Saed News: If you want to know why a car shakes while idling, be sure to follow this educational article.
According to the Saed News automotive magazine, citing Pedal, all car owners have encountered various problems and malfunctions over the years of driving their vehicles. Although modern vehicles are more reliable than those produced years ago, they still wear out over time. Regular servicing and maintenance can extend a car’s lifespan, but as the vehicle ages and its mileage increases, different issues will inevitably arise.
Being able to identify these problems based on warning signs is essential for timely repairs. Most drivers are familiar with unusual noises coming from their cars, but these sounds are not the only indicators of mechanical issues. Another important warning sign is vehicle vibration, which can occur both while driving and when the car is idling.
This article focuses on the six main causes of car vibrations while idling. If you're interested in learning about vibrations that occur while driving on highways, be sure to check out our related article.
Main Causes of Car Vibration While Idling
Faulty Engine Mounts
Internal combustion engines are heavy, and this weight can cause issues while driving if not properly supported. Therefore, a strong support system is needed to keep the engine in place. The engine mount is the component that bears the engine's weight and allows limited movement. Most modern vehicles have 2 to 4 engine mounts, but even the failure of one can cause serious problems, including vibration. Engine mount failure can cause vibration both while idling and driving.
Faulty Spark Plugs and Ignition System Components
A car's proper functioning depends on many components, and one of the most critical is the ignition system, which includes spark plugs, coils, and switches. Although the ignition system is durable, it can wear out over time, and if components like spark plugs, wires, or coils fail, the car may vibrate while idling. Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the air-fuel mixture and require electrical current to operate properly. If the wires and coils are damaged, the spark plugs cannot perform correctly, causing engine misfire and vibration.
Fuel System Issues
The fuel system plays a vital role in a car by sending gasoline from the tank to the engine for combustion. It consists of parts like the fuel tank, fuel filter, injectors, carburetor, and fuel pump. Any issue with these parts can prevent proper fuel delivery, leading to vibration while idling. Common fuel system problems include clogged injectors, faulty fuel pumps, and damaged fuel filters.
Broken Serpentine Belt and Pulleys
In most vehicles, components such as the air conditioning compressor, power steering pump, and alternator have pulleys connected to the serpentine or drive belt. This belt is looped around the crankshaft pulley, transmitting rotational energy to the mentioned components. If the serpentine belt is damaged, it can also harm the pulley, leading to unusual noise and vibration in the car. Although serpentine belts are durable and can last over 100,000 kilometers, a failure will cause significant issues.
Vacuum System Leak
Gasoline-powered cars use the vacuum system to assist with power generation. This vacuum is created by components like pistons, throttle valves, and intake valves. The vacuum is crucial for the proper functioning of car components such as the brake booster and emissions control system. Plastic clips are used to maintain this vacuum, and they can wear out or break, causing a vacuum leak. This can lead to issues such as vibration while idling.
Dirty and Contaminated Air Filter
As you know, internal combustion engines require a precise mixture of fuel and oxygen to generate power. The air intake system is responsible for delivering oxygen to the combustion chamber and includes components such as the air filter, hoses, and throttle valve. While these parts are generally durable, the air filter has a specific lifespan and should be replaced regularly. Many car manufacturers include the air filter replacement schedule in the owner’s manual. However, factors like the car’s operating environment and local climate can affect this schedule. A severely dirty air filter can cause engine vibration because insufficient air reaches the engine, leading to an imbalance in the fuel-to-air mixture and disrupted combustion. Signs of an obstructed air filter include engine misfire, idling vibration, and the check engine light coming on.
![[VIDEO] Explosion in Moscow hits Cars + 2 Injured people](https://en.saednews.com/storage/files/post/bd386ae5-bb3e-418a-b448-96bb8a494695-KthfU6yYGrlhzKpo/1x1-gettyimages-105557525.jpg)
