Tag: april car care

Why Is My Car Shaking?

Car ShakingIf your car is vibrating or shaking while driving, you’re not alone. Thousands of people deal with this issue on a daily basis. The shaking could be caused by numerous different issues, but luckily, a good mechanic pretty easily diagnose what’s causing your car to vibrate. Today we take a look at some reasons why your car is shaking.

Shake, Rattle and Roll

Here are some of the more common reasons your car is shaking or vibrating:

1. Bent Axle – It doesn’t take a lot to bend one of your axles, and even the slightest bend can lead to shaking, especially at high speeds. If you got into a minor accident, hit a curb or strike a pothole, you may have bent an axle. These can be straightened or replaced rather easily by an experienced mechanic.

2. Brake Issues – If the shaking occurs while braking, you likely have an issue with your brake pads or rotors. The rotor helps your car slow down and stop, but it wears down over time due to repeated friction. Rotors with significant wear will cause vibrations when braking.

3. Wheel Problems – A wobbly wheel or loose tire can also cause your car to shake. This can occur if your improperly attempt to rotate your tires. If they aren’t secured properly, your car will shake, and you’ll want to pull over quickly as it can lead to an accident. If your tire is secured properly, it might be an issue with your wheel bearings. These bearings are designed to last for the life of your vehicle, but if you’ve driven your car for a long time, it’s possible that they’ve worn out.

4. Shocks or Struts – Worn or damaged shocks and struts can make tiny bumps in the road feel like huge holes. Drivers with worn shocks report a shaking or bouncing sensation while driving. Again, this problem can be easily diagnosed and fixed by a mechanic rather cheaply.

5. Ball Joints – Your ball joints play a pivotal role in your suspension and in steering. The ball joint acts as a pivot between your wheel and your suspension. Over time, these can wear down and cause problems with your steering and suspension, which in turn causes the car to shake.

If you are experiencing shaking while idling or driving, you should visit a trusted auto body shop. They’ll be able to diagnose the problem and fix it before it turns into a larger issue.

April Brings Us National Car Care Month

Despite posting this on April 1, we can assure you we’re not fooling you when we say that April is National Car Care Month.

Taking care of your car is a yearlong task, from regular scheduled maintenance to DIY repairs, so why is there an extra emphasis on car care in April? Well, for starters, many people put off certain repairs during the cold winter months, especially if they want to preform the service on their own. Another reason why car care is especially important in the spring is because the weather provides drivers with numerous hazards. The roads are typically free of snow in April, but that can lead drivers to put the pedal to the metal and drive faster. Additionally, spring is typically a rainy season, meaning drivers are faced with slick roads and decreased visibility when it rains.

Car Care Month

Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council, said lower gas prices mean drivers have more money to spend on repairs and spring travel.

“With gas prices this low, motorists have a few more dollars in their pockets to spend on essentials, like vehicle service and repair, making National Car Care Month the perfect time to reach out to current customers and potential new ones,” said White.

Car Repairs To Consider This Spring

As we mentioned above, spring is typically a wet season which can prove problematic for drivers. Here are a few tuneups you should consider during Car Care Month.

  • Brakes – Make sure your brake pads and rotors are in working order, as the slick conditions will increase stopping times.
  • Windshield Wipers – This DIY repair is pretty quick and easy, but neglecting your wipers can put you and other drivers in danger during a spring storm.
  • Tires – Tires can get worn down during the winter months, and the upcoming pothole season can also do damage to your tires. If your tire tread is worn, swing on in to have them replaced.

If you have any other troubles in need of service, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Related source: CarCare.org