Finding a sudden shaking or vibration in the car when you get up to speed on the highway is an annoying issue caused by a number of problems. Vibration issues left undiagnosed can lead to uneven tire wear or failure. Take a few minutes and troubleshoot the vibration so you can continue on your journey safely.
Look for visible signs of tire damage such as exposed wires, bald patches or bubbles. Check the tire pressure to ensure they match the manufacturer's specifications.
Check the lug nuts to verify none have broken off and each one is tight. Loose or missing lug nuts can lead to the loss of the wheel while driving.
Think about any recent changes or repairs made to the car and how they may have affected the tires and wheels. Hitting curbs or potholes can dislodge balancing weights, bend rims and cause tire damage. Have the car inspected if a recent incident occurred prior to the problem.
Inspect the front axles if the vibration resonates through the steering wheel. Look for pieces of plastic or other items caught in the assembly.
Lift the car with a jack and inspect the driveline and rear axle for signs of damage or wear. The driveshaft often has balancing weights much like the wheels, which are susceptible to breaking or falling off.
Take the car to a professional for a full inspection. Hidden engine or drive train problems can cause vibrations that are difficult to differentiate from common tire and wheel vibration. Most vibrations are easy to fix once found and can save you the cost of a new set of tires.
