One of our customers driving their Hyundai Sonata noticed abnormal behavior: the engine RPM seemed unusually high when stopped at a red light.
After performing a smoke test on the intake system and cleaning the throttle body, no issues were detected. The vehicle was operating within normal parameters at the workshop. This idle increase was likely due to very low outside temperatures. Once the engine reached operating temperature, the RPM returned to normal.
What Causes Car Vibrations?
During winter, we service several vehicles that shake abnormally. The vibration may be felt in the steering wheel, at different speeds (such as between 60 and 80 km/h), or even when stationary.
Potential Sources of Vibrations
The origins of car vibrations are multiple:
- Drive axles and shafts
- Brake discs: If vibration occurs only during braking.
- Drive shafts: Faulty CV joints or support bearings could be the cause.
- Hydraulic engine mounts: Lack of fluid can cause vibrations.
- Wheels and tires: Unbalanced wheel weights or snow accumulation in the wheels during winter are common causes.
- Transfer case: A vibration symptom may result from failure of the transfer case connecting the transmission and front axle.
The Vibration Diagnostic Process
Vibration diagnosis follows a precise methodology, similar to that used for abnormal noises:
- Information gathering: We precisely note the driver’s concerns.
- Visual inspection: Tires and wheels are checked first.
- Fault reproduction: Our technicians try to reproduce the conditions under which the vibration appears (testing at specific speeds, when stationary, etc.).
The more precise you are in describing the problem (when, how, where it occurs), the faster and more effective the diagnosis will be. Don’t hesitate to ask your garage what diagnostic steps they plan for your situation.