What Causes Your Car to Shake When Going Over 40 mph?

AvatarByCarl Frisch

One of the most common causes of a car shaking when going over 40 mph is a wheel imbalance. This is when one or more of the wheels on the car are not balanced evenly. When the wheels are not balanced, the car shakes as it goes over 40 mph because of the uneven weight distribution. Other causes could include worn or damaged suspension components, worn tires, or improper wheel alignment. If your car shakes only when going over 40 mph, it is important to have it inspected by a mechanic to determine what is causing the shaking and have it repaired to avoid further damage and increase safety on the road.

Automobile: Car Shakes When Going Over 40 mph

Tire Problems

When a car shakes when going over 40 mph, one of the most common causes is tire problems. Worn out tires can cause the vehicle to vibrate and shake as you go faster. Incorrectly inflated tires can also cause your car to shake, as the air pressure affects how evenly your tires make contact with the road. Alignment issues can cause uneven wear on your tires, which can in turn lead to shaking and vibration when driving at higher speeds. If you notice that your tires are wearing unevenly, this could be a sign that something is wrong with your alignment or suspension system, and should be addressed immediately.

Engine Related Causes of Car Shaking When Going Over 40 mph

Issues with the engine can also cause car vibration when driving at higher speeds. Faulty spark plugs, a misfiring distributor cap, or failing coil packs can all cause engine related vibrations that are noticeable when driving at higher speeds. Additionally, a dirty fuel filter or malfunctioning fuel pump can affect how smoothly your engine runs and may result in shaking and vibration when driving over 40 mph.

Engine Component Related Causes of Car Shaking When Going Over 40 mph

The clutch and transmission are other components that may be responsible for car shaking when going over 40 mph. Worn out clutch discs or misaligned gear linkages can both lead to vibrations or shaking while driving faster speeds. Additionally, broken or damaged motor mounts can also contribute toward car shakes when going over 40 mph due to their role in keeping the engine securely mounted in place.

Exhaust System Related Causes of Car Shaking When Going Over 40 mph

Finally, problems with the exhaust system may also be responsible for car shakes when going over 40 mph. A loose exhaust pipe or muffler can lead to vibrations at higher speeds due to increased exhaust gas velocity through the pipes as well as increased backpressure from the muffler itself. Additionally, a cracked exhaust manifold or faulty catalytic converter can also lead to excessive amounts of vibration at higher speeds due to their role in helping minimize emissions from an automobile’s engine system.

Automobile: Car Shakes When Going Over 40 mph

Car shaking when going over 40 mph can be alarming and dangerous. It’s important to identify the cause of the shaking so that you can take the appropriate steps to fix it. Common causes of car shaking when going over 40 mph include worn out parts, tire issues, and loose or damaged exhaust components.

Diagnosing the Cause of Car Shaking When Going Over 40 mph

When diagnosing the cause of car shaking when going over 40 mph, a visual inspection is essential. Look for any damage to tires or other parts that may be causing vibrations. Tire wear and pressure should also be checked to see if they are contributing to the issue. Also, inspect any loose or damaged exhaust components such as clamps and hangers that could be causing excessive noise and vibrations.

Troubleshooting the Cause of Car Shaking When Going Over 40 mph

When troubleshooting the cause of car shaking when going over 40 mph, first check your tires for wear and pressure. If your tires are under-inflated, they can cause a vibration at higher speeds. Also check for any signs of wear or damage that could be causing an imbalance in your wheels and creating a vibration at higher speeds.

Repair Solutions for Car Shaking When Going Over 40 mph

If your tires are worn out or damaged, they will need to be replaced in order to solve the problem of car shaking when going over 40 mph. Additionally, any loose or damaged exhaust components should also be replaced in order to eliminate any vibrations caused by them.

Preventive Maintenance for Avoidance of Car Shaking When Going Over 40 mph

Regular tire checks and rotations can help keep your vehicle from shaking when going over 40 mph by ensuring that your tires are in good condition and properly inflated. Additionally, having a professional mechanic inspect your vehicle periodically can help identify potential issues before they become serious problems.

Common Symptoms of Car Shaking when going over 40mph

The most common symptom of car shaking when going over 40mph is an obvious vibration felt through the steering wheel or entire vehicle body at higher speeds. Other symptoms include loud noises coming from underneath the vehicle or from the exhaust system as well as difficulty maintaining speed due to engine misfiring or stalling at higher speeds.

FAQ & Answers

Q: What causes car shaking when going over 40 mph?
A: Car shaking when going over 40 mph can be caused by a variety of issues, including tire problems, engine related issues, engine component related issues, exhaust system related issues, and other mount issues.

Q: How can I diagnose the cause of car shaking when going over 40 mph?
A: Visual inspection is the best way to diagnose the cause of car shaking when going over 40 mph. This involves looking for worn out parts, checking tires for wear and pressure, and examining the fuel system and ignition system.

Q: What are some troubleshooting solutions for car shaking when going over 40 mph?
A: Troubleshooting solutions for car shaking when going over 40 mph include checking tires for wear and pressure, replacing worn out parts, and ensuring that all mounts are functioning properly.

Q: What preventive maintenance can I do to avoid car shaking when going over 40 mph?
A: Preventive maintenance to avoid car shaking when going over 40 mph includes regular tire checks and rotation as well as regularly inspecting the fuel system and ignition system.

Q: What are some common symptoms of car shaking when going over 40 mph?
A: Common symptoms of car shaking when going over 40 mph include vibration, rattling noises from under the hood or in the cabin area, headlights flickering or dimming while driving at higher speeds, and reduced acceleration power.

In conclusion, car shakes when going over 40 is a common issue amongst vehicles and is typically caused by poor road conditions, an unbalanced wheel alignment, or worn out suspension components. These issues can be rectified easily with the help of a professional mechanic. If these issues are not addressed in a timely manner, they can cause further damage to the vehicle and ultimately lead to expensive repairs. Therefore, it is important to address car shakes when going over 40 as soon as possible.

Author Profile

Carl Frisch
Carl Frisch
With more than 30 years in the bicycle industry, I have a strong background in bicycle retailing, sales, marketing and customer service. I have a passion for cycling and a dedication to excellence. As a manager, I worked diligently to increase my capabilities and responsibilities, managing up to eleven mechanics (at Palo Alto Bicycles) and later as a working partner in my own store.

As the shop owner of Spoke n’ Word Cycles in Socorro, NM, the success of the mission was my responsibility, which I pursued passionately since we opened in 2003 through the spring of 2011. I am adept at managing owned and loan inventory, preparing weekly & annual inventory statements, and managing staff. The role as managing partner also allowed me tremendous freedom. I used this personal freedom to become more deeply involved in my own advancement as a mechanic, to spearhead local trail building, and advocating for cycling both locally and regionally.

As a mechanic, I have several years doing neutral support, experience as a team mechanic, and experience supporting local rides, races, club events. I consistently strive to ensure that bicycles function flawlessly by foreseeing issues and working with the riders, soigners, coaches and other mechanics. Even with decades of experience as a shop mechanic and team mechanic, and continue to pursue greater involvement in this sport as a US Pro Mechanic, and UCI Pro Mechanic.

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