Have you ever felt your car shake when hitting 60 mph?
Not only does this make driving uncomfortable, but it could be dangerous too.
In this article, we’ll investigate the common causes of car shaking and offer solutions for fixing the issue.
Why Your Car Shakes When You Hit 60 MPH and How to Fix It:
Unbalanced Wheels
One of the primary causes of the car shaking at high speeds is unbalanced wheels.
When your wheels are not balanced properly, they can vibrate as you accelerate due to uneven weight distribution that causes them to wobble.
Tire Problems
Tire problems can also cause your car to shake.
If your tires are old or worn, vibrations become more pronounced as you drive faster.
Furthermore, if the air in your tires is not inflated properly, this creates an uneven ride and causes vibrations as well.
Suspension Issues
Another common reason for car shaking is suspension issues. When your vehicle’s suspension system isn’t functioning correctly, vibrations at high speeds may occur because it helps keep the car stable and reduces bumps and vibrations.
Alignment Issues
Wheel Alignment problems can also cause your car to shake. When the wheels of your vehicle are not aligned correctly, they could cause uneven wear on the tires which in turn leads to vibrations that become more prominent as you drive faster.
Brake Issues
If your car shakes when you hit the brakes at high speeds, it could be indicative of brake problems.
Worn brake pads, warped rotors, or caliper issues can cause vibrations that feel like they’re coming from within; worn brake pads will dampen this feeling.
How to Correct Car Shaking When You Hit 60 MPH
Now that we’ve identified some common causes of car shaking, let’s look at how to effectively resolve the issue.
Get Your Wheels Balanced
If your car’s wheels are unbalanced, the solution is to get them balanced.
This straightforward process involves adding weights to each wheel in order to guarantee equal distribution across all four corners.
Check Your Tires
If your car is shaking due to tire issues, you may need to replace them.
Check for signs of wear such as uneven tread or bulges on the tires.
If they appear in good condition, ensure they are properly inflated.
Examine Your Suspension
If the suspension system in your car is malfunctioning, repair or replacement may be necessary.
A mechanic can inspect the suspension to identify the issue and suggest an appropriate course of action.
Get an Alignment
If your car’s wheels are out of alignment, you’ll need to have them adjusted.
This involves adjusting the angles of the wheels so they point in the correct direction.
Address Brake Issues
If your car is shaking when you hit the brakes, it may be due to brake problems that require replacing brake pads, rotors or calipers.
Conclusion
If your car shakes when hitting 60 mph, it can be an annoying and potentially hazardous issue.
But by diagnosing the source of the issue and taking appropriate steps to resolve it, you can enjoy a smooth, comfortable drive once more.
If you have any questions or need help in diagnosing and solving this issue, we recommend speaking with a mechanic locally or feel to use our Ask a Mechanic Online Service.
I hope you found this helpful and feel free to check out our other helpful car guide posts!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can Unbalanced Tires Cause Car Shaking at All Speeds?
Absolutely, shaking your car can lead to more long-term harm.
Vibrations put extra stress on its components and can cause further issues; so, it’s essential that you address this issue right away in order to avoid further losses.
How Do I Determine If My Car’s Suspension System Is At Fault?
If your vehicle’s suspension system is causing the shaking, you may also experience other symptoms like a bumpy ride, difficulty steering or uneven tire wear. A mechanic can inspect your suspension to identify any problems.
Can Driving with a Shaking Car Cause More Damage?
Absolutely, shaking your car can lead to more long-term harm.
Vibrations put extra stress on its components and can cause further issues; so, it’s essential that you address this issue right away in order to avoid further losses.
How often Should I Have My Wheels Balanced?
Experts suggest getting your wheels balanced every 6,000 to 8,000 miles or whenever you get new tires.
Can I Balance My Wheels Myself?
Yes, it is possible to do the job yourself; however, it is recommended that you hire a professional mechanic for the task. They possess all of the necessary tools and expertise to guarantee everything is done correctly.
How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Shaking Car?
The cost of fixing your shaking car depends on the cause. For instance, getting wheels balanced may only cost $50-$100; however, if there are issues with suspension or brakes, repairs could range anywhere from several hundred up to several thousand dollars. It is best to get an estimate from an experienced mechanic before making any major repairs so that you know exactly what needs doing and the budgetary implications involved.