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29 August 2024 Car juddering when idle: causes of rattling and fixes
There are a few reasons why your engine might be shaking. It could be misfiring cylinders, worn engine mounts, wheel imbalance or faulty car spark plugs. It might also be linked to fuel system issues or a failing transmission. This unsettling sensation can range from mild to severe, affecting the driving experience and potentially indicating mechanical problems. It's important to get to the bottom of the issue quickly to prevent any further damage and ensure your car is safe and performs well.
Check out our informative video 3 Most Common Reasons A Car Might Be Vibrating for more information:
Car shakes at idle but smooths out while driving
Here are the common symptoms to look out for:
- Insufficient airflow
- Clogged components
- Malfunctioning idle air control valve (IACV)
- Throttle position sensor failure
- Electronic throttle control (ETC) problems
You'll probably notice this imbalance more at lower RPMs, which makes the engine run rough when idling. But as the car accelerates and more air flows through the system, these issues may become less apparent, making the car run smoothly at higher speeds. Inspecting and cleaning these components, or replacing with new car fuel system parts if necessary, can solve the problem.
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Car shakes when idle and accelerating
If your car shakes when it's idle and also while accelerating, it could be a sign of several potential issues including problems with your wheels or tyres. If you don’t have the correct tyre pressure or balances, this can cause uneven wear of the tyres or shuddering. When a vehicle shakes at idle, it lets you know that there could also be an issue with the engine or the components that support smooth operation, such as faulty spark plugs, dirty or failing car fuel injectors, or even a vacuum leak. On the other hand, if the shaking continues or worsens when you accelerate, it could be related to issues with the engine mounts, which are designed to hold the engine in place and absorb vibrations.
To pinpoint the exact cause, you should have the vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic. It's always best to tackle these issues as soon as you can to stop any further damage from happening and make sure everyone can enjoy a safe journey.
Diesel car juddering when idle
If your diesel car is shaking when idle, it might be due to clogged or dirty fuel injectors, causing an inconsistent fuel supply to the engine and resulting in rough idling. Another possibility is air in the fuel system, which can disrupt the smooth flow of diesel. Worn-out engine mounts could also cause excessive vibrations that feel like shaking. Additionally, a clogged fuel filter can restrict fuel flow, leading to similar issues.
A blocked filter or fuel injection system can limit the engine's access to fuel or oxygen, resulting in juddering and shaking. As your car ages and racks up miles, sludge buildup can clog the valves, exacerbating these issues. To address this, you should consider adding a diesel fuel system cleaner to your fuel tank to remove any deposits in the injectors.
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Checking and installing a new car fuel filter, if necessary, might also help. If you're not comfortable with these tasks, it's best to consult a professional mechanic to diagnose and fix the problem properly.
If you'd like to know more about why your car might be vibrating, just keep reading here.
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