Car trouble · Tires & wheels

My car shakes at highway speed

The steering wheel or the whole car vibrates at around 50 to 70 mph and smooths out at other speeds.

Get to it this week

A starting point, not a diagnosis. Most parts stores read check-engine codes and test batteries for free.

Likely causes — tick the parts you want

  1. A tire out of balance

    most likely · A mechanic’s job

    How to check: Look at the inside and outside edge of each wheel for a clean spot where a small weight used to be. A shake that comes and goes in one speed range is classic imbalance.

  2. A damaged tire or bent wheel

    possible · A mechanic’s job

    How to check: Run your hand over each tire when parked and look for bulges, flat spots or uneven wear, and look at each wheel rim for dents from a pothole.

  3. Worn tie rod ends or other front-end parts

    less likely · A mechanic’s job

    How to check: With the front wheels off the ground and the car resting on jack stands, grab a front tire at the sides and try to rock it. Any clunk or play needs a mechanic to look at.

Be careful

Never get under a car held up only by a jack — set it on jack stands on flat, solid ground and chock the wheels that stay down.

Your car — the counter needs this

If the counter doesn’t have a part, your shopper asks them to order it under your name and messages you the order number. When it comes in, send someone to collect it.

Not quite it?

My tire keeps losing airMy tire pressure light is on
My car shakes at highway speed — likely causes and the parts · DriverRuns