Have you ever been driving along the highway, cruising at 60 MPH, and suddenly, your car starts shaking? It can be both annoying and a little concerning. You might wonder if your car is on the verge of falling apart or if it’s just a minor issue that can be fixed easily. Well, you’re not alone. Many car owners experience this issue at one point or another. In this article, we’ll explore the common reasons why your car shakes at 60 MPH and what you can do to fix it. Let’s get into it!
Common Reasons Your Car Shakes at 60 MPH
If your car starts shaking at 60 MPH, there could be a few things causing the issue. Don’t panic! Most of the time, it’s a simple fix. Let’s go over the most common reasons why this happens.
Tire Problems
One of the top reasons your car shakes when you hit 60 MPH is tire problems. Tires are the most important part of your car’s connection to the road, so it makes sense that if there’s an issue with them, you’ll notice it.
- Unbalanced tires: If your tires aren’t balanced properly, they can cause your car to shake, especially at higher speeds like 60 MPH. An unbalanced tire causes uneven wear and can lead to vibrations when driving. Over time, it can worsen and affect your steering and handling.
- Worn-out or damaged tires: Tires have a limited lifespan. If they are worn out or damaged, they can cause vibrations. This could be because the tread has worn down unevenly, causing your car to shake at higher speeds. Cracks, punctures, or blisters on the tire’s surface can also create problems.
- Improper tire pressure: Having too much or too little air in your tires can make your car shake. Under-inflated tires cause more friction with the road, leading to vibrations. On the other hand, over-inflated tires can make your car feel unstable, especially when you go faster.
To fix this, you should:
- Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels.
- Balance your tires at a mechanic’s shop if you notice vibrations.
- Replace tires if they are worn out or damaged.
Wheel Alignment Issues
Another reason why your car shakes when you reach 60 MPH could be poor wheel alignment. If your wheels aren’t aligned properly, it can affect the way your car drives, leading to shaking or pulling to one side. Over time, hitting potholes or curbs can throw your alignment off balance.
When the wheels are out of alignment, it causes uneven tire wear, making the shaking worse the faster you drive. Misaligned wheels can also cause problems with your steering and suspension, making it harder to drive smoothly.
To fix alignment issues, you should:
- Take your car to a trusted mechanic for a wheel alignment.
- Get alignment checks done every so often, especially after hitting a big pothole or curb.
- Watch for uneven tire wear as a sign of alignment issues.
Suspension Problems
The suspension system of your car is responsible for providing a smooth and comfortable ride. If parts of the suspension are damaged or worn out, they can cause your car to shake, especially at higher speeds like 60 MPH.
- Worn shocks or struts: Shocks and struts are the parts of your suspension that absorb the bumps and vibrations from the road. If these parts are worn out, your car may shake when you reach higher speeds.
- Loose or damaged suspension parts: If any other part of the suspension system is loose or broken, it can cause the car to shake. This could be anything from worn bushings to a damaged control arm.
To fix suspension problems, you should:
- Get your shocks, struts, and suspension parts inspected by a mechanic.
- Replace any worn-out or damaged suspension components.
- Regularly check for signs of suspension issues, such as bouncing, noise, or vibrations.
Brake System Problems
You might be surprised to learn that brake issues can also cause shaking when you hit 60 MPH. If your brake rotors are warped or if there are issues with your brake calipers, you could experience shaking, especially when you’re driving at higher speeds.
- Warped brake rotors: When the brake rotors become warped or uneven, they can cause the steering wheel to shake when braking at higher speeds. This shaking can become more noticeable when you hit 60 MPH or faster.
- Sticking brake calipers: If the brake calipers are sticking, it can cause uneven braking force, leading to vibrations in the car. This problem can happen if the calipers are damaged or dirty, and it can worsen if not addressed.
To fix brake system problems, you should:
- Have your brake rotors inspected and replaced if they are warped.
- Ensure the brake calipers are functioning properly and not sticking.
- Regularly maintain your braking system to prevent issues from building up.
Engine or Transmission Issues
Sometimes, the shaking you feel at 60 MPH can be caused by problems under the hood. Engine or transmission issues can cause vibrations that get worse at higher speeds. Here’s what you need to know:
- Engine misfiring: When an engine misfires, it doesn’t fire the spark plugs correctly, which leads to rough idling and shaking. This issue can get worse when driving at high speeds.
- Transmission trouble: If the transmission is slipping or has other issues, it can cause your car to shake, particularly when you’re accelerating or cruising at higher speeds. Problems with the transmission can include low fluid levels or damaged parts.
To fix engine or transmission issues, you should:
- Have your engine tuned up regularly to prevent misfires.
- Check the transmission fluid levels and have it serviced if necessary.
- Consult a mechanic to address transmission or engine problems.
How to Diagnose the Problem
If your car shakes when you hit 60 MPH, it’s important to diagnose the issue early to prevent further damage. Here’s how you can figure out what’s causing the problem:
- Listen for unusual sounds: If you hear any odd noises while your car is shaking, this can give you a clue about the problem. For example, if you hear a grinding sound, it could be related to the brake system or suspension. If you hear a thumping sound, it might be a sign of unbalanced tires.
- Feel where the shaking comes from: Pay attention to whether the shaking comes from the steering wheel, the floorboard, or the seat. If the shaking comes from the steering wheel, it’s usually related to the tires, alignment, or suspension. If it’s coming from the seat or floorboard, it could be a transmission or engine issue.
- Check the tires and steering: Sometimes, just checking the tires and steering components can reveal the problem. Look for signs of wear on the tires and check if the steering wheel feels loose or unresponsive. These could point to alignment or suspension issues.
If you can’t figure it out yourself, it’s a good idea to take your car to a mechanic. They can perform diagnostic tests to pinpoint the issue and help you avoid bigger problems down the road.
When to See a Mechanic
If the shaking in your car doesn’t go away after addressing simple issues like tire pressure or balancing, it’s time to visit a mechanic. Here are some signs that you should take your car to the shop:
- If shaking gets worse: If the shaking becomes more intense or happens at lower speeds, it could be a sign of a more serious problem that requires professional attention.
- If warning lights appear: If the check engine light or other warning lights come on while your car is shaking, it’s a good idea to have a mechanic check the car to avoid further damage.
- If you’re unsure about the cause: If you’ve tried troubleshooting the issue but can’t find the root cause, a mechanic can diagnose the problem and give you a solution.
Final Thoughts
I hope this article helped you understand why your car might shake when you hit 60 MPH. It can be a scary and frustrating issue, but most of the time, it’s something simple that can be fixed. Whether it’s your tires, alignment, suspension, or something else, there’s always a solution. Remember to get regular maintenance to keep your car running smoothly. Safe driving!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to drive a car that shakes at 60 MPH?
Driving a car that shakes at high speeds is not safe, especially if it gets worse. It’s best to have the issue diagnosed and fixed as soon as possible.
Can tire balancing fix the shaking at 60 MPH?
Yes, balancing your tires can help fix the shaking caused by uneven tire wear. It’s a simple and effective solution if your tires are unbalanced.
Do I need to replace my tires if my car shakes at 60 MPH?
If your tires are worn out or damaged, it’s a good idea to replace them. Worn tires can cause shaking and can be dangerous if not replaced.
Is it normal for my car to shake when braking?
It’s not normal for your car to shake when braking. If this happens, it could be due to warped brake rotors or other brake system issues.
Can suspension problems cause my car to shake at 60 MPH?
Yes, suspension problems, such as worn shocks or struts, can cause shaking at high speeds. A mechanic can inspect your suspension to find and fix the issue.
Do I need to get a wheel alignment every year?
It’s a good idea to get a wheel alignment check at least once a year or after hitting a big pothole. Misalignment can cause your car to shake or pull to one side.
Can low transmission fluid cause my car to shake?
Yes, low transmission fluid can cause your car to shake or jerk, especially at higher speeds. It’s important to keep your transmission fluid at the correct level.
Is it expensive to fix a car that shakes at 60 MPH?
The cost to fix the shaking depends on the cause. Tire balancing is relatively inexpensive, while suspension or engine problems can be more costly. It’s best to get an estimate from a mechanic.