
Volkswagen of Alamo Heights can help you identify why your Volkswagen shakes when idling.
As a driver, one of the unnerving feelings is when you notice your car vibrate when driving. Is it a flat tire, did that giant pothole hurt my suspension, or did I break the driveshaft? There are several parts that could be the cause of your vehicle vibrating, and the potential problems can fluctuate greatly. The most likely cause of the shaking usually happens in the vicinity of your vehicle’s tires and wheels. They plant the car to the road, and if anything is a bit wonky, you are going to feel it. It could be something like a broken caliper or a broken transmission mount. These more severe component failures might leave you with a broken can on the side of the road.
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If you got new wheels and tires recently, the vehicle vibrating could be caused by the wheels and tires not getting balanced correctly. Balancing the tires makes sure the weight of the tires and wheels are evenly distributed for the smoothest ride possible. If you feel the tire shuddering when you are driving, it might be an unbalanced tire. If you can confirm that the tires and wheels are properly balanced, but your car is still shuddering, make sure the lugnuts are completely tightened, and make sure the tires are inflated to the correct air pressure. If you find that your tires are causing the shudder, you should get it looked at immediately.
If the car shakes when braking, that’s a pretty good indicator that you need to have the brakes checked out. The most likely reason for your steering wheel shake is warped rotors. When you push down on the brake pedal, pieces of metal called brake pads compress against the brake rotors to bring your car to a stop. A smooth surface offers smooth braking. A warped surface will shudder when braking, like how a brick road feels bumpier than an asphalt highway. Other causes of the vibrating include frozen calipers and damaged shocks. If you notice your steering wheel start to wobble, bring it to us, and we’ll check it out.
If your car is shaking before you ever start driving, then there’s a good chance that you have some broken parts. The most common reasons for a car shaking at idle are:
Worn Driveshaft – If damaged or not perfectly balanced, it might be the source of the vibrations
CV joints That Have Failed – Working in conjunction with the driveshaft, cv joints get the engine power to the wheels and tires and, if they are failing, can be the cause of your car shaking.
Failing Engine Mounts – As the name suggests, these parts help affix the engine to the vehicle. If they get broken or worn, it can allow the engine to engine shake under the hood.
If you’ve realized there is a shudder in your car, then bring it in, and we’ll thoroughly inspect it and diagnose the problem. Our trained techs will diagnose the cause of the vibration and get you back on the road quickly.
Volkswagen of Alamo Heights is an ideal place to get Volkswagen service in the San Antonio area. We happily service all vehicle makes and models. One of our factory-trained technicians will inspect your car or truck to determine if there are any needed repairs and will suggest the best resolution for you and your vehicle. Schedule your Atlas service online or in person today.