You just got your car’s tires replaced and an alignment done, and now it’s shaking – not a great feeling, is it? It can be a bit unnerving, but don’t panic! It’s actually a fairly common issue, and in most cases, it’s easily fixed.
Why Is My Car Shaking After New Tires and Alignment?
The shaking feeling after new tires and alignment is often a sign that something isn’t quite right with the wheel balance. It’s not uncommon to have slight imbalances in tires that are either too small to notice or haven’t been balanced properly during installation. Even a tiny imbalance can cause significant vibration when traveling at higher speeds.
What to Do If Your Car Shakes After New Tires and Alignment?
The first step is to return to the shop where you got your tires replaced and alignment done. Tell them about the shaking and ask them to re-check and re-balance your tires.
Why Your Car Is Shaking After New Tires and Alignment – A Possible Explanation
Imagine you’re on a playground, spinning on a merry-go-round. If it’s perfectly balanced, the spin will be smooth. But if someone adds a heavier weight to one side, the spinning becomes uneven and creates a vibration.
Your car’s wheels are like the merry-go-round. If the weight isn’t evenly distributed across the tire and wheel, the rotation becomes uneven, leading to vibration – that’s what you feel as shaking in your car.
Other Potential Causes for Car Shakes After New Tires and Alignment
While wheel imbalance is the most common culprit, other reasons could be responsible for the shaking, especially if the shaking started after the new tires and alignment. These include:
- Damaged wheel bearings: Worn-out or damaged wheel bearings can cause vibration as the wheels rotate, leading to shaking.
- Bent wheel rim: A bent rim can also cause vibration, particularly at higher speeds.
- Loose lug nuts: Make sure the lug nuts are tightened to the proper specifications.
- Uneven tire pressure: Ensure all tires are inflated to the correct pressure.
How to Troubleshoot the Problem
If the shaking persists after the tires are re-balanced, the mechanic should investigate further. They will usually start by checking the following:
- Wheel bearings: They will inspect the wheel bearings for signs of wear or damage.
- Wheel rims: They will examine the wheel rims for any bends or other irregularities.
- Lug nuts: They will double-check the tightness of the lug nuts.
- Tire pressure: They will check the tire pressure and ensure it’s at the recommended level.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions asked about shaking after new tires and alignment:
- How long does it take to re-balance tires? The process usually takes around 15 to 30 minutes.
- Does re-balancing tires cost money? In most cases, re-balancing is included in the initial tire replacement and alignment cost. However, if you return after a significant period, you might have to pay a small fee.
- How often should I get my tires re-balanced? It’s recommended to re-balance tires every 5,000 to 10,000 miles.
- Why does my car shake at certain speeds? Shaking at specific speeds, especially around 50 mph, often indicates an imbalance in your wheels.
- Can I re-balance my tires myself? While you can buy a tire balancer, it’s best to have a professional do it as they have the tools and expertise to get it done properly.
Other Issues Related to Car Shaking
If you’re experiencing car shaking after new tires and alignment, you might also want to check out these related articles:
- https://diagxcar.com/car-starts-shaking-at-50-mph/
- https://diagxcar.com/car-shaking-at-highway-speeds/
Conclusion
Car shaking after new tires and alignment is a common problem that can usually be resolved quickly. If you encounter this issue, don’t hesitate to return to the shop where you got your tires and alignment done. They’ll be able to diagnose the problem and get you back on the road smoothly.
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A car shaking after new tires and alignment
Tire balancing machine
Mechanic checking tires
