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Feeling vibrations while driving your Volvo can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous occurrence. As a result, you need to understand why your Volvo may be vibrating and know what you can do to fix the problem. Let’s look at the most common reasons for this to happen and what to do to resolve it.

Uneven Tire Wear

Uneven tire wear is one of the most common causes of vibration while driving. If one tire is worn down more than the others when you are on the road, it can cause a vibration in the steering wheel and the entire car. There are so many factors that can cause uneven tire wear in your Volvo, some of which include misaligned suspension, a bent rim, or improper inflation. To fix the issue, you will need to have your tires changed, balanced, or rotated and your suspension and wheels checked for damage.

Engine Misfire

An engine misfire can also cause vibration in your Volvo while driving. This happens when one or more cylinders in the engine are not firing properly, causing an imbalance in the engine’s operation. Engine misfires can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a malfunctioning spark plug, a clogged fuel injector, or a worn engine component. If you suspect an engine misfire is causing your vibration, you should have your Volvo inspected by our mechanics as soon as possible.

Drivetrain Problems

The drivetrain in your Volvo includes the transmission, axles, and drive shaft. If any of these components become worn or damaged, they can cause vibration while driving. For example, a worn or damaged driveshaft can cause vibration in the car when you accelerate or change gears. If you suspect a drivetrain problem is causing your car’s vibration, take your car to our trusted shop immediately.

Suspension Problems

The suspension system in your Volvo helps to keep the car stable and absorb road shocks. If any of the components of the suspension system are worn or damaged, it can cause vibration while driving. Common suspension problems that can cause vibration include worn shock absorbers, worn struts, and worn ball joints.

Wheel Bearing Issues

The wheel bearings in your Volvo help support the weight of your car or SUV and allow the wheels to rotate smoothly. If the wheel bearings become worn, they can cause vibration while driving, especially at high speeds. If you hear a grinding or growling noise while driving, it may be a sign of a damaged wheel bearing. In this case, it’s important to have your car inspected immediately.

Engine Mount Problems

The engine mounts in your Volvo help secure the engine to the car’s chassis. If the engine mounts become worn, it can cause vibration while driving, especially during acceleration. Engine mount problems can also cause engine noise to transfer into the cabin, making it difficult to determine the cause of the vibration. If you suspect there is a problem with your engine, particularly the mounts, come into the shop immediately. The mounts hold your engine in place. Without the mounts, in a worst case scenario, the entire engine can roll over with its torque, destroying everything in the engine bay in the process.

Exhaust problems

The exhaust system in your Volvo helps to remove harmful emissions from the engine. If the exhaust system is damaged or has a leak, it can cause vibration while driving. This can be especially noticeable when the car is idling. If you hear a loud, rumbling noise while driving, it may be a sign of a damaged or leaking exhaust system.

Note that vibration while driving can be caused by more than one issue. For example, uneven tire wear can cause the suspension to become misaligned, which can then cause an engine to misfire. So whenever you notice a vibration, let your mechanic carry out a general check on your car.

Talk to the Volvo Specialists at Autowerks

Our expert mechanics at Autowerks are trained in diagnosing and fixing any issue your Volvo might have. We have been serving car owners from Brenham, Bryan, Caldwell, Madisonville, Navasota, and College Station, TX for years. When you bring your car or SUV to us, you can be sure that our technicians will use the most recent tools and equipment to diagnose and fix your car. Call us now to set an appointment!