Why Is My Car Shaking When I Accelerate at Low Speeds?
- Tyler Ellis
- Sep 25
- 2 min read
Why Your Car Might Be Shaking When Accelerating at Low Speeds
If your car feels smooth while cruising but shakes or vibrates when you first press the gas, you’re not alone. Many drivers ask, “Why is my car shaking when I accelerate at low speeds?”, and the cause can range from tire issues to drivetrain or engine problems. Even if the shaking goes away at higher speeds, it’s a warning sign that something needs attention.
At Round Rock Auto Center, we inspect and repair acceleration issues every day so drivers can get back to smooth and safe driving.
Common Causes of Shaking at Low Speeds
Shaking during takeoff is often linked to components that handle initial power delivery. The most common culprits include:
Worn CV joints – A failing joint can cause vibration or clicking when accelerating from a stop.
Damaged or unbalanced tires – Flat spots or uneven tread often show up at low speeds.
Engine misfires – If a cylinder isn’t firing properly, the car may stumble before smoothing out.
Bad motor mounts – Worn mounts allow the engine to move excessively, causing vibration when accelerating.
Transmission issues – Slipping or jerking at low speeds may come from worn transmission parts.
Driveshaft or axle wear – On rear- or all-wheel drive cars, worn joints can create low-speed shaking.
How to Narrow Down the Problem
Paying attention to the details can help identify the cause:
Shaking only when turning? Likely CV joints.
Shaking straight ahead? Tires, mounts, or driveshaft could be the issue.
Accompanied by loss of power? Likely an engine misfire.
Clunking with vibration? Often drivetrain-related.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Low-Speed Shaking
Even if the car drives fine at higher speeds, ignoring this issue can:
Cause tire and suspension parts to wear out faster.
Lead to axle or drivetrain failure.
Make city driving uncomfortable and unsafe.
How We Fix Low-Speed Shaking at Round Rock Auto Center
When you bring your car to Round Rock Auto Center, we:
Test drive to replicate the vibration.
Inspect tires, wheels, and alignment.
Check CV joints, axles, and driveshaft components.
Inspect motor mounts and transmission operation.
Repair or replace failing components and confirm the problem is resolved.
Get Back to Smooth Driving
If you’ve been wondering why your car is shaking when you accelerate at low speeds, don’t wait until the problem gets worse. Contact Round Rock Auto Center today for a full inspection and professional repair.
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