When you’re out for a drive, you’ll want to make sure that your car is performing at its optimal level. Even with routine maintenance and safe driving habits, you can experience some difficulties out on the road. As you explore Houston, The Woodlands, and Humble, Texas, you’ll want to know what your ride is trying to tell you.We’re here to help you answer the question, “Why is my steering wheel shaking?” You’ll find possible causes and solutions. The certified technicians at Northside Imports Houston are here to help keep your drives safe.

Causes of a Shaking Steering Wheel

The most likely cause of your vibrating steering wheel is a part in the steering or suspension system. Whether it is loose, faulty, or out of balance and in need of realignment, it will result in the shaking that you’re feeling in your hands. Since a car is made up of so many parts, it can be difficult to pin down the specific cause of your shaky wheel. It can be traced to a few possible causes, which we’ll break down here.

Unbalanced Tires

Ideally, your vehicle’s weight is distributed evenly throughout all four tires. In reality, tires handle weight slightly differently, meaning that weights need to be added to make up the difference. If these weights shift or fall off, it will result in an unbalanced tire that will start the shaking in your steering wheel. If you start to notice the vibration at high speeds (50 MPH), this may be the cause. An unbalanced tire will cause more problems down the road if left untreated, including wearing out other parts, decreased fuel economy, and even a complete tire blowout. Tire rotations help keep this potential problem in check. Always be sure to ask that your tires are balanced after service!

Brake Issues

If your wheel is bouncing only when you’re stopped rather than when you’re in transit, then the issue is likely in your brakes. This is especially true if your brake pedal is vibrating as well. There are several different parts of your brake system that could result in the steering wheel shaking.

  • Brake-disc overheating is the result of hard, aggressive braking. When the disc gets too hot, it will warp and cause vibrations while braking.
  • Warped rotors occur when a wheel is overtightened. This also results in increased stop times, and even temporary brake failure.
  • Misaligned brakes that come as a result of rust or dirt buildup can also cause further problems throughout your brake system.

Visit Our Service Center

When you start to experience a shaking steering wheel, visit the experts in our service center. Since it’s a sign of a deeper problem, our technicians will work hard to find the cause and get you back out on the road safely. Our team will check over your wheels, brakes, and any other parts for potential causes of your steering wheel’s vibration.

While you’re here, you can get other routine maintenance service performed as well. You can trust our team to take care of your ride with oil changes, filter replacements, and more. Make our service center your one-stop shop for your car’s upkeep.

Fix Your Shaking Steering Wheel Today

Now that you know potential causes of your car’s vibrating steering wheel, it’s time to take your next steps. Keep your drives around Houston, The Woodlands, and Humble, TX, safe by visiting the experts at Northside Imports Houston.

Schedule yourself a test drive today!