Why is my car wobbling or wiggling when I drive?

Is your car wobbling, shaking or vibrating when you drive? It could be due to a problem with the tyres, wheel alignment, suspension or steering components.

In this car maintenance guide, we explain why your car might be wobbling or shaking, what the symptoms mean and when you should get it checked by a professional mechanic.

If the wobbling is severe or affects your ability to control the car, pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and avoid driving any further. If you have RAC Breakdown cover, call for recovery. Broken down without cover? Here’s what you can do.

Why is my car wobbling or shaking when I drive?

Wobbling, vibrations or shaking – especially felt through the steering wheel – when driving can be caused by:

• Uneven tyre wear
• Unbalanced tyres
• Damaged wheels
• Incorrect tyre pressure

Why does my car wobble at high speeds?

If your car wobbles or shakes at a particular speed range, then wheel balancing or an issue with the tyres is the likely cause.

Why does my car wobble when braking?

Shaking or vibration when braking may indicate problems with the brakes, such as warped brake discs or brake caliper faults.

Why does my car shake when accelerating?

If your car shakes during acceleration, then it may be due to drivetrain problems or the suspension.

Can wheel alignment cause a car to wobble?

Wheel alignment problems can cause a car to pull to one side. But is also a primary cause of uneven, or abnormal tyre wear.

• Reasons why your steering wheel is shaking or trembling
• Why is my car juddering, jerking, or stuttering?
• Why does my car shake when I brake?

What’s the difference between wheel alignment, wheel balancing and suspension problems?

Although they can produce similar symptoms, wheel alignment, wheel balancing and worn suspension or steering components are different problems for vehicles – and addressing them immediately is essential.

Wheel alignment or tracking: Alignment refers to the angles at which the wheels sit in relation to the vehicle and road and is something that all vehicles should regularly have checked to prevent premature tyre wear. Incorrect alignment can cause the car to pull to one side, leave the steering wheel off-centre, and result in uneven tyre wear.

Tracking traditionally refers more specifically to adjusting the front wheels’ angle, while a full alignment can check other suspension geometry too, including the rear wheels and suspension.

Wheel balancing: Wheel balancing refers to the weight distribution of the tyre and the wheel rim. When a new tyre is fitted, there is almost always an imbalance between the two, which if left unchecked, will cause vibration, wobbling, or shaking while driving, usually felt mostly through the steering wheel.

Even after the new tyre has been balanced, as it gradually wears through driving, the weight balance can change, and the wheel or wheels will require re-balancing.

Worn suspension or steering components: Vital components such as ball joints, control arms, and steering joints can wear or become damaged over time. This can cause wobbling and shaking symptoms and a ‘vagueness’ in the steering and control of the vehicle. It can also cause abnormal tyre wear and noises from the suspension.

If you are experiencing any of these issues, make sure that you contact a mobile mechanic or take your vehicles to a trusted local garage.

How do you fix a car that's wobbling?

The correct repair depends on what is causing the symptoms. Incorrect wheel geometry can usually be addressed with a professional alignment or tracking adjustment, while an imbalance requires the wheels to be professionally balanced.

If the problem is being caused by worn or damaged suspension or steering parts, these will need to be identified and repaired or replaced before the vehicle's alignment is properly set.