Car Shakes At Idle But Smooths Out While Driving – How To Fix This Problem?

Published on: 09 February 2023 Last Updated on: 04 September 2024
car shakes at idle but smooths out while driving

You might have noticed some irregularities with your car, like how it’s vibrating more than usual, even while idle. This can happen due to many reasons. Therefore, people should know the reasons behind why their car shakes at idle but smooths out while driving.

If you are looking for the answer to this question, then you have clicked on the correct link. In this post, you will learn why the above effect happens and what needs to be done to solve it.

Why Does Car Shakes At Idle But Smooths Out While Driving And How To Fix This Issue?

If you wish to know why your car shaking while idle, then there can be various reasons for this issue. Therefore, here are some of the most common reasons why your car shakes when idle:

1. The Motor Mounts Are Weak

The Motor Mounts Are Weak
Image Source: foxrunauto.com

As you already know, your engine is stored in the car’s engine compartment. This is done with the help of motor mounts that are attached to the engine to keep it in place.

When these mounts become weak, they might fall off one by one. This can create a situation where your car vibrates when idle. You can notice this the most when your car is in neutral.

If it does so, then you better go to a mechanic to get it checked and fixed immediately.

2. Damaged Spark Plugs

Damaged Spark Plugs
Image Source: cfx-wp-images.imgix.net

Spark plugs are connected to your engine and are responsible for igniting the fuel that goes in it. However, after lots of use, these spark plugs can become greasy due to the accumulation of residue from burnt oil. This can cause the engine to misfire.

Therefore, it’s best to keep in mind that your spark plugs are best replaced after every 20,000 to 30,000 miles. However, if you have a car that has a diesel engine, then there’s no need to worry about this since diesel engines don’t have spark plugs.

3. The Camshaft Timing Chain Is Loose

The Camshaft Timing Chain Is Loose
Image Source: carparts.com

Many cars have a camshaft timing chain, which helps all the camshafts stay attached to your engine valves and pistons. This can create a problem for you if the timing chain for your camshaft has a loose chain tensioner.

If you don’t get all the hoses of your engine inspected by a mechanic, then your complaint about your car shaking when idle will never cease. This is because it can cause an engine vacuum leak, increasing the pressure inside its cylinders and vibrating your car. 

4. Battery Cables Are Loose

Battery Cables Are Loose
Image Source: autochimps.com

Another common reason why your car shakes at idle but smooths out while driving is because of loose battery cables. If you see your car wont start after getting gas, then this might be one of the reasons why.

This can happen if you recently changed your car battery. It can happen if the battery is not correctly connected to the battery cables. After driving around town, there is a chance that your battery cables might become loose, which leads to vibrating cars.

5. The Sensors Are Dirty Or Worn Out

The Sensors Are Dirty Or Worn Out
Image Source: protectmycar.com

Two primary sensors in your car that are essential for starting it up are – the throttle position and oxygen sensors. Since they are located so close to the engine, they get greased up over time, making them malfunction.

Adjusting the throttle cable a bit too tightly might cause the car to turn even while idle. Also, it makes things rough while driving as your car might speed up irrationally at times.

In the same vein, a dysfunctional oxygen sensor can lead to exhaust malfunctions. This can also be another reason why your car shakes while idle.

6. Faulty Ignition Control Module

Faulty Ignition Control Module
Image Source: pixfeeds.com

Your car’s idleness can be disturbed if there are faults in the ignition control module. Here, your engine might not start since the control module wrongly sends a signal that makes your engine misfire the compression from your cylinders.

You can quickly diagnose this problem if you see your car vibrating on idle, even when you are not pressing the accelerator while in gear.

7. The Gas Cap Is Loose

The Gas Cap Is Loose
Image Source: carparts.com

One of the most common causes of your car shaking on idle is a loose gas cap. If the gas cap is loose, then air can leak inside, pressuring and vacuuming the engine even more. This increase in pressure can cause your engine to shake, even while the car is idle.

Therefore, try checking your fuel cap. Open it yourself and then put it back. If you see the cap is loose, then you have found the main culprit.

8. Malfunctions In The Fuel Intake System

Malfunctions In The Fuel Intake System
Image Source: themotorguy.com

If you see your car shaking when idle, then there is a high chance that the problem probably lies in your fuel intake system. The more you drive your vehicle, the more wear and tear your fuel intake system suffers, leading to blockages and malfunctions.

Obstructions in your fuel intake valves can lead to less fuel going to your engine, which fails to start the engine properly. This leads to vibrations in your engine, which makes your car shake even while idle.

Therefore, ask your mechanic and allow them to implement the use of an OBD2 scanner to find car engine malfunctions. This scanner will quickly pick up any obstructions in the fuel intake system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Here are the answers to some questions that people ask alongside why is my car shaking when idle:

Q1. How Do You Diagnose Engine Vibration?

Ans: To diagnose the reason why your engine is vibrating, you can do the following:
First, place your car in a neutral state.
Slowly start increasing the engine speed to an RPM which makes it vibrate.

Q2. What Reduces Engine Vibration?

Ans: To reduce the vibration of your engine, you can try making the coupling more flexible than before. Here, changing the spring and the damper will work wonders.

Q3. Does Changing Engine Oil Reduce Vibration?

Ans: Yes, changing the engine oil can indeed reduce your engine and car vibration. This will be most noticeable if the engine has not been changed for some time. In addition, this is more prominent in two-wheelers than in four-wheelers.

Conclusion

There are various reasons why your car shakes at idle but smooths out while driving. It can be due to iffy motor mounts, gas caps, damaged spark plugs, and battery cables. In addition, your ignition control system might be faulty as well, alongside worn-out sensors.

In case you faced a similar situation, let me know in the comments below what you did!

Read Also:

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

RV Owners

Mighway Lets RV Owners Earn Money While They Sleep

RV owners can make passive income to a whole new level with Mighway—RV Rental Marketplace, where they can rent their RV without lifting a finger. Why American Families prefer to keep an RV in their Homes? An RV is one of the most preferred options for American families who love road tripping and exploring different places. Most families prefer to take their families along, including their dogs on their RVs to natural parks, sanctuaries, and attractive geographical locations. If you are an individual that is looking to travel, you want to ensure that you feel at home while travelling in your RV. This is why many American homes have RVs, that they can use to make family trips. Unlike other peer-to-peer RV rental sites, the innovative Mighway Managed program handle can handle the rental process entirely, so owners can earn cash on their RV while sleeping, vacationing in Hawaii, or whatever other pleasurable activity they’d rather be doing. Those who love the idea of interacting with the public and handling everything can still list on Mighway, but if they’d rather hand it off, Mighway’s team can leverage decades of RV rental experience and commercial RV dealer partnerships to take care of customer relations and vehicle maintenance to cheaper storage, with helpful marketing features such as managed pricing for maximum returns and marketing copy and photos. “One of the most important principles of accumulating wealth is to generate passive income, where you earn cash even when you’re sleeping,” Simmons said. “Mighway Managed offers RV investors another way to collect cash instead of dust while they enjoy the good life.” The Mighway Managed program, which costs just ____ a month, lets owners who don’t want the hassle of handling the rental process enjoy peace of mind knowing that the world’s leading experts in RV rentals have their back. Owned by TH2—a partnership between Thor, the world’s leading RV rental operator and Thor Industries, the largest global RV manufacturer—Mighway brings decades of experience in the industry to owners, vetting customers, securing payments, providing the most comprehensive insurance and customer service on the market and offering a treasure trove of tips and tools to make it easy. Mighway provides all the tools you need for easy renting, so you’re in complete control while others handle the work. Owners can get the final say over whom they rent to. Mighway’s support team will be there with you every step to help and will offer tips and advice and the resources to make it easy to market your RV and manage the rental process. They can vet renters for you so you can relax knowing that your investment is in good hands, letting renters know about your vehicle’s unique quirks and instructions. If there are issues with the renters, or there’s trouble on the road, Mighway can take care of the communication and insurance claims. Another advantage of choosing Mighway is it offers the most comprehensive insurance on the market. To protect everyone, Mighway requires all guests to purchase basic accidental damage cover. However, this basic accidental damage cover comes with a $4,500 liability per incident and only basic on-road support. That’s why Mighway encourages all guests to upgrade just a few more dollars a day to the “Peace of Mind” plan, which includes a reduced liability to $500 per accident, and comprehensive on-road support and financial protection. This includes coverage for broken windscreens, vehicle breakdowns, tire blowouts, and more. Thinking of Owning? Try Before You Buy with Mighway! For those thinking of owning an RV and earning income when they’re not using it, Mighway—The RV Rental Marketplace lets them try before they buy at a very low cost. Mighway offers renters more flexibility, 24/7 roadside support, a price match guarantee, as well as the first 100 miles and two generator hours free. RV Camping is a must to try out with your peers. List on Mighway Now: To list on Mighway go to https://app.mighway.com/signup. About Mighway—The RV Rental Marketplace: Mighway—The RV Rental Marketplace is an innovative RV sharing platform, raising the bar in service and consumer protection, and connecting RV owners with travelers. While other RV sharing platforms serve more as booking engines, Mighway assists travelers throughout the road trip and often beyond. More than that, Mighway changes the game by offering the option to manage everything for owners as well. For more information, visit Mighway.com Read Also: Why Hiring Van Is More Beneficial? Tips For Renting A Wheelchair Van At Your Destination

READ MOREDetails
Motorcycle

Things To Consider Before Buying Your First Motorcycle

It’s easy to get excited as you buy your first-ever motorcycle after learning the motorcycling basics and passing a motorcycling safety course. However, don’t rush and buy just about any motorcycle that you see. Here are things to consider before buying your first motorcycle. 1. Your Needs When it comes to buying a vehicle, your needs should be your priority. Consider all your needs when choosing a motorbike to purchase. This includes the traffic on the route that you take every day as well as the distance that you cover on a daily basis. By taking your needs into account, you can save yourself from feelings of regret later. 2. Your Type There are many different types of motorcycles. Choose a certain type of motorcycle that fits your style of driving. If you just want a regular type of bike, choose the standard type of motorcycle. Although they don’t have big buildings and super-sized machines, they’re great because they’re flexible and approachable. If you’re a professional car driver who wants to outrun cars on the road, you might want to go for sports bikes, like a Harley-Davidson livewire. However, they’re not the best choice for beginners. If you want a bike but still want the comforts of a car, touring bikes could be great for you. These types of cars have some of the features of a car, such as GPS, windscreens, stereos, automatic transmissions, and carrying capacities. The above-mentioned types of motorcycles are only a few of the many of them. It will be great for you to do your research before finding a bike to purchase. 3. Your Size This one is a no-brainer. Motorcycles come in different sizes and shapes. Choose one that fits your size and build. Don’t choose one that is too small or too big for you; this will only get in the way of your comfort. To be sure, try a motorcycle on for sizing, or if possible, take it for a short ride. This will give you a clue about the ergonomics of a bike and how it fits the figure of your body. 4. Your Options There can be thousands of different motorcycles on the market today, and each has different features that may or may not attract you. Because you have a long list of options, you may have a hard time making your final buying decision. To save time, only pay attention to the ones that could be the most beneficial to you and your needs. 5. Your Long-Term Budget When buying a motorcycle, you’re spending money not only on purchasing the vehicle but also on maintaining it on a regular basis. This is why it’s so important to estimate all the expenses associated with owning a bike like car cover, protectors, luggage, etc. Your total expenses may include the cost of your safety gear. The Moto Expert has a variety of high-quality helmets, jackets, pants, and gloves that you can choose from. The cost of regular maintenance may also add up to your total outlays. You might also want to consider your oil consumption every day. While it may not be that costly, it can greatly affect your economic stability in the long run. The idea is to be able to assess yourself whether you can handle all the financial responsibilities of owning a vehicle. 6. Your Preferences After taking all the necessary considerations, it’s time to think of your own preferences. What brand, color or shape do you want? The level of engine performance does you prefer? What parts and accessories do you want your bike to have? Since this will be your first-ever motorcycle, don’t think twice about giving yourself exactly what you want. Although your needs come first, you shouldn’t forget about your wants. Things To Consider Right After Buying Your First Motorcycle Now that you've bought your first motorcycle, the excitement is real! But wait! Don't get ahead of yourself just yet. There are a few things you need to handle to make sure you're fully prepared for the road. Let’s go through some key steps you should take right after purchasing your bike. Get The Right Gear Safety is a top priority, and that means getting the right gear. A high-quality helmet is non-negotiable. It’s the most important piece of safety equipment you’ll own. Make sure it fits snugly and meets safety standards. Beyond that, invest in a good jacket, gloves, and boots to protect you in case of an accident. You might be tempted to skip some of these, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. The right gear doesn’t just protect you; it also adds comfort during your rides. Insurance And Registration Next up, don’t forget to get your motorcycle registered and insured. Many places won’t even let you hit the road without the proper paperwork in place. Insurance can save you a lot of headaches in case of damage, theft, or accidents. So, ensure you compare policies and choose one that fits your needs and budget. Plus, having your registration updated ensures you’re riding legally. This is a quick step, but super important if you do not want to get into any legal trouble later! Learn The Bike You’ve got the basics down, but now it’s time to truly understand your bike. Spend some time getting familiar with how it handles. Practice slow turns, quick stops, and general maneuvers in a safe, open space before hitting the busy streets. Every bike is different, and the more you know your own, the better rider you’ll become. Plus, it’ll boost your confidence and make your rides more enjoyable! Maintenance And Care Finally, regular maintenance is key to keeping your bike in great shape. Check your tire pressure, oil levels, and brakes frequently. Keeping an eye on these small things can prevent bigger (and more expensive) problems down the road. It might seem like a hassle at first, but trust me, getting into a maintenance routine will save you time and money in the long run. Enjoy your new ride, but always stay prepared! It’s all about being safe, smart, and ready for the adventures ahead. Read More: 5 Signs Your Car Needs a Tune Up How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Tires for the Motorcycle Choosing the Right Anti-Theft Devices For Your Car In Houston TX

READ MOREDetails
Tesla Model S

2018 Tesla Model S: The Complete Electric vehicle

Tesla has an impressive range of electric cars with decent power and along with that, the cars are friendly to the pocket. Tesla has been in the market for the past few years but has not succeeded in impressing the buyers. However, with the recent launch of Tesla Model S, which is an electric variant car and a medium-sized sedan, it has started to gain the popularity. A major reason behind this is, the affordable price and that that car offers ample amount of features which are otherwise not seen in the other electric cars in the market. Pros: The car is an electric variant. It is a medium-sized luxury sedan which has an impressive range on the high-end models of the car. The acceleration is quick and thus, the power of the engine has been done justice with the gas pedal system. Talking about the space, the liftback design is an added advantage. It offers an abundant cargo space to the customer. Moreover, there are a few Tesla exclusive technologies and general technologies which are not available in other luxury cars. Cons: There are similarly priced sedans in the market too. A major setback which can be predicted is that it is an electric car. The electric cars have not gained popularity and always considered weaker against the gas-operated car. Moreover, the luxury polish is not clearly visible such as in the other cars having the similar price tag. If we look into the aftersales part, the service centers are not present all around the world. This is because of the number of dealers in the car also less. Trims: Till the time Tesla had launched Model S, the electric vehicles were not preferred. The gas-operated vehicles were always given the priority despite the operating cost and the base price of the cars. After Tesla Model S was launched in two different trims, the potential buyers of the electric vehicles got an option to buy one of the best electric cars in the market. The basic model of the Tesla Model S is the 75D. The car is EPA-rated at the range of 229 miles. This means the fuel economy of the car is 229 miles. The higher version which is 100D can run 331 miles in one charge. This is the middle ground between the basic and the top model and thus, has all the necessary features. The top model of the car is the P100D. Talking about the acceleration of the car, when the Tesla Model S is completely charged, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in the period of 2.5 seconds. The time taken by the car is lesser than most of the exotic cars priced at even higher rates than the Tesla Model S MSRP. Software: The most important thing about having an electric car is the continuous software updates. From the Tesla Model S review, it is known that Tesla is known for releasing new software, bug fixes and the addition of features in each software upgrade. The firmware update adds more features into the car. An added advantage of having an electric car over the gas-operated car is that the number of features keeps adding. Whereas, in the gas-operated car, once you buy the car, you will not see any features being upgraded. In the electric car, if there is an inconvenience, it will be fixed by the software itself up to some extent. Interior: Tesla model s interiors have been given top ratings by the reviewers. The advanced features in the car, ask for a bit of learning but once you are well-versed with all the features, you can enjoy the cabin with lovely materials and the infotainment system within an arm’s distance. The infotainment system can be used with the help of a 17-inch touchscreen. The whole electronic network works great. However, you can face the problem when it comes to the power exterior door handles. They deployment is delayed. The cabin is huge and gives a wide-open feeling with a ton of legroom and headroom. Safety: Considering the safety of the car, it is equipped with 5 airbags. Apart from the airbags, the car also has other standard active safety features such as 4-wheel ABS, 4-Wheel Disc Brakes, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, Daytime Running Lights, and lane keep assist along with other numerous Tesla exclusive safety features. Read Also: Best New Cars For Teenagers Important Tips To Maintain Your Luxury Car

READ MOREDetails