Why Car Shakes When Driving Over 70 MPH
Why Car Shakes When Driving Over 70 MPH – While car vibration may not stop your car from moving, it can result in severe discomfort for you.
Cars are designed to function perfectly on smooth roads without vibration. At worst, you should only experience intermittent shakes as your car passes through rough terrains.
Even in such a situation, the shock absorber of your vehicle keeps the vibration to a minimum. If you experience constant vibration, it may be a pointer to some underlying problems with your car.
Below is a brief highlight of 7 reasons why a car shakes when driving over 70 mph. You’ll also learn some actions you can take to help remedy the situation.
7 Reasons Why Car Shakes When Driving Over 70 MPH
It is best to mention that this is not an exhaustive list of the reasons why a car shakes when driving over 70 mph.
Various makes of automobiles develop different faults that result in vibrations.
The tips below only provide a general overview of what might be wrong with your car if, suddenly, your car begins to vibrate at 70 mph.
Misaligned Wheels
Besides worn-out tires, misaligned wheels are another common cause of vibration when your car approaches 70 mph. At this speed, you will notice vibrations in your steering wheel.
Wheel misalignment results from wear and tear of car parts. Frequent movement of the wheels and tires exposes them to wear and tear more than any other part of the vehicle. The vibration makes it uncomfortable to hold the steering.
Resolving this kind of problem may require the services of an expert because wheel alignments require the use of tools that you may not have. You should call in an expert or take your car for repairs. It costs $20 to $30 to have it done.
Worn Out Tires
The first course of action when you experience vibration at 70 mph is to check your tires: your front tires precisely.
Usually, the vibration resulting from faulty front tires impacts the steering wheel more. It is best to pull over and run your hand over the tires to check for defects. You’ll likely discover that one side of your tire is worn out, and the other side is perfect.
In some cases, the tires may be bulgy; causing uneven air distribution. Under such conditions, you are likely to experience vibrations when you reach 70 mph. Replacing the faulty tires would resolve the problem.
Engine and Plug Problems
The performance of any automobile depends on the health of its engine. When there is a problem with the supply of fuel, air, or oil to the engine, chances are higher that your car would experience a drop in performance.
A vehicle shaking at 70mph could also be a result of faulty spark plugs. As the vehicle increases speed the default in combustion in the engine leads to vibrations. Replacing the spark plugs with new ones would immediately correct the vibration.
Keeping the fuel filters in good condition would also protect the spark plug from getting clogged.
Dented Hubs
If your car has been on the road for a while, chances are that the vehicle hub has undergone some level of wear and tear.
At high speed, the dents on the hub may result in wobbly motion which shakes your car as it moves.
As a corrective measure, demount your rim and check your hub to ensure that no dent or defect might result in vibration at high speed.
Tire Pressure
Low tire pressure is felt mostly in the steering wheel. This causes the car to start vibrating as it approaches 70 mph.
Besides the vibration, low tire pressure can affect the durability of your tires. To correct the fault, always have a tire pressure gauge with you and keep your tires at recommended PSI. It is best to note that every car maker comes with a specified psi.
Brake Problems
Like the vehicle hub, the brake pads are also subject to friction, which causes wear and tear.
It is more pronounced if the fault is with the front brakes. The car experiences slight vibrations when the calipers and the brake pads are worn out. The grips on the car rotor are not firm, leading to intermittent vibration, especially when driving over 70 mph.
It is unlikely that you would be able to fix this kind of problem on your own. You should take the car in for inspection.
Worn Out Parts
Shocks, axle, vehicle hub, upper strut bearings, joints, tie rod ends and wheel studs are some parts of the vehicle that are prone to friction. Slight dents on these parts can result in vibration as the car approaches 70 mph.
Routine checks and adequate maintenance practices would reduce the vibration. Replacing the worn-out parts with new ones would also help reduce vibration.
Things To Consider Before Driving At 70 Mph
Usually, before driving a car at average speed, one is required to follow some maintenance culture.
Below are some critical factors to bear in mind to help remedy vibrations in cars.
Tire maintenance
The tire is the prevalent cause of vibrations in cars because it is responsible for the movement of the automobile.
Keeping a good maintenance culture of your car tires would help reduce frequent experiences of vibration while driving. Regular gauging of the pressure in the vehicle tire helps maintain a balanced and smooth motion. Changing the tires regularly is good practice.
Engine maintenance
Besides tires, another vital part of the vehicle that causes vibration is the engine. Clogged spark plugs, bad engine mounts, poor combustions, and sludge in engines result in vibrations.
You should develop a habit of keeping your spark plugs clean and replacing them when due. Regular cleaning of fuel filters is also a good practice. Ensure your engine mounts are all intact.
Visiting an auto mechanic periodically would also help keep the car engine in good working condition.
Brakes maintenance
It is recommended that the brake system of the vehicle should be inspected every six months. Regular maintenance elongates the life of the brake pads and prevents wear and tear. It is advised to have experts conduct the checks and replace all worn-out parts.
FAQ About Car Shaking When Driving Over 70 Mph
Below are some questions and answers that explain why cars shake when driving over 70 mph.
Is it normal for a car to shake at high speeds?
Ideally, cars are designed to run smoothly without resistance or vibration. Vehicle shaking at high speed indicates some underlying challenges with its moving parts.
How do you fix a shaking car at high speeds?
Several factors cause vibrations in cars at 70 mph. The problems could result from faulty tires, engines, brake systems, axles, etc. It is best to study the performance of the car and verify the part responsible for the vibration.
Why does my steering wheel shake at 70 mph?
Usually, steering wheel shaking when driving over 70 mph is a fault that comes either from the tires or brake pads. Check these parts and ensure they are not worn out or damaged.
Wrap Up
Normally, one would expect to experience challenges with automobiles, especially when they have been in use for a long time.
When you experience car vibrations at high speed, it is best to, first of all, diagnose the cause of the vibration before deciding what to do.
However, problems with moving parts are usually the reason why cars shake when driving over 70 mph. Therefore, checking the parts directly responsible for motion in your car is the first step to take.
