The death toll on Australian roads has reached 1300 in 2024, making it the deadliest year since 2012. While high-speed driving is one of the major causes, your car vibrating at high speeds also contributes to this toll.
A car shaking while driving at high speeds can cause you to lose control of the wheel. If you experience the same with your car, consider this a sign that you need to get a proper diagnosis and address the issue.
But what exactly are the causes behind this shaky experience? Well, there could be more than one reason. If you want to learn more, continue reading to understand the causes and fixes behind car shaking on high speeds.
How to Diagnose Car Vibration Problems?
If you are wondering why my car vibrates at high speeds, there could be many reasons behind it. Before you can fix the problem, it is first important to diagnose it properly and pinpoint the exact cause. Unfortunately, this diagnosis is easier said than done, so here are some tips to make things easier for you:
- Find the Vibration’s Location: The first step is to find the vibration’s exact location. This could be anywhere from the engine bay to the steering or even the brakes. It is important to identify this location to fix the issue with proper car service in Adelaide.
- Ascertain the Frequency of the Vibration: The next step is to determine when the vibration occurs exactly. This means determining if the car vibrates while heavy steering, braking, or simply at all times. This will help you better understand the issue and determine if you need a car brake repair or something else.
- Take Note of the Speed: The final question you must ask yourself is, at what speed does the car vibrate? Different issues result in the car vibrating at varied speeds, and understanding this is important. This helps narrow down the possibilities and determine if you need a car steering alignment or anything else.
Common Causes and Fixes for Car Shaking at High Speeds
Driving a shaky car not only hampers the experience but also poses potential risks at high speeds. When your car shakes at high speed, you might easily lose control of it. Then, it won’t take long for things to take a turn for the worse.
It is therefore very important to understand the potential causes behind this and take proper measures to address them. That said, let’s take a closer look at some of the most common causes of car vibration at high speed:
1. Improper Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment is one of the most important factors contributing to the car’s overall stability. Anything wrong with this alignment could contribute to a car wheel vibration at high speed, and addressing it is important.
You might notice that your car pulls more towards one side or that the tyres are wearing unevenly. In this case, you must schedule an appointment with a competent car mechanic and have the wheel alignment checked for good.
2. Unbalanced Tyres
Your car’s tyres are among its most important components, with a significant influence on its overall stability. Unbalanced tyres can, therefore, potentially cause cars to shake at high speeds.
If you are driving your car at a speed between 80 kmph and 100 kmph and notice vibrations, it might be a sign of potential issues. You must not waste any time here and visit an auto car mechanic for a proper tyre balancing service.
3. Issues with Car Brakes
Another very common issue that could be the reason for cars vibrating at high speeds is a problem with the brakes. You will notice these shakes or vibrations while pressing on the brakes at high speed.
This might be an issue with the car’s brake rotors; if left unattended for a long time, it will worsen. If you notice this, it is time to visit a car brake specialist and get this thing fixed before it becomes a more serious problem.
4. Worn Out Suspensions
A car’s suspension plays a very important role in maintaining overall stability. Anything wrong with it could cause the car to vibrate while going over bumps or feel unstable at high speeds. This might leave you wondering, “Why is my car shaking at high speeds and over the bumps?”
One of the most common reasons behind this could be issues with the shocks or struts of the car’s suspension. In this case, you must visit a mechanic in Adelaide to diagnose and fix the problem properly.
5. Issues With the Car’s Steering System
Issues with the steering system are very often the primary cause of a car vibrating on high speeds. This makes sense since your car’s steering directly influences the wheels and their control.
The issue could be anything from leaking power steering fluid to problems with tie rods connecting the steering to the wheels. In this case, the best you can do is schedule a car steering repair appointment and address the issues promptly.
6. Engine Problems
Engine vibration at high speed is more common than you would expect. A wide range of engine issues could potentially contribute to this vibration. It might be something as simple as a loose spark plug or something complex like a malfunctioning fuel delivery system.
No matter the severity or cause of the problem, the best thing you can do here is access proper auto repair service. These competent experts have the right knowledge to narrow down the problem to its root cause and fix it before things go wrong.
7. Problems With the Car’s Axles
Your car’s axle is very important for maintaining its stability, and anything damaged here can cause problems. A damaged or broken axle can cause the car to lose its stability and even cause high-speed wheel vibrations.
If your car’s axles are damaged soon, you might want to get proper car repair Adelaide. This is important for repairing any damage or replacing the axle altogether to address the issue more effectively.
Preventive Maintenance to Keep Car Vibrations Under Check
Identifying and fixing the primary issues causing your car to vibrate is one thing. However, the simpler approach is to leverage preventive maintenance with car engine service to avoid these issues. So, here are some of these measures that you can use to your advantage:
- Suspension Inspection: One of the best things you can do here is get regular suspension checks. This will help identify issues from the start and address them as soon as possible.
- Tyre and Steering Checks: Another preventive measure here is to get regular tyre and steering wheel checks. This will help you get the necessary steering wheel repair whenever needed and avoid any unwanted vibrations.
- Car Brake Service and Repair: Your car’s brakes play an important role in maintaining proper stability with minimal vibrations. You must get regular car brake service and repair to ensure everything is alright.
Final Thoughts
It is very clear by now that there could be multiple reasons behind your car vibrating at high speeds. You never know if you need a proper brake pad replacement or if the car’s engine needs work.
Hence, you must diagnose the problems behind the vibration, pinpoint the cause, and get service from proper car brake repair shops. This will help you identify and address the issue properly and ensure it does not lead to any more severe issues.