Recommended Free Tools
Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
If you have owned a car for some years, you understand that it sometimes develops mechanical problems.
Some of these issues will catch you off guard. You will not see complications as they build. Instead, you only recognize them when it is too late to salvage the situation. Owning a car is a test of responsibility; many may fail.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →You have probably experienced a car shaking when accelerating. Different vibrations will mean different things. And you should know this by now.
No good news should be expected when your vehicle starts to vibrate. It does not matter if the vibrations come after you accelerate, while in motion, or if the car is idle.
Popular on Amazon
- CEL Doctor: The ANCEL AD310 is one of the best-selling OBD II scanners on the market and is recommended by Scotty Kilmer, a YouTuber and auto mechanic. It can easily determine the cause of the check engine light coming on. After repairing the vehicle's problems, it can quickly read and clear diagnostic trouble codes of emission system, read live data & hard memory data, view freeze frame, I/M monitor readiness and collect vehicle information
- Sturdy and Compact: Equipped with a 2.5 foot cable made of very thick, flexible insulation. It is important to have a sturdy scanner as it can easily fall to the ground when working in a car. The AD310 OBD2 scanner is a well-constructed mechanic tool with a sleek design. It weighs 12 ounces and measures 8.9 x 6.9 x 1.4 inches. Thanks to its compact design and light weight, transporting the device is not a problem. The buttons are clearly labelled and the screen is large and displays results clearly
- Accurate Fast and Easy to Use: The AD310 scanner can help you or your mechanic understand if your car is in good condition, provides exceptionally accurate and fast results, reads and clears engine trouble emission codes in seconds after you fixed the problem. This device will let you know immediately and fix the problem right away without any car knowledge. No need for batteries or a charger, get power directly from the OBDII Data Link Connector in your vehicle
- OBDII Protocols and Car Compatibility: Many cheap scan tools do not really support all OBD2 protocols. AD310 scanner as it can support all OBDII protocols such as KWP2000, J1850 VPW, ISO9141, J1850 PWM and CAN. This device also has extensive vehicle compatibility with 1996 US-based, 2000 EU-based and Asian cars, light trucks, SUVs, as well as newer OBD2 and CAN vehicles both domestic and foreign. Pls confirm with our customer service whether it is compatible with your vehicle before purchasing
- Home Necessity and Worthy to Own: This is an excellent code reader to travel or home with as it weighs less and it is compact in design. You can easily slide it in your backpack as you head to the garage, or put it on the dashboard, this will be a great fit for you. The AD310 is not only portable, but also accurate and fast in performance. Moreover, it covers various car brands and is suitable for people who just need a code reader to check their car
11 Reasons Your Car Shakes When Accelerating
Vibrations have a habit of creeping up on you. You feel them, you ignore, and one day you wonder how simple things become critical.
Always seek a professional opinion from someone with extensive knowledge on the matter. Most probably your auto service person. But if you have owned a car for so long, some of these common issues you can diagnose and solve yourself.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Getting to the source of problems at the earliest stage will save you money. It will do so both in the form of repairs and replacements of damaged engine components.
Sometimes the issues are simple like tire rotation. Sometimes they are bloated like steering complications and suspension. You should be able to tell which vibrations are sinister and which ones are manageable.
Below are 11 clear reasons why your car shakes when accelerating.
Engine Complications
Most vibration complications start from the engine. Sometimes it’s a shudder other times a shake from your engine.
When you experience such vibrations, it may be a sign that your engine is deficient of either air, spark, or fuel. Your engine needs these to run smoothly.
Signs to look out for when your engine shakes
- Your car jerk when you accelerate
- Shaking as though you’re driving over highway rumble strips in a high speed.
- Car drives well, but after some time it starts to shake.
The above signs should be enough to compel you to check your spark plugs. While at it, check extensively if the spark plug wires connect in their proper order. Perhaps it’s the spark plugs or wires that may need replacing.
Another reason for an engine shake may be the state of your engine oil. If the oil filter or your air filter is dirty or clogged, your engine will starve of fuel or oxygen as needed.
Filters are not expensive and not complicated to replace. Use the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure you change them at timely intervals.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsDefective motor mounts
You may know them as engine mounts. They help to secure your engine to the body of your car. You should have a poke under the hood of your vehicle.
You will see that your engine appears to be wedged in tightly. But it is not. Your car’s engine is secured to the chassis by the engine mounts.
Engine mounts have different appearances. They are determined by the shape, size, and strength of your car. Their material comprises of rubber and metal.
The structure of the metal holds everything in place as the rubber absorbs all vibrations coming from the engine.
You can find them between the frame and the engine. They also differ from one vehicle to another. The engine gets mount to different structural components based on the car’s design.
Also popular on Amazon
- 【Find Out Why Your Check Engine Light Is On】 The FOXWELL NT301 OBD2 scanner diagnostic tool helps you read engine trouble codes (DTCs), view code definitions, and understand what may be causing your check engine light. Simply connect this car scanner to your vehicle's 16-pin OBD2 port to start diagnosing. Whether you're a first-time car owner or a DIY mechanic, this OBD2 scanner helps you identify potential issues before deciding on your next repair step
- 【Read & Clear & Check Engine Codes with Confidence】 After completing a repair, use this car code reader to clear eligible engine trouble codes and turn off the check engine light. If the underlying problem remains, the light may return. Permanent DTCs cannot be erased directly and clear only after the vehicle completes the required checks. This code reader for cars and trucks helps you check repair results without making an unnecessary trip to the shop
- 【Check Your Vehicle's Readiness Status at a Glance】 Get a clearer picture of your vehicle's readiness status with the NT301's one-click I/M Readiness hotkey. Red, yellow, and green LED indicators, along with audible alerts, make it easy to check monitor status before a scheduled vehicle inspection. Readiness results help you understand your vehicle's status
- 【See What's Happening with Live Data】 Go beyond basic fault codes with this car scanner diagnostic tool featuring real-time engine data and graphing. Monitor supported parameters such as engine RPM, coolant temperature, fuel trims, and ox-ygen sensor readings to help investigate performance issues. The NT301 also provides supported OBD2 functions such as O-2 sensor and EVAP-related tests, with availability depending on your vehicle
- 【Broad OBD2 Compatibility for Everyday Diagnostics】 The FOXWELL NT301 vehicle code reader supports standard OBD2 protocols, including CAN, ISO9141, KWP2000, and J1850. This auto scanner works with most OBD2-compliant 1996 and newer US-market cars, SUVs, and light trucks, including supported gasoline and diesel vehicles. Coverage and available functions vary by vehicle. Please confirm compatibility before purchase
Despite their rich structural integrity, engine mounts need to be checked and replaced periodically.
When they get worn out, they no longer hold tight, and the rubber can’t absorb the vibrations. It’s only natural that your car will shake from the front.
Brakes
Your car may be okay but only shakes when you apply the brakes. It is a bad sign. It could mean your vehicle has defective brake rotors.
The brake rotor is a silver disc-like component for cars with a disc brake system. The rotor suffers heavy wear and tear.
They have a huge task, and when they break, your vehicle may start shaking. The cause is mainly overheating each time your car comes to a stop. The heat warps the discs.
The discs should be uniformly flat. When it is not the brake pads, and calipers squeeze on the deformed brake pads making the car come to a stop. The grip is uneven, and that is why your car will vibrate when it comes to a halt.
You should take your car to your auto service shop immediately and have your braking system checked.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Axle problem
Vehicles are made up of so many rotating parts. All of these parts must perform at optimum capacity within specific parameters and tolerances.
Axles get bent easily from minor collisions. When this happens, your axle may cause your car to shake. The intensity of the vibrations will also increase when you accelerate.
Another related issue may be the driveshaft. It is the part that spins rapidly to transfer power from the engine to the rear wheel axles in rear-wheel-drive cars.
You should check to see if they are bent. If so, that could be the reason your vehicle vibrates when you accelerate.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Sometimes the problem is in the constant velocity joints. They are boot like coverings found on the end of the drive axles.
They are only intact when the rubber is not worn out, the clamps are secure, and there is no lubricant making its way out. If the boots are torn, then all dirt from the road gets in the joints and will damage the moving parts.
If your car is a front-wheel drive, faulty CV joints mean you will replace them together with the axles.
Steering complications
When you drive an old car and then drive a new vehicle (of the same model) immediately, you will realize a slight difference in the steering wheels. The new car steering wheel will be swifter and responsive than the old one.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteAlso popular on Amazon
- 【A MUST-HAVE SCANNER TOOL FOR DIYERS】 - VDIAGTOOL VD10 car code reader is an incredibly useful, handheld obd2 scanner for each car owner or hobbyist, even for those with little to no experience when it comes to vehicle mechanics! Similar to a fixd car diagnostic tool, using this car diagnostic scanner is extremely easy. All you have to do is attach it to your car OBDII port and you can diagnose car problems in seconds! Read Codes (DTCs); Clear Codes; Live Data; View Freeze Frame; I/M Readiness; Vehicle Information.
- 【KEEP ENGINE IN GOOD STATUS】 - VDIAGTOOL check engine code reader brings a fast access to scan, read the car fault code, show its definition on the screen instantly, troubleshooting to find the root causes of problems, erase the engine fault code and turn off the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light). Similar to a fixd car diagnostic tool, this car code reader helps ensure your engine stays in top condition.
- 【READ/CLEAR CODES & DTC LOOKUP】- No search online & saving your time, this vehicle car code reader retrieves generic (P0, P2, P3, and U0), manufacturer specific (P1, P3, and U1) codes, pending codes and displays DTC definitions based on the built-in database(more than 3000 codes) on the TFT screen, find out the root causes and clear the codes after fixed.
- 【ENHANCED OBD2 SCANNER WITH LIVE DATA & RETRIEVE FREEZE FRAME】 - This diagnostic scan tool for accurate diagnosis enables you to retrieve data from vehicle sensors, such as Engine RPM, Intake air temperature, Short/Long term fuel, Misfire data and etc. The freeze frame is stored in the PCM together with the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) related to the fault. Comparable to a fixd car diagnostic tool, the VD10 car code reader car scanner can be a valuable & practical diagnostic aid and also greatly help when diagnosing intermittent problems.
- 【I/M READINESS for THE S-nn-0-g CHECK】- OBDII vehicle may not pass the annual inspection unless the required monitors since reset are complete. So you should at least read the readiness monitors and make sure they are ready. This car obd2 scanner diagnostic tool is equipped with I/M readiness function to check the operations of the e-m-issi0n system on OBD2 compliant vehicles, run I/M monitor readiness test, checking if the pass vehicle s-m-0-g inspection.
It only applies when you are comparing the same cars. It will not be the same when you compare a new limousine with an old sports car. Different vehicles need different steering capabilities. Some are more superior than others.
This example proves that steering wheels wear out with time. It will be difficult for any driver to notice the changes in their steering wheel’s response. It is because it degrades gradually.
Your steering wheel connects to the four wheels of your cars. So many joints and moving parts are required to perform efficiently at high speeds. If they wear out, they reduce your steering wheels’ function.
Even though you will still steer, the damaged joints will cause vibrations.
The steering wheel components are complicated problems. You should leave these to professionals. However, make sure you sort out any steering complications as soon as you notice them.
Power steering
It is easy to know the source of the problem if your car only shakes when you are turning. There could only be one problem when this happens. It means you are having issues with your power steering system.
To confirm if this is the case. Have a look at the hoses of your power steering. Check for leaks.
Look further at the reservoir for the steering fluid. If it is over, make sure you replenish it according to most auto service experts.
Your car should vibrate when you turn the power steering wheel even when the vehicle is not in motion. That is one way for you to know the problem is in the power steering wheel.
Unbalanced wheels
Sometimes the issue is not the tires making your car shake. Your car needs proper wheel balancing.
When you drive straight without holding the steering wheel, your car should go straight. If your vehicle turns on its leaning toward one direction, the wheels of your truck need an alignment.
Your car uses wheel weights to keep your wheels balanced. To see them turn your car wheels to face inside when parked.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Then look for metal squares attached to the inside of your wheel. This part often collects lots of mud and debris. Be sure to clean it regularly.
Unbalanced wheels will always make your car to vibrate. To get them balanced is not something you can do yourself. However, it is inexpensive to balance them. Take your vehicle to the nearest auto repair shop and let them correct the imbalance.
Bent wheels
Potholes and poor roads are bad news to your wheels. Sometimes we cannot avoid them, and we end up hitting them. Potholes can bend your wheels. When this happens, your wheels will vibrate. It is so common. Always drive carefully when on an unfamiliar road.
Also popular on Amazon
- 【Comprehensive Performance Testing】V011 OBD2 Scanner provides a complete diagnostic solution, giving you a thorough understanding of your vehicle's condition. It supports a variety of performance tests, support 9 protocols,👍automotive fault clearing，including fast reading of DTCs, access to electronic emission readiness, turning off CEL or MIL, resetting monitors, reading live data and retrieving the vehicle's VIN, freeze frame, sensor data, data streaming, diagnostic reports, onboard monitoring, live data streaming, and more. With these features, you can monitor your car's performance in real time and discover potential problems before they become major issues.
- 【Convenience and Savings for All Users】Designed with user-friendliness in mind, the V011 OBD2 Scanner is perfect for both novices and seasoned car enthusiasts. The intuitive app helps you interpret the check engine light, and suggests possible fixes. This can help you avoid unnecessary trips to the repair shop and prevent you from being overcharged for repairs. The product also includes helpful how-to guides and video tutorials, empowering you to clear the check engine light yourself and save significantly on repair bills.The fault code can only be cleared after the car is repaired. ⚠️ Notice：lf the car is not repaired,the fault code can only be cleared by the computer in the 4s shop.
- 【Intuitive Data Visualization】Understanding car diagnostics has never been easier. The V011 OBD2 Scanner displays detected data in clear, easy-to-read charts. Whether it's engine coolant temperature, engine speed, vehicle speed, or control module voltage, the visual representation helps you quickly grasp your car’s status. Even beginners can compare these readings against normal values to determine if their car needs any repairs.
- 【Broad Compatibility】The newly upgraded V011 OBD2 Scanner supports over 96% of car makes and models, making it one of the most versatile diagnostic tools on the market. It is compatible with a wide range of brands including Toyota, Honda, Chevrolet, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Jeep, BMW, Porsche, Subaru, Nissan, Cadillac, Volkswagen, and Lexus, covering vehicles from 1996 to the present. This ensures that almost any vehicle owner can benefit from its extensive features. The device also supports multiple languages, including English, German, Spanish, Finnish, French, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, and Chinese, ensuring accessibility for a global audience.
- 【Advanced Bluetooth 5.4 Connectivity】Say goodbye to the hassle of traditional wired connections. The V011 OBD2 Scanner features an upgraded Bluetooth 5.4 system, providing faster and more reliable connections. This seamless connectivity ensures you can start diagnosing your vehicle without any delays.Tips: 1. The car must be started (power on and ignition), 2. The mobile phone Bluetooth is turned on. Note that Apple phones only need to turn on Bluetooth, do not connect Bluetooth in the phone settings to turn on OBD Home, the APP will automatically connect (this product is only suitable for OBD home)
When it comes to damaged wheels, run out is a problem you should be aware of. Run out means when your wheel spins, it moves from perfectly circular motion. It should not happen. Wheel experts have special instruments to find out if your car has a runout. If so, they can correct it as well.
Your run out should not be more than half an inch. If this is the case, then most often, the solution is getting new wheels for your car. Wheels are so sensitive. When you sense any issues, you should rectify before they cause harm to you or damage to the vehicle.
Bent wheels will make your car shake regardless of the speed.
From wheels to tires- Low profile tires
Tires are also part of the wheels’ problems that causes your car to shake. Low profile tires are also called low rolling resistance.
These tires are becoming popular, especially in hybrid vehicles. The advantage of using a low-profile tire is linked to fuel economy. It appears like a marketing standpoint, but it is the truth.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteLow profile tires will reduce the resistance and drag of your car. Most drivers do not enjoy riding on these tires as they offer minimal absorption of bump impacts.
Low profile tires are thinner than ordinary tires. They are harder and have less material to separate your car from the imperfections of the road. Even though they are called high-performance tires, if you have them installed, they may be the cause of vibrations.
But before you determine the vibrations are caused by the low-profile tires, eliminate other problems first.
Worn out tires
Tires get worn out fast because they are the only part of your car that always comes into contact with different roads.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Your tires need to be right all the time. If the tires wear out, your drives will be very uncomfortable. Tires have such a lifespan.
There are so many reasons why bad tires will make your car shake. Listed below are some of the cases.
- Your tire’s tread has separated. It means you will have to replace the tires.
- The tire wear of your tires is uneven. You can solve this by rotating your tires.
- Your tires are no longer round, mean they are “out of round.” It means you will need new tires.
- The pressure of your tires has run low. You need to fill them up as recommended by your car’s manufacturer.
- Your tires are just old. You will need new tires.
Most of the tire complications come from getting worn out. The solution to worn-out tires is replacing them with new ones.
Lose Lugnuts
These help secure your tire on the wheel plate. Loose lug nuts are a severe case and should not be overlooked.
If they become loose, your car will start shaking when you are in motion. It can be quite risky. If your vehicle shakes because of loose lug nuts, you should tighten them immediately.
If you do not, your wheels may just run off when you are driving. It is never a good scene when such happens. You should never take a chance driving on wheels with loose lug nuts. Also, make sure to use the right lug nut size for your wheels.
Also popular on Amazon
- Multi-Functions - Practical Multi-Functions OBD2 code reader features built-in OBD2 DTC lookup library, which help you to determine the cause of the engine light, read code, erase code, view freeze frame, I/M ready, vehicle information, data flow, real-time curve, get vehicle speed information, calculate load value, engine coolant temperature, get engine speed.
- Wide Capability - Supports 9 protocols compatible with most 1996 US-Based, 2000 EU-Based and Asian cars, and newer OBD II & CAN domestic or import vehicles. Supports 6 languages - English,German, Dutch, Spanish, French, Italian.
- 2.8" LCD Display - Designed with a clear display 2.8" Large LCD screen - white backlight and contrast adjustment. No need any battery or charger, OBD reader gets the power directly from your vehicle through the OBDII Data Link Connector.
- Compact Design - Car diagnostic scanner is equipped with a 2.5 feet long cable and made of a very thick flexible insulator.There are 6 buttons on OBD2 Scanner:scroll up/down,enter/exit and buttons that quick query VIN vehicle number& the DTC fault code.
- ABS / Airbag codes NOT Supported - It is able to read and clear check engine information which is part of OBDII system, but it cannot work with non-OBDII systems, including ABS / Airbag / Oil Service Light, etc.
Possible Solutions to Stop Your Car from Shaking
There are no one-stop solutions that will fix everything. Each of the cases mentioned above has more than one answer. Some of them are these.
Solutions for joints complications
To reach the CV joints, you must remove the driveshaft first. Then make a visual assessment. Check that the drive shaft is not bent. If it is, you will have to make a replacement. Check if the CV joints are well greased. If your mechanic notices any complication, ten both joints must be replaced.
Unbalanced tires
It is complicated if you are not an expert on auto repairs. But your mechanic can do this for you. The process entails the following.
- First, the tools needed are a jack, screwdrivers, lug nut wrench, and a balancer.
- Remove the wheel weights and then remove the wheels to clean them
- Balance the wheels in their spots then put back the weights.
- Recheck and readjust the wheels until they are back to their original position.
Clogged transmission filters
It refers to replacing the engine oil. The steps include
- Jacking up your car and securing before you crawl underneath it.
- Open the oil filter using the socket wrench.
- Drain the oil in the pan.
- Remove old bolts and gasket seals to clean as well
- Install a new oil filter. And put in new oil.
Spark plugs
When spark plugs wear out, your engine develops complications, especially during ignition.
If you suspect the vibrations are from your spark plugs. Open your hood and check under it. Measure the gaps and readjust them as necessary. Spark plugs are cheap and should cost less to replace.
Low transmission fluids
When changing your transmission oils, your engine should be off. Most people make the mistake of adding liquids when the car is running. This not appropriate.
Always add the right fluids by checking against your manufacturer’s instructions. Every engine has its specific fluids. Always use a funnel when replacing fluids to avoid an overfill. Return the dipstick after you have finished and lock it in its place with a latch.
Cost of Reparation
The cost of maintaining your car will rise as it gets old. The secret to paying low service maintenance fee is continuous service.
Waiting for the vital engine and structural components to serve up to their last days before replacing them is costly.
An average cost of service per year can be as low as $100. However, this depends on where you are driving and how you are using your car.
All engine complications and noises need fixing immediately they start. The cost increases with negligence.
Conclusion
Preventative maintenance will always make you one step ahead of your car problems. Always ensure that your car gets proper service to replace worn out parts. Change these parts before they cause damage to your engine.
Some of the complications need professional assistance to remedy while you can solve some by yourself. It is essential to know the difference. You can cause more damage to your car if you do not know how to install worn out parts.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The next time your car shakes when you are driving, you should identify the issue immediately and take the needed steps. If you don’t, it may lead to an accident or a costly replacement of the part, or all of the engine.
Always take your car for regular service to replace worn out parts.
