shaking can also be caused by worn shocks, struts, or control arms. These components help keep your ride smooth, and if they’re worn, you’ll feel vibrations.
Solution: Suspension components like shocks and struts should be replaced every 70K miles.

4. Engine or Transmission Issues

Engine Misfire or Faulty Mounts: Sometimes engine-related problems like misfires or worn engine mounts can make the car shake.
Transmission Issues: A failing transmission can also cause a shaking sensation during acceleration or shifting.
Solution: A comprehensive inspection will help pinpoint if the issue lies in the engine or transmission.

5. Power Steering Problems

Steering System Issues: If the car shakes when turning, it could be a power steering problem.
Solution: You might need a power steering fluid service, which is recommended every 30K miles.

If you’re unsure about the exact cause, visiting Wayside Garage for a complimentary inspection as part of their regular maintenance plan can help you identify the issue quickly and get the problem fixed before it worsens.

Check out our YouTube channel for more maintenance tips.

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How Do I Know If My Tires Are Safe to Drive On? Tips from Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA for National Tire Safety Week Tire safety is one of those things drivers don’t think about — until it’s too late. But as a local shop owner with over 38 years under the hood, I can tell you: the health of your tires has a major impact on how your car handles, brakes, and keeps you safe out on the road. That’s why we’re proud to support National Tire Safety Week 2025 , happening June 30 to July 4 — an annual effort from the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association to educate drivers on proper tire maintenance. And right here at Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA , we’re doing our part to help folks check in before they check out for summer road trips. 🚗 So, How Do You Know If Your Tires Are Safe? It really comes down to four key checks — easy to remember with the acronym P.A.R.T .: 🔹 P = Pressure Low tire pressure leads to poor fuel economy, sluggish handling, and faster wear. We recommend checking pressure monthly, especially before long drives. Always check when your tires are “cold” — that means before you hit the road, not after a grocery run. 🔹 A = Alignment If your car’s drifting left or right, or your steering feels off, your alignment may be out of whack. Misalignment causes uneven wear, hurts handling, and can shorten your tire life — not to mention your patience. 🔹 R = Rotation You’d be surprised how fast tires can wear unevenly. We rotate tires every 5,000–7,500 miles to make sure all four tires wear evenly. This extends tire life and keeps your vehicle handling the way it should. 🔹 T = Tread Tires need grip, especially in wet or winding road conditions. We recommend checking tread depth monthly. If your tire tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch or less — or if you see visible cracking or bulges — it’s time to replace them. 💡 Quick Tip: Stick a penny into your tread, Lincoln's head down. If you can see all of Honest Abe's noggin, your tread is too low. 🛠️ What We Offer at Wayside Garage, Seaside CA We’ve been serving the Seaside community for nearly four decades, and tire safety is something we don’t take lightly. Our tire services include: Tire pressure checks and adjustments Computerized wheel alignments Tire rotations and balancing Tread inspections and honest tire replacement recommendations Tire age checks — rubber breaks down over time, even if your tread looks good. Most tires should be replaced every 6 years, regardless of wear. Whether you're planning a road trip or just commuting to work, swing by Wayside Garage in Seaside for a tire check. No pressure (pun intended) — just experienced, straightforward service you can trust. ❓ FAQ: Tire Safety Questions We Hear All the Time Q: How do I know when my tires need to be replaced? A: If your tread is worn past 2/32", your tires are over six years old, or you notice bulges or cracks — it’s time to replace them. Q: How often should I rotate my tires? A: Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. We include this as part of routine maintenance at Wayside Garage. Q: Can alignment affect tire wear that quickly? A: Absolutely. One pothole or curb can knock alignment off. If your car pulls or your tires wear unevenly, it’s time for an alignment check. Q: What tire pressure should I use? A: Check your driver’s door sticker or owner’s manual — never use the number printed on the tire itself. 🏁 Drive Into Summer with Confidence This National Tire Safety Week , don’t just guess your tires are safe — know they are. Bring your vehicle to Wayside Garage in Seaside, California and let our experienced team give your tires a full safety check. You’ll leave knowing your pressure’s perfect, your alignment’s dialed in, and your tread is road-trip ready. Stop by or schedule your service today — we’re here to keep you rolling, safely.