Reasons why your car is not running smoothly | AAMCO Minnesota (2024)

Why does it feel like your car is driving on a bumpy road?

Sometimes your car doesn't drive as smoothly as you would like. If the ride gets very bumpy or rough and you are not driving on a dirt road, there are some things that could be wrong mechanically. There are a number of things that can cause a rough, bumpy ride when accelerating, cruising, or stopping.

Think about how you drive

Did you run over or crash into something?

One of the first things you can do is consider that something has happened recently that could cause damage to your car. Did you hit a curb or veer off a bend? Hitting a curb can damage your tires or rims and disrupt their alignment. Falling can damage your suspension, as well as the underside of your car. If you regularly drive in harsh conditions, your car is more susceptible to damage and will require more frequent maintenance.

Some things to check if your ride is bumpy and rough

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Tires are usually the first thing to check when driving your car feels strange. Bumpy, bumpy rides can be caused by poor tire alignment, improper air pressure (too low, too high, different pressures in each tire), or even because the tires are not installed correctly. In the worst case, the rims themselves may be damaged or warped.

Be careful when changing tires.

Often someone changes a tire and cannot get the tire tight enough against the rear disc. Once the nuts are tightened, they may think it is safe, but find that the car wobbles, vibrates or shakes while driving, especially at high speeds. Even if there are only minor vibrations, it will cause excessive wear and tear on tires, brakes and other components.

Know the signs of poor alignment.

Sometimes a fit problem can be difficult to recognize. Usually you will feel the car pulling to one side when accelerating and it will drift when cruising or coasting. If the steering wheel turns to one side and feels like it is fighting against you, the alignment needs to be checked. A telltale sign of poor alignment is uneven tire wear on the front tires. Excessive wear or baldness on the inside or outside of a tire is an indication that the alignment is out of place.

Rotate the tires to prevent uneven wear.

Regular tire rotation (approximately every 5,000 km or once a season) keeps the tread smooth and makes it easier to notice or feel problems.

Ensure the correct air pressure in the tires.

Uneven air pressure in your tires can cause all kinds of problems, especially during a rough ride, and can be dangerous if left unchecked. If the pressure is too much, they can warp or become misshapen. High air pressure causes the tires to wear out faster. If the pressure is too high or increasesmanufacturer's recommendationsthe tire may break, especially at high speed. An over-inflated tire also causes you to feel every bump and crack in the road. If the tire pressure is too low, your car will tend to feel like it's dragging a bit and have a more absorbent or muddy feel when going over bumps.

Check your tires regularly andmake an appointment with your local AAMCO Minnesotashop to see if the pressure in your tires is correct for the season and conditions.

Delay

Suspension not only provides a smooth, comfortable ride, but also contributes to the control and drivability of your vehicle. Without shocks and struts, a vehicle would bounce along the road, making driving extremely difficult, not to mention dangerous. Your suspension may affect all other matters mentioned in this article.

Shocks and struts are considered essential to the safe operation of your vehicle. They are designed to keep your tires on the road and give you control of your vehicle. If your suspension fails, you will know about it.

Know the signs of onedamaged suspension.

Your car may lean to one side, almost giving you the feeling that it is dragging on the ground. When you go over bumps it will bounce up and down, just like very loose springs, before finally settling. You will feel sharp jerks through the steering wheel as you drive over potholes, bumps, curbs and other road hazards.

Like all parts and systems of your car, the suspension system and its individual components wear out over time and need to be replaced. Shocks and struts not only affect the handling and performance of your car, but can also contribute to other problems such as alignment, tire wear, steering and braking. If your car rocks, sways, or bounces a lot during normal driving, cornering, and braking, it's probably time to make an appointment with your auto specialist.local AAMCO Minnesota-dealerand have your suspension system checked by a certified mechanic.

Infect

Let AAMCO take the fear out of transmission repair.

It's your transmission…” These three words can mean repairs ranging from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. It usually depends on how quickly you can tell your transmission needs maintenance and when you actually take it in for service.

Know what transmission problems to look out for.

Many people just don't know they have onetransmission problem, even if it happens. They may notice the occasional thump or hard shift, perhaps a passing vibration. But once the transmission really starts to break down, the signs are unmistakable. Leaking fluid, harsh shifting, loss of power, excessive vibration, whining, grinding and other noises become common operating characteristics of the car.

If you know your tires and suspension are fine, have your transmission checked.

Hertransmission inspectedif you experience difficulty shifting gears or strange behavior such as a hard, bumpy ride, even though you know your tires and suspension are in good condition. A brand new transmission can cost as much as a used car, so it is better to maintain the transmission regularly. Have the fluid and filter checked and flushed if necessary or as required according to the factory schedule.

Is themomentomformer?

If your car shakes and shakes, it could mean that the lock-up clutch is not working properly. This can happen at speeds of about 35-45 miles per hour. It's a noticeable problem and it feels like you're driving on a road with lots of small bumps. A worn lock-up clutch can make the transition from acceleration to direct driving difficult, and that's a sign that it needs to be donehave your transmission checked.

Come to AAMCO Minnesota for all your auto repairs and maintenance needs

You need oneexperienced transmission specialistwho can honestly tell you what needs to be done.

If you have any questions about your car's transmission, engine, repair or maintenance needs,AAMCO Minnesota can help. Stop by or call a local AAMCO Minnesota workshop for a copyMulti-point vehicle friendliness checkfor your transmission and related systems. We prepare your car for winter and prepare you for the coming cold, snowy winter months. We take care of all your scheduled car maintenance and repairs, starting frombrakesUnpleasantfactory recommended maintenance.

Other articles on car maintenance and repair

Take the fear out of transmission repair

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Locally owned and operated AAMCO Minnesota Transmission Shops

Reasons why your car is not running smoothly | AAMCO Minnesota (2024)

FAQs

Why is my car not driving smoothly? ›

Tire pressure, uneven tire wear, and tires out of balance are all common culprits. Increasing or decreasing tire pressure is usually a simple fix, but if too much time has passed, low air pressure can cause extra tire wear and too much air pressure can cause the tires to warp or wear more quickly.

Why is my car not running smoothly? ›

There are a range of reasons why your car is juddering at speed. Your vehicle could have dirty fuel injectors, a damaged fuel pump, a blocked catalytic converter, a faulty mass airflow sensor, broken spark plugs, or even an accumulation of moisture.

Why does my car feel like it's driving rough? ›

Suspension Issues: Problems with your vehicle's suspension system, such as worn bushings, ball joints, or control arms, are one of the most common causes of a bumpy ride. Worn Shocks or Struts: The shocks and struts in your vehicle are responsible for absorbing bumps and vibrations from the road.

Why is my car not accelerating smoothly? ›

Either you don't have enough petrol, or you don't have enough power in your vehicle. There are several causes for your car to lose power significantly while accelerating. The most typical causes of a car not accelerating while driving include a faulty sensor, contaminated fuel or air filters, or a faulty timing belt.

Why is my car running rough when I drive? ›

Spark Plugs

A plug that is damaged or installed incorrectly can result in fuel being burned at an inconsistent rate. If the damage is bad enough, you may also notice your engine running rough while driving. Pay attention to any jerks or stutters, particularly while accelerating under a load, as a symptom.

How can I get my car to run smoother? ›

10 Auto Repair and Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Car Running Smoothly
  1. Choose a vehicle with a good track record. ...
  2. Inspect and maintain your tires. ...
  3. Check and change oil and fluids regularly. ...
  4. Replace your windshield wipers. ...
  5. Test and replace your lights. ...
  6. Change your engine's air filter. ...
  7. Have your brakes checked.

Why is my car choppy? ›

According to Tom, “most vehicle issues that cause your car to shake are related to your tires, wheels or suspension.” A simple repair or tire replacement at your local Matthews Tire will likely be all you need to resolve the shaking and get back on the road without any issues.

Why does my car feel sluggish to accelerate? ›

Common causes of why a car feels sluggish when accelerating include dirty mass air flow sensor (MAF), faulty spark plugs, defective throttle position sensor, clogged catalytic converter, faulty oxygen sensor, clogged air filter, and fuel system malfunctioning.

Why is my car not smooth when idling? ›

A shortage of air can cause rough idling and poor fuel economy. Air filters should be replaced every 15,000 miles, however, if your vehicle suddenly idles poorly, start by replacing your air filters. If this doesn't fix the problem, visit your local automotive service center for a thorough inspection.

Why is my car rough when I accelerate? ›

This could be caused by a clogged fuel filter or a faulty oxygen sensor. Both of these issues can cause your car to run less efficiently, which can lead to shaking while accelerating. If you suspect that your fuel injector system is the problem, it is best to bring it to a mechanic for diagnosis and repair.

Why does my car feel shaky when I drive? ›

Vibration is usually caused by an out of balance or defective tire, a bent wheel or a worn driveline U-joint. You may find that the car shakes the car in an up and down motion. You may feel vibration through the seat, the steering wheel or even in the brake pedal.

What are the symptoms of a bad suspension? ›

Some common signs that your suspension system needs a little TLC are:
  • Continued bouncing after hitting bumps or a dipping when braking.
  • A drifting or pulling to one side when turning corners.
  • One side of the parked car sitting lower than the other side.
  • Difficult steering.
  • Unusually bumpy rides.
May 18, 2018

Why does my car hesitate when I try to accelerate? ›

This hesitation while accelerating can be the result of a number of issues, including something like a clogged fuel filter or even a broken fuel pump.

What makes a car accelerate smoothly? ›

Clean air filters and fuel injectors will reduce the strain on your car. An engaged emergency brake causes the brake to drag slowing down your car. Disengage the brake to solve this issue. Sometimes acceleration problems are just because of low fuel or poor quality of fuel.

Why is my car losing power when I accelerate? ›

Slipping gears, a worn-out clutch (in manual transmissions), or a faulty torque converter (in automatic transmissions) can all lead to power loss during acceleration. Transmission maintenance, fluid changes, and timely repairs can help avoid such issues.

Why does my car feel like it's struggling to drive? ›

Common causes of why a car feels sluggish when accelerating include dirty mass air flow sensor (MAF), faulty spark plugs, defective throttle position sensor, clogged catalytic converter, faulty oxygen sensor, clogged air filter, and fuel system malfunctioning.

How can I make my car drive smoother? ›

Swapping them out for smaller wheels and higher-profile tires will allow for a smoother ride since the taller tires can absorb more impact from the road. Replacing your shocks and springs – or your struts – for aftermarket versions that provide a softer ride is an option on many cars. Some components are adjustable.

Why does my car barely move in drive? ›

The number one cause is the clutch components have worn out and no longer have enough friction material to overcome the weight of the vehicle. A second possibility is the transmission can be stuck in two gears at the same time and it won't move. The shift mechanism can malfunction and keep you from selecting a gear.

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