Do you ever feel a slight shake or vibration when driving your car at speeds over 70 mph? If so, you’re not alone. Many drivers have experienced the same sensation and have wondered “What causes my car to shake over 70 mph?” Whether it’s a minor annoyance or an indication of a serious problem, understanding the sources of this shaking can help you identify and solve the issue.
What Causes My Car to Shake Over 70 mph
Driving a car that shakes at high speeds is not only uncomfortable but can also be quite dangerous. Not only does it make the driver feel uneasy, but it can also cause difficulty controlling the vehicle. Some signs are so faint that they may not be noticeable until you hit speeds beyond 70 miles per hour.
One possible cause of shaking and wobbling at high speeds is an unbalanced tire. This occurs when one section of the tire is heavier than another, causing a vibration as it rotates. If your car has been driven on rough roads or hit potholes frequently, it could have caused damage to the tires that lead to an imbalance. Another cause could be a bent rim on one of your wheels, which can cause vibrations and shaking.
Tires that are out of balance
Tires that are out of balance can cause a lot of issues while driving. The most noticeable one is an annoying vibration, especially when the vehicle is going at high speeds between 50 and 70 mph. This shaking can be so unsettling that it can affect your overall driving experience and also make it difficult to keep the car on the track.
One reason why unbalanced tires shake more at higher speeds is due to the centrifugal force created by the tire’s rotation. When a tire is not balanced correctly, one side will be heavier than the other, causing a wobble in motion as it spins. And as you increase speed, this wobble increases too, resulting in shakiness that becomes more noticeable with each acceleration.
An unbalanced tire will result in uneven wear patterns such as cupping or jagged edges on the tread surface. Tires that are out of balance can wreak havoc on your vehicle’s performance and safety. One part of these tires is bulkier than another, causing vibrations that can be felt in the steering wheel, floorboards, and even the seats. These vibrations not only make for an uncomfortable ride but can also lead to more serious issues if left unchecked.
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The most common cause of out-of-balance tires is hitting pits, bridge joists, and ledges while driving. This impact causes a wheel to throw off the balance of the tire. Over time, this imbalance can become worse and lead to uneven wear on your tires, reducing their lifespan and potentially causing blowouts or other tire failures.
To avoid these issues, it’s important to have your tires balanced regularly by a professional mechanic. They will use specialized equipment to ensure that each tire is evenly weighted and aligned for optimal performance.
Tires that are out of balance can cause unwanted vibrations in your car while driving. These vibrations can be felt through different parts of the car, such as the steering column, seating, or floor. Knowing where these vibrations are coming from is important in figuring out which tires must be balanced.
Vibrations felt in the steering column usually mean that there is an issue with the front tires. This could be due to a tire being out of balance or even a problem with the tire itself, such as a flat spot or bulge. If you feel this type of vibration while driving, it’s important to get your vehicle checked by a professional mechanic who can diagnose and fix any issues.
On the other hand, if you feel vibrations in the seating or floor, this suggests that there is an issue with one or more of your rear tires.
Wheels that aren’t aligned
Unaligned wheels can cause a variety of problems for your vehicle, including shaking above 70 mph. This issue most commonly occurs when the wheels are struck by a pothole or other obstruction in the road. When your wheels are not aligned properly, it can cause uneven wear on your tires and affect the handling of your car.
The good news is that this problem can be easily solved by having your wheels realigned. It’s important to take care of this issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your vehicle and ensure a smooth ride at high speeds. If you notice any shaking or vibration while driving, it’s best to have a professional mechanic inspect your car for alignment issues.
In addition to improving the performance of your vehicle, wheel alignment can also save you money in the long run by extending the life of your tires and preventing premature wear and tear.
When it comes to car maintenance, the most important aspect is ensuring that your wheels are properly aligned. This not only ensures a smoother driving experience but can also prevent accidents caused by uneven tire wear. There are several factors that may signal the necessity for a wheel alignment, including uneven or severe tire wear.
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Uneven tire wear is often caused by wheels that aren’t aligned correctly. It occurs when certain parts of the tire tread wear down faster than others, resulting in a lopsided look and reduced traction on the road. This can be easily detected by checking for signs of balding or cupping on your tires. If you notice this type of wear pattern on your vehicle’s tires, it’s likely time to get your wheels aligned.
A common issue that drivers face is when their steering column sways to one side while going straight. This can be caused by a number of factors, including wheels that aren’t aligned properly. Misaligned wheels will cause your car to pull to one side or the other, which can make it difficult to keep your vehicle centered on the road.
Another common problem with steering is clunkiness. This occurs when you turn the wheel and hear an audible thud or jolt from your car’s front end. A clunky steering system is often indicative of worn-out components such as ball joints or tie rods, which are critical parts of your vehicle’s suspension system. If left unchecked, these worn-out components can lead to more serious issues down the road.
Another factor that could be contributing to squealing tires following a tire change is improper inflation. If your new tires are underinflated or overinflated, they may make more noise than usual when in motion.
Tire Wear Inequality
Tire wear inequality is a major issue that many drivers face on the road today. Uneven tire wear can lead to a host of problems, including reduced handling and performance, decreased fuel efficiency, and even dangerous blowouts. Unfortunately, many drivers are unaware of the factors that contribute to tire wear inequality and how they can prevent it.
The primary cause of tire wear inequality is improper wheel alignment. If your wheels are not properly aligned, your tires will not make even contact with the road surface, leading to uneven wear patterns. Other factors that can contribute to tire wear inequality include over or under-inflated tires, aggressive driving habits, and poor road conditions.
To avoid the negative consequences of tire wear inequality, it is important for drivers to take proactive steps in maintaining their tires. This includes regular inspections and adjustments as needed to ensure proper inflation levels and alignment.
Runout of the wheels
Runout of the wheels is a common problem that affects the performance of vehicles. Runout refers to a deviation from perfect circular motion, which causes vibration and noise during operation. This issue can occur in both new and old vehicles due to various factors, such as poor wheel balancing, worn-out bearings, or damaged rims.
The primary reason for running out is improper wheel balancing. When wheels are not balanced correctly, they can cause uneven wear on tires and lead to vibrations that affect vehicle handling. Another reason for runout is worn-out bearings. Bearings support the wheel hub and allow it to rotate smoothly. When they wear out, they can cause wobbling or instability in the wheels.
Damaged rims can also be a factor in runout issues. Even minor damage like dents or bends can cause significant problems with wheel balance and alignment.
A Brake System That Isn’t Working
A brake system that isn’t working can be a serious safety concern for any driver. While there are many reasons why brakes may not function properly, one common issue is when the brake pads and rotors don’t get enough traction. This can lead to distorted brake discs over time, which can cause significant problems while driving.
At speeds around 45-50 mph, drivers may notice disturbances in their vehicle’s braking system. These disturbances could include vibrations or shudders felt throughout the car, as well as difficulty stopping quickly or effectively. In some cases, these issues may even result in accidents or other dangerous situations on the road.
To prevent these problems from occurring, it’s important to have your brake system checked regularly by a qualified mechanic. Proper maintenance and upkeep can help ensure that your brakes are functioning correctly and that you stay safe while driving.
Worn Components
As your automobile ages, various components of it may wear down over time. This can lead to a range of issues, including vibrations while driving. While worn tires are often the first culprit that comes to mind when dealing with vibrations, there are other elements of your vehicle that could be causing this issue.
A potential cause of vibration is worn shocks. Worn shocks can cause the vehicle’s wheels to bounce and bounce back and forth while driving, leading to noticeable vibrations throughout the car. Higher strut bushings can also contribute to vibration by allowing movement in your suspension system that shouldn’t be present.
Rollers in your car’s suspension system might also be worn down over time and causing vibrations as a result. Similarly, rear suspensions end components like bushings and bearings can experience wear and tear over time which can lead to vibration issues as well.
Conclusion
Car shakes over 70 mph can be attributed to a variety of factors, ranging from tire pressure to wheel alignment. It is important for drivers to pay attention to the signs and symptoms of car shakes and address them as soon as possible so they don’t put themselves at risk of experiencing more serious issues down the road. It is also important to remember that regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent future car shake issues.