Some reasons why a car vibrates between 30 and 40 mph are problems with tires, wheels, or engine. Low-pressure tires, misaligned wheels, and clogged air filters cause the car to shake.
Some of these problems are easy and inexpensive to fix, while others require the help of a trained technician. In this complete guide, you will find all the possible reasons, big or small, and easy ways to fix all the issues so you may stop the car from vibrating.
Contents
- 1 What Are the Reasons Why Your Car Vibrates Between 30 and 40 Mph?
- 1.1 – Low Tire Pressure Causes Shaking
- 1.2 – Vibration Due to Low Tread Depth
- 1.3 – Unbalanced Tires Shake the Car
- 1.4 – Car Vibrations Due to Axle Problems
- 1.5 – Bent or Misaligned Wheels Cause Vibration
- 1.6 – Flawed Brake Pads or Calipers
- 1.7 – Problem With Any Engine Part
- 1.8 – Suspension Failure Causes Shaking
- 1.9 – Rattling Interior Car Parts
- 2 How To Fix a Car That Vibrates Between 30, 40, and 60 Mph?
- 3 Conclusion
What Are the Reasons Why Your Car Vibrates Between 30 and 40 Mph?
The reasons why your car vibrates between 30 and 40 mph are because of a problem with the tires, wheels, brakes, suspension, or engine. Worn tread or low pressure of the tires, misaligned wheels, or damaged brake pads also cause shaking.
Faulty components of the suspension and clogged filters are also common reasons.
– Low Tire Pressure Causes Shaking
Low tire pressure is a common reason for a shaking car. Especially if your car vibrates when you reach 60 mph, the air pressure in the tires is the culprit. The car vibrates because improper pressure compromises the performance of the vehicle.
You should check the user manual or the car door sticker to find the correct pressure, then check the pressure of the tire. If it is below the mentioned limit, the tire will not have a good grip on the road, and the car will shake during acceleration.
– Vibration Due to Low Tread Depth
Worn tires do not have a good grip on the road. Tires wear out with time naturally, but sometimes they can get damaged earlier than expected. You should check the tread to identify the problem. You can get a micrometer caliper or take the car to a local repair shop.
They will use the caliper to know the tread depth. If it is less than 0.15 inches, it is unsafe to drive because the tire is slippery. A tire with low tread depth is difficult to drive. It does not have enough grip, and you would experience vibration at high speed.
If you use winter tires in summer, they will also wear out fast. Winter tires have a different tread to provide more grip so cars can drive on snow. Although very stable in winter, they wear out fast in summer and vibrate the car.
– Unbalanced Tires Shake the Car
If the tires are not balanced, the car vibrates at certain speeds. The tires get out of balance if they are damaged or not installed properly. Mechanics can detect the exact point that is out of line, so if the car is vibrating at a high speed, you should get the tires checked.
– Car Vibrations Due to Axle Problems
CV axles and joints are components of the drivetrain. Although they are made to withstand great stress, they might get damaged and cause the car to shake. You should suspect this problem if the car shakes at 30 mph or if the car shakes at 40 mph then stops.
Cars have two axles, one near the front wheel and one near the back wheel. So if you are only experiencing front end vibration at 40 mph, you should observe the front axle.
The axle may also bend as a result of an accident. As a result, the wheel will wobble while driving on uneven terrain, and the car will shake. Moreover, CV joints connect the axles to the wheels, and you will notice similar effects after damage.
– Bent or Misaligned Wheels Cause Vibration
If your car shakes at 35-40 mph, there might be a problem with one of the wheels. You would feel the issue through the steering wheel because it shakes when the tires are unable to move freely.
The most common reason behind it is misaligned wheels. Wheels that are not aligned do not have a proper angle, and they make the car vibrate badly. It is not safe to drive if there is a misaligned wheel.
Moreover, loose bolts on the wheel and uneven rims can also cause the car to shake. You can inspect each rim to find any cracks or bent surfaces.
– Flawed Brake Pads or Calipers
If you are a car owner who says, “my car shakes when I hit 40 mph or when I apply breaks” there is a problem with the brake pads. The vibration would be more prominent when you decelerate.
However, if it only happens when you apply the brake, the front brake on the car might be worn out. Another scenario is a car shaking at around 60 mph because of a problem with the brake calipers.
– Problem With Any Engine Part
Multiple problems with the engine can be suspected as reasons why your car vibrates between 30 and 40 mph. Worn sparking plugs, clogged filters, and damaged mounts are common reasons. These issues are easy to identify thanks to the check engine light.
Engines use spark plugs to ignite the fuel in the cylinders. If one of the plugs stops working, you might not notice a big difference unless the cylinder misfires. You can diagnose a faulty plug using a wrench and spark plug socket.
You can also check the fuel filters in the engine. These filters prevent any contamination from entering the fuel injectors. The filters sometimes get blocked or clogged and prevent the flow of fuel into the cylinder.
The engine does not come in direct contact with the car structure. The reason is that it vigorously shakes, so instead, it comes in contact with engine mounts. These mounts absorb the vibration from the engine and ensure stable driving. A problem with the mounts can also be a reason why your car is vibrating.
– Suspension Failure Causes Shaking
The car suspension has many parts that work together to absorb all shocks from the road. A problem with any of these parts can make the vehicle shake at high speeds. There is a greater chance of a fault in the suspension if the car shakes between 40 and 50 mph.
The components may fail due to different reasons. Sometimes they fail due to normal wear with increasing age, otherwise poor maintenance will damage them earlier. It is especially true for vehicles that are not lubricated frequently. Besides, the suspension parts might stop working in case of an accident or due to moisture or dirt.
To find the problematic component, you should inspect the wheel bearings, control arms, ball joints, and struts. You can easily observe these parts on your own to detect the root cause.
– Rattling Interior Car Parts
In rare cases, the car shakes between 20-30 mph due to interior parts. These components also form defects with time and lose their actual shape. For example, due to heat, the car dashboard loses its original form and starts creating noises and vibrations.
Moreover, if there is a loose part inside the car, it will rattle and you will experience vibration. Problems with the car’s audio system and uneven or high load in the car will also have a similar impact.
How To Fix a Car That Vibrates Between 30, 40, and 60 Mph?
To fix a car that vibrates between 30, 40, and 60 mph, you must align the wheels or replace the tires. You can install new air filters, spark plugs, or motor mounts if the engine has problems. Changing the brake rotors or suspension parts may also fix the problem.
– Replace Tires and Align the Wheels
If the tires have worn tread or if you have winter tires on the car in summer, you should replace them to stop the vibration. Make sure you select the right tire size for the rims. During the installation of new tires, ensure there is no imbalance. You can also get the tires pumped if they seem deflated.
Wheel alignment is simple and does not take much time, but it is better to hire a mechanic. The mechanic will fix the wheels by using a lift and measuring the angles. Adjusting the bolts would align all wheels on your car, and you will be able to enjoy a smooth ride.
– Replace Damaged Components Causing Vibrations
Replace any faulty car parts that may be responsible for shaking. These include brake pads, suspension components, engine parts, etc.
Replacing worn brake pads is a technical process so you should hire a trained technician. The person will jack up the car, remove the wheel and caliper, and replace the brake pads. When dealing with the brakes, proper airing out can prevent the formation of air bubbles.
You can also replace blocked air filters after buying new ones. There is a wide variety of filters because they come in different sizes and shapes. You can look for high-quality filters that are compatible with your car. First, remove the clogged filter by opening the clips, then install a new filter.
Similarly, you will need to replace suspension components such as a bent axle or strut if they are damaged. However, if the car is shaking due to defective motor mounts, get them repaired or replace the parts.
Conclusion
After reading this article, you must be aware of the reasons why your car vibrates between 30 and 40 mph. Remembering the following key points will help you diagnose and fix the problem:
- The car or steering wheel might vibrate due to worn-out or deflated tires or bent or misaligned wheels.
- Broken spark plugs, brake pads, or suspension components also cause shaking.
- Uncommon reasons include a high load in the car or loose interior parts.
- You can stop the vibration by replacing or inflating tires and aligning the wheels.
- You can also replace worn-out parts, such as shocks, air filters, and brakes.
These points will help you fix the car without waiting, so start identifying the issue or take your car to a local repairman.
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