Why does my car vibrate at highway speed?
A vibration that shows up around 55 to 70 mph and fades at higher or lower speeds is most often an out-of-balance wheel, usually after a wheel weight falls off. If you feel it in the steering wheel, it's likely a front wheel; in the seat, a rear. Other causes include a damaged tire, a bent wheel, worn suspension parts or a worn axle.
Common causes
- Wheel balance: a lost wheel weight is the most common cause
- Tire problems: a bulge, a shifted belt, or flat spots from sitting
- Bent wheel: from a pothole or curb
- Worn suspension or steering parts that let the wheel shimmy
- Worn CV axle or driveshaft: often a vibration under acceleration
- Engine or transmission mounts: vibration at idle or under load
Where you feel it tells us something
| Where | Points to |
|---|---|
| Steering wheel | Front wheels, tires or front suspension |
| Seat or floor | Rear wheels or tires, driveshaft |
| Only when accelerating | Axles, mounts, driveshaft |
| Only when braking | Brake rotors |
What we do
We road test at the speed where it happens, inspect each tire and wheel, balance them, and check the suspension and axles. If a tire is damaged, we'll show you.
More questions
Is it safe to drive with a highway vibration?
A mild balance vibration isn't an emergency. A vibration that's new and strong, or comes with a thump, could be a tire with a separated belt, which can fail. Get it checked soon.
Why does my car vibrate only when braking?
That's usually the brake rotors, not the tires. Shaking when braking.
Will an alignment fix a vibration?
Usually not. Alignment fixes pulls and uneven wear. Vibrations usually come from balance, tire or wheel problems.