Your car is supposed to provide you with a smooth and comfortable ride, but what happens when you turn it on and it starts shaking?
There are several reasons why your car may be shaking when you start it, ranging from minor issues to serious problems that require immediate attention.
In this article, we will explore 13 possible causes of car shaking and their solutions.
Why Does My Car Shake When I Turn It On?
The following are 13 possible reasons why does my car will shake when i turn it on:
- Engine Issue
- Faulty Spark Plug
- Dirty Fuel Injector
- Low Fuel Pressure
- Low Oil Level
- Weak Battery
- Exhaust System Issue
- Wheel Alignment
- Uneven Tire
- Brake Issue
- Suspension Issue
- Axle Issue
- Cold Weather
Engine Issue
The engine is the heart of your car, responsible for converting fuel into energy to power the vehicle.
Worn out or damaged engine mounts can cause the engine to vibrate excessively, leading to shaking and rattling when the engine is turned on.
A misfiring engine, where one or more of the cylinders are not firing properly, can also cause shaking, as well as poor acceleration and decreased fuel efficiency.
If the timing belt or chain is damaged or worn, it can cause the engine to run unevenly, leading to shaking and rough idling.
This can also cause serious engine damage if not addressed promptly.
To diagnose engine problems, a Professional Mechanic can perform a thorough inspection of the engine and its components.
This may include a compression test, a visual inspection of the engine mounts and timing belt/chain, and a check of the engine's sensors and computer systems.
Regular maintenance, such as changing the oil and other fluids as recommended by the manufacturer, can help prevent engine problems and keep the engine running smoothly.
Faulty Spark Plug
Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the fuel in the engine's cylinders, which creates the power needed to turn the engine over.
If the spark plug is not working properly, it can cause the engine to misfire, leading to vibrations and shaking.
Over time, spark plugs can become worn out or fouled with deposits, reducing their ability to properly ignite the fuel.
This can lead to a rough idle, decreased fuel efficiency, and shaking when the engine is turned on.
To diagnose a faulty spark plug, a professional mechanic can inspect the spark plug and its wires, and perform a compression test on the engine.
If a faulty spark plug is found, it should be replaced immediately to prevent further damage to the engine.
Dirty Fuel Injector
Fuel injectors are responsible for delivering fuel to the engine's cylinders, which is then ignited by the spark plug to create power.
If the fuel injector is dirty or clogged with deposits, it can disrupt the proper flow of fuel to the engine, leading to vibrations and shaking.
In addition to shaking, a dirty or clogged fuel injector can also cause other problems such as decreased fuel efficiency, poor acceleration, and engine misfires.
To diagnose a faulty fuel injector, a professional mechanic can perform a fuel system cleaning, inspect the fuel injectors, and use a fuel pressure gauge to check the fuel pressure.
To prevent shaking caused by dirty or clogged fuel injectors, it is important to have them cleaned regularly as part of your vehicle's maintenance schedule.
Using high-quality fuel and additives can also help keep the fuel system clean and prevent deposits from building up in the fuel injectors.
Low Fuel Pressure
Fuel pressure is the force that pushes fuel through the fuel lines and into the engine's cylinders.
If the fuel pressure is too low, it can cause the engine to misfire and shake.
Low fuel pressure can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a clogged fuel filter, a failing fuel pump, or a malfunctioning fuel pressure regulator.
These issues can prevent the proper amount of fuel from reaching the engine, causing shaking and other problems.
To diagnose low fuel pressure, a professional mechanic can use a fuel pressure gauge to test the pressure in the fuel system.
If low fuel pressure is found, the cause of the issue should be identified and addressed promptly.
Low Oil Level
The engine oil lubricates the moving parts inside the engine, reducing friction and preventing excess wear and tear.
If the oil level is too low, it can cause the engine to vibrate and shake, as well as lead to serious engine damage.
When the oil level is low, the engine components are not properly lubricated, causing more friction between the moving parts.
This increased friction can cause the engine to work harder than normal, leading to shaking and vibrations when it is turned on.
To prevent shaking caused by low oil levels, it is important to check your oil level regularly and top it off as needed.
It is also important to follow your vehicle's recommended oil change schedule to ensure that the engine is properly lubricated at all times.
Weak Battery
The battery is responsible for providing power to the starter motor, which turns the engine over.
If the battery is weak, it may not be able to provide enough power to start the engine, causing it to shake or vibrate.
To determine if the battery is the cause of the shaking, you can have it tested by a professional mechanic.
They can use a battery tester to check the battery's voltage and overall health.
If the battery is found to be weak or dying, it should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent further problems.
Exhaust System Issue
The exhaust system is responsible for controlling emissions and reducing noise from the engine.
Worn or damaged exhaust components, such as a damaged muffler or exhaust pipe, can cause the car to shake and vibrate, especially when turning it on.
Other symptoms of exhaust problems may include loud engine noise, decreased fuel efficiency, and a noticeable reduction in engine power.
To diagnose exhaust problems, a professional mechanic can perform a thorough inspection of the exhaust system, including the muffler, exhaust pipe, and catalytic converter.
They may also perform an emissions test to determine if the exhaust system is functioning properly.
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment is the process of adjusting the angles of the wheels to ensure that they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other.
If the wheels are not properly aligned, it can cause the car to shake and vibrate, especially when turning it on.
To diagnose wheel alignment problems, a professional mechanic can perform a wheel alignment check using specialized equipment.
This will allow them to determine if the wheels are properly aligned and make any necessary adjustments.
Uneven Tire
Uneven wear or damage to the tires can cause them to be out of balance, which can lead to vibrations and shaking when the car is turned on.
If your tires are out of balance, they can cause the car to shake and vibrate at certain speeds, which can be especially noticeable when turning the car on.
To diagnose tire balance issues, a professional mechanic can use a wheel balancer to measure the weight distribution of the tires and wheels and determine if they are out of balance.
Regular tire maintenance, such as rotating the tires as recommended by the manufacturer, can help prevent tire balance issues and other tire-related problems.
It is also important to check the tire pressure regularly and maintain the proper pressure as recommended by the manufacturer.
Brake Issue
Issues with the brake system can cause shaking and vibrations throughout the car, especially when the brakes are applied.
Worn or damaged brake components, such as brake rotors, brake pads, or calipers, can cause uneven braking and lead to vibrations and shaking when turning the car on.
Warped brake rotors are a common cause of this issue, as they can cause the brake pedal and steering wheel to vibrate when the brakes are applied.
To diagnose brake problems, a professional mechanic can perform a thorough inspection of the brake system, including the brake pads, rotors, calipers, and brake fluid.
They may also perform a brake system flush to remove any air or moisture in the system that can affect brake performance.
Suspension Issue
The suspension system is responsible for providing a smooth ride and keeping the car stable and level on the road.
Worn or damaged suspension components, such as shocks, struts, and springs, can cause the car to shake and vibrate, especially when turning it on.
Other symptoms of suspension problems may include a bumpy or unstable ride, uneven tire wear, and poor handling.
To diagnose suspension problems, a professional mechanic can perform a thorough inspection of the suspension system, including the shocks, struts, springs, and other components.
Regular suspension maintenance, such as replacing worn or damaged components as recommended by the manufacturer, can help prevent suspension problems and ensure a smooth ride.
Axle Issue
An axle is a crucial component of the drivetrain system, responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels.
Worn or damaged axle components, such as CV joints, can cause the car to shake and vibrate, especially when turning it on.
Other symptoms of axle problems may include clicking or popping noises when turning, vibration during acceleration, and difficulty steering.
To diagnose axle problems, a professional mechanic can perform a thorough inspection of the axle and drivetrain system, including the CV joints and other components.
They may also perform a test drive to identify any shaking or vibrations and pinpoint the source of the issue.
Cold Weather
Cold weather can also cause your car to shake when turning it on.
This is because the cold temperature can cause the fluids in your car's engine, transmission, and other components to become thicker and less lubricated.
This can cause more friction between the moving parts, leading to vibrations and shaking when the engine is started.
Additionally, cold weather can also affect the battery's performance, making it harder for it to provide enough power to start the engine.
This can result in the engine struggling to turn over, causing shaking and vibrations.
Conclusion
When your car shakes when you turn it on, it can be a sign of a minor issue or a serious problem.
In some cases, the solution may be as simple as getting your tires rotated or balanced, while in other cases, you may need to get your car towed to a mechanic for repair.
If you are unsure of the cause of the shaking, it's always best to get your car checked by a professional mechanic to ensure your safety on the road.
