If your car feels smooth around town but starts shaking once you get up to speed, do not ignore it. A highway-speed shake usually points to a tire or wheel problem first.
Start with the tires
The most common cause is a wheel balance issue. It can also come from uneven tire wear, a bent wheel, low pressure, or damage inside the tire. Many drivers feel the shake in the steering wheel first. Others feel it through the seat or floor.
What to check first
- Check air pressure in all four tires
- Look for uneven tread wear
- Look for bulges or cuts in the sidewall
- Think about whether the shake started after hitting a pothole or curb
When the problem is more than balance
Some shakes come from suspension or alignment issues. If the car pulls to one side, wears one edge of the tire fast, or keeps shaking after a balance, the problem may run deeper than the wheel itself.
Do not wait too long
A small shake often gets worse. It also wears the tire faster and makes the car less comfortable to drive. If the vibration came on suddenly, get it checked before your next highway trip.
At Payless Tire, we inspect the tires, wheels, and visible wear patterns to help find the cause. Visit us at 406 Virginia St in Tappahannock, or use our contact page if your car starts shaking at speed.