Car Shaking? Know How To Diagnose The Problem
Have you noticed that your car shakes as you drive? If so, you'll want to figure out what is causing the problem and have it repaired by a mechanic. Here are some reasons that you could be experiencing a shaking car when you apply pressure to that brake pedal or accelerate
The Tires
There are a couple things that could be wrong with your tires. Start by checking the tread depth, since shaking can be caused by tires with very little tread on them. An easy tip is to use a penny to measure tread depth. Just stick a penny directly into the tire tread with Lincoln's head facing the tire, and if Lincoln's head is not covered by any tread, you need replacement tires.
Another issue that can be causing shaking is a poor wheel alignment. Diagnose the problem by looking for uneven tread wear. This can be done by running your hands over the tires and feeling for dips in the tread. If you feel them, you will need a wheel alignment and potential tire replacement. You can prevent uneven tire wear by regularly rotating the tires so they wear down at the same rate.
The Brakes
It makes sense to investigate your brakes if you experience shaking while braking. Other problems related to the brakes include a squeaking or grinding sound when braking or driving. You could have worn out brake pads that are causing metal to rub against metal, which lead to uneven braking.
Consider taking your car to a mechanic if you feel the problem is with the brakes. They can put the car up on a hoist, remove the tires, and take a good look at the brake pads.
The Calipers
It's possible that you have a stuck caliper that is causing the vibrations when you drive. This problem will most likely happen intermittently when accelerating or braking and create a burning smell in the process. In addition, it will cause the wheel with the stuck caliper to get very hot. Have this problem checked out by a mechanic immediately to fix the problem, which may involve replacing the old caliper with a new one.
The Power Steering
Your vehicle's power steering requires a special fluid for it to work properly. Check the power steering fluid levels, and if it is low, try topping it off to see if it fixes the problem.
When you can't figure out why your car is shaking, take it to a local car repair specialist to have the problem diagnosed by a professional.