Why Does My Car Shake When I Accelerate? (6 Causes + Fixes)

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Why does my car shake when I accelerate? There are quite a lot of things that could cause this to happen. Firstly, when was the last time you had your car properly serviced and replace old, aging components?

Many drivers pay less attention to replacing worn-out components, and this usually causes different issues, including shaking or vibration.

When you hold down the throttle and then your car tends to shake or vibrate, most definitely, your braking system or tires are not in good shape.

However, in some cases, shaking can be caused by the axle or steering. Well, here are some of the commonest things to check out when your car shakes during acceleration.

Why Does My Car Shake When I Accelerate?

Before we jump into the causes of this problem, it is important to note that it is not normal for a car to shake when you try to accelerate. Just in case someone said it is normal, that’s a lie.

1. Driveshaft

The driveshaft plays an important role in maintaining optimal engine performance. Actually, the primary function of the driveshaft is to transmit power and torque, as it rotates, to the engine.

Hence, when the driveshaft is faulty, you are likely to experience a shake when you accelerate.

One of the major problems with driveshafts is a “bend;” for quite different reasons (especially after a severe collision or an accident), the driveshaft may bend or get damaged. To fix a bad driveshaft, get a professional auto mechanic.

2. Damaged Inner CV Joint

Constant Velocity Joints, commonly called CV joints, are part of the “axle.” Normally, CV joints don’t get damaged easily – they last for a very long time – but then, they can get damaged after many years or for other reasons.

There are inner and outer CV joints have inner and outer; the inner joins typically get damaged more often than the outer joints.

When this happens (when the joints get damaged), it affects the axle generally, and this can cause your car to shake at certain speeds.

You may need to have a mechanic inspect your car to detect if the shaking is caused by bad CV joints.

The commonest damage that happens to CV joints is when the plastic boots used in protecting them get broken.

3. Unbalanced Wheels and Tires

Apparently, you should know that unbalanced wheels could cause vibration at certain speeds. When it’s been long you aligned your wheels, this scenario is likely to occur.

Check your tires to see if they are all balanced, also check for tire wear.

You should replace any worn-out tire immediately and take your car to a wheel balancing and alignment workshop.

Unbalanced wheels do not only cause your car to shake when you accelerate, but they also make your car tilt to one side as you drive – making it difficult for you to maintain your lane.

4. Faulty Braking System

We mentioned the braking system because it comprises a lot of components that could contribute to the issues being discussed here.

For example, when your car’s brake calipers are broken (not in good shape), vibration and shaking can occur.

In the same way, when the brake pads or rotors are faulty, your car will always shake when you hit certain speeds, and it may be difficult to drive at high speeds because your car might be applying brakes without you holding down the pedal.

5. Spark Plugs or Fuel Delivery Lines

Too much dirt can make your engine’s spark plugs not function as expected, and this can also cause your car to shake.

Spark plugs, along with hoses, filters, and other little components supplies the engine with the required power, air, and fuel to function as supposed.

Therefore, if the plugs or any of those little components begin to fail, unusual signs like vibrations or serious shaking when you match the throttle are little to occur – the signs can be linked with insufficient power to the engine.

6. Steering Issues

Your steering is the next thing to check here, most especially if the shaking happens when you try to turn or switch lanes.

To check if the shaking is a result of a steering-related issue, park the car and check your power steering. Check for leaks and loose hoses, if you couldn’t detect anything, have a mechanic take it up from here.

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Conclusion

So, “why does my car shake when I accelerate?” The possible causes are all these that have been mentioned above.

However, it is important that when you start noticing this issue, you should definitely get your car checked up in a mechanic workshop and try to fix any faulty component.

One crazy thing about auto repairs is this, when you ignore a minor repair, hoping to fix it at a later time, the issue could turn out to burn a big hole in your pocket sooner than you predicted. Hence, be proactive always.