Why is My Car Shaking When Driving over 40? – A Guide to Troubleshooting

Car shaking when driving over 40 is a common issue that can be caused by a variety of issues. It can range from something as simple as an unbalanced tire or an out-of-alignment wheel, to something more serious such as worn suspension components or a misfiring engine. In order to diagnose the cause of the car shaking, it is important to inspect the vehicle for any visible signs of damage or worn components. Additionally, a mechanic should be consulted to further inspect the vehicle and identify any underlying issues. Common repairs for car shaking when driving over 40 include balancing and rotating tires, aligning wheels, replacing worn suspension components, and replacing spark plugs or other engine components if necessary.

Causes of Car Shaking When Driving Over 40 mph

Car shaking when driving over 40 mph can be caused by a number of issues. Engine issues, tire issues, brake issues, and suspension issues can all contribute to vehicle vibration and instability at higher speeds. It is important to identify the source of the problem in order to properly diagnose and address it.

Engine Issues

A misfiring engine can cause shaking when driving over 40 mph. This is usually due to worn out spark plugs or an issue with the fuel delivery system. It can also be caused by a faulty ignition coil or an issue with the mass airflow sensor. In some cases, an oil leak in the engine compartment can lead to misfiring and car shaking at higher speeds.

Tire Issues

Uneven wear on tires can cause car shaking when driving over 40 mph. Tires that are not properly balanced or aligned will cause vibrations that increase with speed. Additionally, uneven wear on tires due to poor alignment or incorrect tire pressures can also contribute to car shaking at higher speeds.

Brake Issues

Worn out brakes are a common cause of car shaking when driving over 40 mph. Brake pads that are worn down too much will cause vibrations in the steering wheel as well as instability at higher speeds. If brakes have not been serviced recently, it is important to get them checked and inspected by a qualified mechanic before taking your car on the road again.

Suspension Issues

The suspension system plays an important role in providing stability and comfort while driving at higher speeds. Worn out bushings, shocks, or struts may cause excessive vibration and instability while driving over 40 mph. It is important to replace any worn out suspension components before attempting to drive at higher speeds again.

How To Diagnose Car Shaking When Driving Over 40 Mph

If you suspect that your car is shaking when driving over 40 mph, there are several steps you can take in order to diagnose the problem correctly:

Checking The Tires

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The first step is to check your tires for any signs of wear or damage such as bulging sidewalls or uneven tread depth across all four tires . Additionally , make sure that your tires are properly inflated according to the manufacturer’s specifications . If you notice any signs of wear or damage , it may be time for new tires .

Examining The Brakes

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The next step is to examine your brakes for any signs of wear or damage such as thinning brake pads , leaking brake fluid , warped rotors , etc . If you notice any signs of wear , it may be time for new brakes before attempting to drive at higher speeds again .

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It is also important to check your suspension system for any broken components such as worn out bushings , shocks , struts , etc . A qualified mechanic should be able to inspect your vehicle and identify any suspension problems that could be causing car shaking when driving over 40 mph .

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Finally , if all other components appear normal , it may be time to investigate potential engine problems such as misfiring spark plugs , faulty ignition coils , oil leaks in the engine compartment , etc which could all potentially contribute towards car shaking when driving over 40 mph

Pull Over and Stop the Vehicle Immediately

If your car is vibrating or shaking while driving over 40 mph, it is important to pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as possible. This is the safest option, as a shaking car can indicate a serious mechanical issue that could have dangerous consequences if not addressed immediately.

In order to safely pull over, activate your turn signal and move to the side of the road. Once you are in a safe location, turn off your engine and inspect the area around your vehicle for any potential problems. It is best to do this from outside of the car, in order to properly assess any issues that may be present.

Check Tires

The first thing you should check for is whether or not all of your tires are inflated to their recommended levels. If any of them are under-inflated or over-inflated, this can cause your car to shake while driving over 40 mph. You may be able to find a nearby air pump where you can inflate or deflate the tires until they reach their recommended levels.

It’s also important to inspect each tire for signs of wear and tear such as bulges, tears or uneven treads that could be creating an imbalance in your vehicle. If any of these conditions exist, you will need to replace the damaged tire before continuing on with your journey.

Check Brakes

Another possible cause for a shaking car at higher speeds could be worn-out brake pads or rotors. If this is the case, you may hear a squealing sound when braking which indicates that it’s time for new brakes. In addition, if you feel excessive vibration when braking at high speeds then this could also signal an issue with your brakes which should be addressed immediately in order to maintain proper functionality and safety on the roadways.

Check Wheel Alignment

If none of these problems seem to be causing your car’s shaking issues then it may be time to check the wheel alignment on your vehicle. Poor wheel alignment can cause excessive vibrations at higher speeds due to an uneven distribution of weight across all four wheels which makes them unbalanced when driving at faster speeds. It is important to take your vehicle into a professional mechanic in order for them to properly assess and adjust any alignment issues that may exist in order for you resume normal driving conditions without fear of further damage being done by continuing with poor wheel alignment conditions.

Contact A Professional Mechanic

If after checking all of these components there still seems to be an issue with vibrating at higher speeds then it is best practice to contact a professional mechanic who specializes in cars similar make and model as yours in order for them provide more accurate diagnosis about what exactly might be causing this issue and how it should best be addressed moving forward.

FAQ & Answers

Q: What are the Causes of Car Shaking When Driving Over 40 mph?
A: The main causes of car shaking when driving over 40 mph include engine issues, tire issues, brake issues, and suspension issues.

Q: How Can I Diagnose Car Shaking When Driving Over 40 mph?
A: To diagnose car shaking when driving over 40 mph, check the tires, examine the brakes, identify any suspension problems, and investigate any engine problems.

Q: What Are Some Tips to Avoid Car Shaking When Driving Over 40 mph?
A: To avoid car shaking when driving over 40 mph, regularly check and maintain your tires, replace worn out brakes immediately, keep your suspension system in good shape, and monitor your engine performance regularly.

Q: What Are Some Common Symptoms of Car Shaking When Driving Over 40 mph?
A: Some common symptoms of car shaking when driving over 40 mph include vibrations in the steering wheel, unusual noises from the engine, and an unstable handling or ride quality.

Q: What Are Some Reasons Why Cars Shake at High Speeds?
A: The most common reasons why cars shake at high speeds include poor wheel alignment, out of balance tires, and worn out shock absorbers.

In conclusion, car shaking when driving over 40 can be caused by a variety of factors. It could be due to worn-out or misaligned tires, damaged suspension components, or even a worn-out engine or transmission mount. If you suspect your car is shaking due to any of these issues, it’s important to take it in for an inspection so a qualified technician can check for any potential problems and make the necessary repairs.

Author Profile

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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