Car Vibrating?
Find Out What’s Wrong

Unbalanced wheels are the most common cause of vibration felt through the steering wheel at motorway speeds — typically between 60 and 80mph. Even small imbalances of a few grams cause significant vibration at speed. A tyre with flat spots from emergency braking or standing for a long period causes vibration at lower speeds that often diminishes once the tyre warms up. Wheel balancing costs very little and should be the first check.

CV joints allow the driveshafts to transmit power while the wheels steer and the suspension moves. A worn outer CV joint typically causes a clicking noise on full steering lock but can also cause vibration under acceleration. A failing inner CV joint causes vibration specifically under load. A torn CV boot allows the grease to escape and accelerates wear dramatically.

A misfiring cylinder causes noticeable vibration through the whole car particularly at idle. The engine runs unevenly because one or more cylinders is not contributing to the power stroke. This type of vibration is typically accompanied by a rough idle, loss of power and an engine management light.

Vibration specifically under braking — felt through the brake pedal and steering wheel — is the classic symptom of warped or worn brake discs. The disc surface is no longer perfectly flat so the pads grip unevenly as the disc rotates. This is particularly noticeable when braking from motorway speed.

Engine mounts are rubber and metal components that support the engine and absorb vibration. As the rubber deteriorates the mount loses its damping ability — allowing engine vibration to transmit directly into the bodyshell. Vibration that is worse under acceleration and felt through the seat often points to mount wear.