Car Shakes When Driving Over 70 MPH?

According to a recent study, 65% of drivers experience their car shaking or vibrating when driving over 70 mph. This can be a frightening experience, especially if you’re unsure why it’s happening.

As a car owner, it’s essential to understand the underlying causes of this issue and how to fix it. In this article, we’ll explore the most common reasons why your car shakes when driving at high speeds and provide practical tips on solving the problem.

Whether you’re a seasoned driver or a new car owner, this guide will help you keep your car running smoothly and safely.

Why do cars shake when driving over 70 MPH?

Cars shake at 70 mph due to tire imbalance, low pressure, unevenness, and brake system issues like rotors or calipers. Starved engines lacking fluids can also cause shaking.

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Why does my car shake after 70mph?

As we have already discussed, there are some common reasons why you may experience shaking when your vehicle moves at a speed above 70 miles per hour. However, that’s not enough. There is a complete science behind this whole scenario.

When a car exceeds 70 mph, the wheels rotate at high speed, and any tire imbalance causes them to vibrate. This vibration transfers to the suspension system and eventually to the car’s body, causing it to shake.

The imbalance can be due to various reasons, such as uneven tire wear, out-of-balance tires, misaligned wheels, or wheel runouts. Issues with the brake system or engine components can also cause shaking.

These vibrations result from the laws of physics and engineering, which state that any rotating object must be balanced to prevent vibration.

What causes a car to shake at high speeds?

As explained above, if the tire is not properly balanced, it can cause the wheel to vibrate at high speeds, transferring the vibration to the suspension system and eventually to the car’s body, causing it to shake.

Another potential cause of shaking at high speeds is issues with the brake system. For example, warped brake rotors or stuck calipers can cause the brake pads to clamp down unevenly on the rotors, resulting in vibration and shaking.

Worn suspension components such as ball joints, tie rod ends, or bushings can also cause shaking at high speeds.

Damaged CV joints or axles can also cause your car to shake. These components are responsible for transmitting power from the engine to the wheels. If damaged or worn, they can cause vibrations that can be felt in the car’s body.

Finally, engine problems can also cause shaking at high speeds. Misfiring spark plugs or a faulty fuel system can cause the engine to run unevenly, leading to vibrations throughout the car.

How do I fix my car shaking at high speeds?

Here are the steps to fix a car shaking at high speeds

Step 1: Check the tire balance

The first step is to check if the tires are balanced. Unbalanced tires can cause the car to shake at high speeds. You can use a tire balancer under such situations, which can do wonders if you are fond of DIY solutions to problems. We recommend the AstroAI Digital Tire Inflator with Pressure Gauge, which checks the tire pressure and comes with a tire inflator and deflator.

If the tires are not balanced, they need to be balanced. You can use a wheel balancer to balance the tires. We recommend the Mayflower – 1.5 HP Tire Changer Wheel Changers Machine Balancer Rim Clamp Combo 560 680/1 Year Full Warranty, a professional-grade tire changer and wheel balancer combo that can handle most types of tires.

Step 2: Inspect the tires

The next step is to inspect the tires for uneven wear, bulges, or other damage. Worn-out or damaged tires must be replaced, for which we highly recommend the Michelin Defender T + H All-Season Tire, a high-quality tire with excellent traction and durability.

Step 3: Check the wheel alignment

If the wheels are misaligned, they can cause the car to shake. A wheel alignment tool can be an excellent option to have to avoid such kinds of situations. The QuickTrick Alignment 4th Gen Portable Wheel Alignment Kit is a portable and easy-to-use wheel alignment tool that can be used on most vehicles.

If your wheels are misaligned, it’s important to get them aligned properly. To do this, you can use a reliable wheel alignment machine such as the Atlas WB49-2 Prosumer Computer Wheel Balancer. This high-end machine is capable of handling most types of wheels and will help ensure that your wheels are properly aligned.

Step 4: Inspect the brake system

After addressing tire and wheel-related issues, inspecting the brake system is crucial. Problems with your brakes can also lead to shaking at high speeds. Here’s what you should do:

Inspect the brake rotors for signs of warping or uneven wear. Warped rotors can cause the brake pads to clamp down unevenly, leading to vibrations. If you notice any issues, replacing the brake rotors is advisable.

Stuck or malfunctioning calipers can result in uneven braking, which can cause shaking. Ensure that the calipers are functioning correctly and replace them if necessary.

Worn-out pads can contribute to uneven braking and shaking. If your brake pads are excessively worn, replace them with new ones.

Step 5: Check the suspension components

If you’ve followed the previous steps and your car still shakes at high speeds, inspecting the suspension components is essential. Here’s what you should do:

Check the ball joints: Worn-out or damaged can cause instability and shaking. Inspect them for wear and replace them if needed.

Examine the tie rod ends: Worn tie rod ends can affect your car’s steering and stability. Ensure they are in good condition and replace them if they show signs of wear.

Inspect the bushings: Damaged or worn suspension bushings can lead to vibrations and a rough ride. Examine them carefully and replace any that are damaged.

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Step 6: Assess the CV joints and axles

CV joints and axles transmit power from the engine to the wheels. If these components are damaged or worn, they can lead to vibrations in the car. Here’s what you should do:

Inspect the CV joints for damage or wear. If you notice any issues, it’s best to replace them. Damaged or worn axles can also cause vibrations. Ensure that the axles are in good condition; if not, consider replacing them.

Step 7: Address engine problems

If none of the above steps resolve the shaking issue, it’s time to investigate potential engine problems. Here’s what you should do:

Misfiring spark plugs can cause the engine to run unevenly, leading to vibrations in the car. Check the spark plugs and replace any that are worn or malfunctioning. A faulty fuel system can also result in engine misfires and shaking. Ensure that your fuel system is in good working order and address any issues you find.

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Last Minute Thoughts!

addressing the root causes of your car shaking at high speeds may require a thorough inspection and potentially some replacement parts.

If you are not comfortable performing these tasks yourself, it’s recommended to consult with a professional mechanic who can diagnose and fix the issue to ensure your car runs smoothly and safely.

By following these steps and maintaining your vehicle properly, you can enjoy a smoother and more stable driving experience at high speeds.

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