Understanding Vibrations in Your Vehicle

There are many things that can cause a vibration in your vehicle. The most common misconception is that vibrations are caused by the vehicle being out of alignment however this is rarely the case. The most common causes for vehicle vibrations are the tires and the brakes.

The first thing that needs to be figured out is where the vibration is coming from. When you are driving the car do, you feel it in the steering wheel or do you feel it through the seat and floor? This can determine if it is coming from the back of the car or the front. If it is coming through the steering wheel, it is most likely coming from the front axle. If it is coming through the seat and floor, it is most likely coming from the rear axle.

Now you need to figure out when the vibration started and when does it happen. Did you have a new set of tires put on recently, have mechanical work done, hit a pot hole, or maybe have to slam on the brakes? Does the vehicle vibration happen when you hit the brakes or maybe when your are driving but only after you hit a certain speed? By knowing when the vibration started and how often it occurs can be very helpful to the diagnosis of the problem.

If your vehicle vibration stated when you got new tires put on chances are that either you have a bad tire or they were not balanced properly. However, it is also possible that the lug nuts were not tighten properly and should be check ASAP. If the vibration started after you hit a pothole, it is possible that you have a bent rim, broke a belt in the tire, or a missing a wheel weight. It is also possible that a suspension component has been bent. If you slammed on your brakes and the vibration only occurs when you hit the brakes chances are that you warped the brake rotor by getting it too hot.

In any of these cases, unless you are related to a mechanic you will have to make a trip to your local garage. Most of these are easily fixed and are relatively cheap. If by chance, you do have bent or broken suspension parts continuing to drive the vehicle could cause more damage to occur. It is always best to get a professionals opinion in the matter.