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What Causes Your Car to Vibrate While Driving?
Quick answer Looking for wheel balancing near me? The most common cause of a car vibrating while driving is a wheel that is out of balance, especially if the shaking starts around 50 to 70 mph. Other causes include damaged or worn tyres, a bent wheel, brake problems and worn suspension parts. If it is wheel balancing you need, we offer mobile service across London, at home, work or roadside.
First, work out when your car vibrates
The time and place the vibration happens tells you most of what you need to know. Tap your situation.
When does it vibrate?
Wheel out of balance
Shaking that shows up in a speed range, and smooths out when you slow down, is the classic unbalanced wheel. Wheel balancing fixes it.
Damaged tyre, bulge or bent wheel
Shaking all the time that gets worse with speed can mean the tyre or wheel is damaged. Check for a bulge or cut. Do not keep driving on it. Stop somewhere safe and call us so we can inspect it.
Brake discs
Shaking or a pulsing pedal only when you brake usually comes from the brakes, not the wheels. Get the brakes checked by a garage.
Driveshaft, CV joint or engine mount
Shaking that starts when you accelerate points to a drivetrain part. Get it checked by a garage.
Engine problem or worn mounts
If the car shakes while stopped with the engine running, the cause is usually the engine or its mounts, not the tyres. Get it checked by a garage.
Worn suspension, steering parts or a wheel bearing
Clunks over bumps point to worn suspension or steering parts. A hum that changes when you turn points to a wheel bearing. Get it checked soon.
Wheel alignment
Pulling to one side, or tyres wearing on one edge, usually means alignment. Balancing will not fix this, so have your alignment checked. If a tyre is badly worn, we can look at it.
Quick reference
| When it vibrates | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Steady shaking at 50-70 mph, smooth when you slow down | Wheel out of balance | Book wheel balancing |
| Shaking all the time, getting worse with speed | Damaged tyre, bulge or bent wheel | Stop and get the tyre inspected |
| Shaking or a pulsing pedal only when braking | Brake discs | Get the brakes checked |
| Shaking when you accelerate | Driveshaft, CV joint or engine mount | Get it checked by a garage |
| Shaking when stopped, engine running | Engine problem or worn mounts | Get it checked by a garage |
| Thumps or clunks over bumps | Worn suspension or steering parts | Get the suspension checked |
| Humming that changes when you turn | Wheel bearing | Get it checked soon |
| Car pulls to one side, tyres wearing on one edge | Wheel alignment | Get alignment checked |
9 common causes of a car vibrating while driving
Unbalanced wheels
This is the most common one. A wheel and tyre is never perfectly even, and a small difference in weight makes the wheel hop at speed. You usually feel it in the steering wheel (front wheels) or the seat (rear wheels), and it often shows up between about 50 and 70 mph.
FixWheel balancing. Read more: signs your car needs wheel balancing.
Uneven or worn tyres
Tyres that have worn unevenly, have flat spots or have a worn patch on the tread can make the car shake. Look across the tread for patches that feel different.
FixOften replacement. See how to know when your tyres need replacing.
A damaged tyre or a bulge
A bulge in the sidewall or a separated tread means the tyre structure is failing. This is dangerous.
FixStop driving on it. We can inspect it and fit a new one with our emergency tyre replacement.
A bent wheel
A hard hit on a pothole or kerb can bend the wheel rim. The car then shakes even after balancing.
FixThe wheel and tyre need to be inspected.
Low or uneven tyre pressure
A tyre that is low can wobble and wear badly. If your warning light is on, read what the tyre pressure warning light means or book a TPMS check.
FixCheck all four tyres. See how often you should check your tyre pressure.
Wheel alignment
Poor alignment mostly shows as the car pulling to one side or a steering wheel that sits off-centre. It also wears tyres on one edge, which can then cause shaking.
FixA wheel alignment check.
Loose wheel nuts
This is rare but serious. If the car shakes soon after a tyre change and you hear a clunk, a nut may be loose.
FixPull over safely and call us. Do not carry on driving.
Brake problems
Warped brake discs make the steering wheel shake and the brake pedal pulse when you brake. If the shaking only happens when braking, this is the likely cause.
FixA brake check at a garage.
Worn suspension, bearings or driveshaft
Worn parts such as ball joints, track rod ends, wheel bearings or a CV joint can make the car vibrate or hum. You will often notice clunks over bumps, a hum that changes when you turn, or clicking when you steer.
FixA garage inspection.
Is it safe to keep driving?
It depends on the cause.
Stop and get help straight away if:
- The shaking is sudden and severe
- You can see a bulge or cut in a tyre
- You hear a clunk or knocking, especially after a tyre change
- The steering feels heavy or loose
- There is a burning smell
Usually not an emergency:
A mild vibration at one speed range, with nothing else wrong, is usually an unbalanced wheel. It is not an emergency, but get it fixed so it does not wear your tyres and suspension.
Quick check: what is your car telling you?
Tick what applies
We will tell you what it most likely points to.
- Tick any that apply and we will show you what it points to.
Wheel balancing near me: What to look for
If your symptoms point to unbalanced wheels, you want it done quickly and done properly. When you search for wheel balancing near you, check for these:
- Do they check the tyre first? A good fitter looks for bulges and damage before balancing. Balancing a damaged tyre will not fix the shake.
- Do they come to you? Mobile wheel balancing saves you the trip and the waiting room.
- Do they give a price before starting?
- Do they tell you honestly if the problem is not balance?
FlatFix Tyre covers all of London with mobile wheel balancing. We arrive in 15 to 30 minutes on a typical call-out, day or night, at your home, workplace or a safe roadside spot.
If you need new tyres at the same time, we can supply and fit them in the same visit: Tyre Supply & Fit.
Based in Harrow or Stanmore? See mobile tyre fitting in Harrow, or check all areas we cover.
How to stop vibration coming back
- Get wheels balanced whenever new tyres are fitted
- Check tyre pressure regularly and fix slow leaks early with puncture repair
- Avoid potholes and kerbs where you can
- Replace tyres before they wear past the legal limit
- Rotate tyres to even out wear
- Do not ignore a small vibration, it rarely fixes itself
Not sure whether a garage or a mobile fitter is better for your problem? Read mobile tyre fitting vs garage.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my car vibrate at 60 mph?
The most common reason is an unbalanced wheel. Vibration that appears in a speed range, often 50-70 mph, and fades when you slow down usually points to wheel balancing.
Why does my steering wheel shake?
A shaking steering wheel usually means a front wheel is out of balance, a tyre is damaged or worn, or the brake discs are warped. If it only shakes when you brake, look at the brakes.
Can unbalanced wheels cause vibration?
Yes. It is the most common cause of a car vibrating at speed. Small weights on the rim fix it.
Is it safe to drive with a vibrating car?
A mild vibration from one wheel is usually not dangerous short-term, but it wears the tyres and suspension. Stop at once if the shaking is severe, you see a tyre bulge or you hear clunking.
Why does my car vibrate after getting new tyres?
The wheels may not have been balanced properly, a weight may have come off, or a wheel nut may be loose. Get it checked straight away.
Can a bad tyre cause vibration?
Yes. Uneven wear, flat spots, bulges and separated tread can all cause shaking.
Can you find wheel balancing near me?
Yes. FlatFix Tyre offers mobile wheel balancing across London, at your home, workplace or roadside. Learn more about wheel balancing.
How much does wheel balancing cost?
It depends on your vehicle and how many wheels. Send us your registration and what the car is doing, and we will quote you before any work starts. See how much mobile tyre fitting costs in London.
Car shaking right now?
Tell us where you are and what the car is doing, and we will come to you.
