Why Does My Car Shake When Accelerating?

Among the many auto repair-related questions we field here at the Nissan of Downtown L.A. service center, one of the most frequently asked is: Why does my car shake when accelerating? If your car shakes when accelerating, it can be a sign of any number of possible problems, ranging from tire deterioration to suspension issues to transmission failure. To help you better understand this topic, and to ensure the continued performance of your vehicle on every Huntington Park and Downey drive, we take you through some common reasons a car shakes when accelerating.

Reasons Your Car Shakes When Accelerating

Because there are so many potential causes of shaking during acceleration, from the relatively minor to the extremely serious, it’s important to take your vehicle in for service as soon as possible. Below, we share just a few of the reasons this phenomenon occurs as we answer the question: Why does my car shake when accelerating?

• Engine Problems – Misfiring cylinders, worn spark plugs, and other engine-related failures can trigger shaking during acceleration.
• Suspension Issues & Misalignment – If suspension parts wear down or your vehicle alignment is off-kilter, you can experience shaking as your car speeds up.
• Tire Wear or Damage – When tires wear unevenly or otherwise become imbalanced, you may feel your vehicle shaking as it accelerates. Check your tires for damage and make sure they are properly inflated.
• Transmission Malfunctions – As a transmission breaks down, it often starts to slip or shift roughly, which can result in shaking as you accelerate.

If your car only shakes intermittently or when traveling at specific speeds, the most likely culprits are brake problems like warped rotors or drivetrain issues like failures in the driveshaft or CV joints. Any of these can jeopardize your safety, so make repairs a priority.

Schedule Service in Los Angeles

Now that you know why your car shakes when accelerating, it’s time to schedule an appointment at our service center. Contact us or use our online form to reserve a time that works for you. We also encourage you to explore our rotating service specials for money-saving opportunities. Never ignore shaking during acceleration; trust our highly skilled and experienced technicians to perform the needed repairs to keep your vehicle safe and operational for the roads of Bell Gardens and beyond.