WHY DOES MY CAR FEEL WOBBLY? 4 REASONS FOR CARS NOT DRIVING SMOOTHLY

When you get behind the wheel, you ideally want your ride to be pretty smooth. When things get bumpy, you might want to consider possible automotive problems. Any excessive rumbling, vibrating, bumping, or wobbling is a potential sign of trouble. But what kind of trouble? What can you do to fix it?

The first step is to arrive at a proper diagnosis about why your car feels wobbly. Truthfully, a bumpy ride could be caused by one of several different factors. We’ll list some of the most common culprits here, but to get a sure diagnosis, it’s a good idea to have your vehicle inspected by a professional at your local Meineke.

Common Reasons for Cars Feeling Wobbly

Tire Problems

You’ll want to first check and see if you have a tire problem. Not only is this the most likely culprit, but it’s also the easiest and most affordable to repair. A car not driving smoothly may be caused by improperly aligned wheels, a tire with insufficient air or uneven treads, or even by tires with rocks or debris stuck in them. These issues are all pretty simple fixes, so hopefully, one of them will explain your bumpy ride problems.

Suspension Problems

Your suspension is designed to keep your tires on the road and your ride relatively smooth. If there is ever any problem with your suspension, you will surely be able to feel it. 

Some signs that you’re likely dealing with a suspension problem include your car bouncing a lot before stopping, experiencing especially harsh impact when driving over potholes and bumps, and noticing the vehicle leaning to one side. If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to get your suspension checked out and the necessary repair or replacement work done.

Transmission Problems

Nobody wants to hear that their vehicle has a transmission problem, but it can happen, and it might explain why your car is not driving smoothly. If you notice your car is not shifting gears smoothly, that’s a dead giveaway that you’re dealing with a transmission issue. Note that the longer you let a transmission problem persist, the more complicated and expensive fixing it will be to fix it. You definitely want to have this looked at sooner rather than later.

Brake Problems

It is also possible that what you’re dealing with is a brake problem. If your brakes are either more sensitive or less responsive than normal, or if your bumpy ride is accompanied by squealing or moaning sounds, the brakes may be the issue. Again, we recommend getting them checked out by a professional as soon as you can to keep the problem from worsening.

How to Make Your Car Ride Smooth

A bumpy ride always has a reason, and it’s usually something that needs to be replaced or repaired. Seeing to this maintenance work is the best way to make your car ride smooth. You’ll want to do it before the problem spirals out of control. Take your car in for servicing right away!

Check Your Tires

Start with basic tire maintenance:

• Check the pressure
• Inspect the tread
• Inspect your rims for damage
• Verify your tire size—oversize tires make for wobbly rides
• Upgrade your tire quality
• Get a rotation, balance, or alignment

Soften the Suspension

Replace the shock absorbers or upgrade your suspension system. High-quality aftermarket shock absorbers, properly designed for your vehicle, can also help smooth out the bumps in the road.

Check Your Transmission Fluid

Simple maintenance is your first defense against transmission problems.

Get a Brake Inspection

Treat your brakes with respect and get them inspected anytime your stopping motion shows wobble or suspicious vibrations. Ensure that your Anti-Lock system is functioning properly.

Check Out Your Engine

Look for loose belts and mounting bolts.

Add a Little Weight

If you’re driving a hauling vehicle, adding a little weight can help the tires grip the road more evenly. This is especially effective for front-wheel drives and winter roads.

Take Your Time

In today’s fast-paced world, we sometimes don’t like to hear it, but if you’re wondering why your car feels wobbly, check your speed. If you are going faster than you need to on a rough road or over speed bumps, you will feel it more than you should. You’ll also wear out your suspension and tires much faster. Slow and steady wins the race and helps give you a smooth ride.

Work with a Professional

It’s always important to have the work on your vehicle done by a trustworthy professional, but it can be especially important in keeping your ride smooth. Find a professional who uses approved OEM parts to maintain your car’s best relationship with the road. Modifications can hurt or hinder a smooth ride if they aren’t done right.

Turn to Meineke’s Experts

When trying to solve the mystery of why your car feels wobbly, Meineke is there for you. Our expert mechanics and technicians can help you track down the problem with honest answers and affordable rates.

Check our coupons and discount page for additional savings, then visit a Meineke near you for professional inspections and repairs.