My Car Shakes When I Hit 60 MPH: What Do I Do?

Experiencing a shaking car when hitting 60 mph can be quite alarming. This unsettling sensation is often indicative of various underlying issues that need immediate attention. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the possible causes of this problem, how to identify them, and the appropriate solutions.

Possible Causes of Car Shaking at 60 MPH

Tire Balance

One of the most common causes of a shaking car at high speeds is unbalanced tires. When your tires are not balanced, they can create an uneven force that can cause your car to vibrate.

Wheel Alignment

Misaligned wheels can also cause your car to shake. When your wheels are not aligned properly, they can cause your car to pull to one side and create a shaking sensation.

Brake Rotor

A warped brake rotor can cause your car to shake when you hit 60 mph. The uneven surface of the rotor can cause the brake pads to grip unevenly, causing a shaking sensation.

Engine Problem

Engine problems, such as misfiring cylinders, can also cause your car to shake. This is because the engine's power is not being evenly distributed, causing an imbalance.

Transmission Problem

Transmission problems can also cause your car to shake at high speeds. This can be due to a variety of issues, such as a worn-out transmission mount or a problem with the transmission itself.

Steering Problem

Problems with the steering system, such as a worn-out steering gear or a problem with the power steering pump, can also cause your car to shake at high speeds.

Suspension Problem

Lastly, problems with the suspension system can cause your car to shake. This can be due to worn-out shocks or struts, or a problem with the suspension springs.

How to Identify the Specific Cause

Checking the Tires

To check if the tires are the cause of the shaking, you can perform a visual inspection for any signs of uneven wear. You can also have your tires balanced by a professional.

Checking the Wheels

To check if the wheels are the cause of the shaking, you can have your wheel alignment checked by a professional. They can adjust the alignment to ensure that your wheels are properly aligned.

Checking the Brakes

To check if the brake rotor is the cause of the shaking, you can have your brake system inspected by a professional. They can check the condition of the brake rotor and replace it if necessary.

Checking the Engine

To check if the engine is the cause of the shaking, you can have your engine inspected by a professional. They can check for any signs of misfiring or other engine problems.

Checking the Transmission

To check if the transmission is the cause of the shaking, you can have your transmission inspected by a professional. They can check for any signs of transmission problems and fix them accordingly.

Checking the Steering

To check if the steering system is the cause of the shaking, you can have your steering system inspected by a professional. They can check for any signs of steering problems and fix them accordingly.

Checking the Suspension

To check if the suspension system is the cause of the shaking, you can have your suspension system inspected by a professional. They can check for any signs of suspension problems and fix them accordingly.

How to Fix the Problem

Fixing the Tires

If the tires are the cause of the shaking, you can have your tires balanced by a professional. If the tires are worn unevenly, you may need to have them replaced.

Fixing the Wheels

If the wheels are the cause of the shaking, you can have your wheel alignment adjusted by a professional. This will ensure that your wheels are properly aligned, which can help to eliminate the shaking.

Fixing the Brakes

If the brake rotor is the cause of the shaking, you can have your brake rotor replaced by a professional. This will ensure that your brake pads can grip evenly, which can help to eliminate the shaking.

Fixing the Engine

If the engine is the cause of the shaking, you can have your engine repaired by a professional. This may involve fixing any misfiring cylinders or addressing other engine problems.

Fixing the Transmission

If the transmission is the cause of the shaking, you can have your transmission repaired by a professional. This may involve replacing a worn-out transmission mount or fixing other transmission problems.

Fixing the Steering

If the steering system is the cause of the shaking, you can have your steering system repaired by a professional. This may involve fixing a worn-out steering gear or addressing other steering problems.

Fixing the Suspension

If the suspension system is the cause of the shaking, you can have your suspension system repaired by a professional. This may involve replacing worn-out shocks or struts, or fixing other suspension problems.

When to Ask a Mechanic Online

Sometimes, diagnosing and fixing car problems can be complex and time-consuming. In such cases, asking a mechanic online can be a convenient and cost-effective solution. Online mechanic services like Mechanicanswer.com offer expert advice and solutions for a wide range of car problems. They can provide detailed instructions on how to fix the problem yourself, or they can recommend a trusted local mechanic if the problem requires professional repair.

Conclusion

A shaking car at 60 mph can be caused by a variety of issues, from unbalanced tires to engine problems. By identifying the specific cause and addressing it appropriately, you can ensure a smooth and safe driving experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)