If you’re asking yourself, Why is my car juddering?, the most common causes are faulty spark plugs, bad fuel, or issues with the brakes, engine, or transmission.
Juddering usually happens when the car’s parts aren’t working in sync, like when air and fuel aren’t mixed properly, or when brakes start to wear out unevenly. It could even be caused by blocked fuel injectors, especially in diesel cars.
The good news? Many of these issues can be fixed at home. Replacing worn spark plugs or cleaning fuel injectors can solve the problem.
If your car engine is juddering when driving or braking, it’s best to inspect it right away before it leads to bigger repairs. This guide will help you understand the exact cause and provide solutions, so you can get your car running smoothly again.
What Does It Mean When Your Car Judders?
When your car is juddering while driving, it feels like the vehicle is shaking or vibrating unexpectedly. This can happen for several reasons, but it’s usually a sign that something isn’t working smoothly inside your car.
The juddering could come from the engine, brakes, or transmission, or even be caused by something as simple as poor-quality fuel.
Think of it like this: your car’s parts need to work together perfectly, like a well-rehearsed dance.
When one part, like the spark plugs or brakes, isn’t performing right, the whole system struggles, causing the car to shake.
Whether it’s car juddering in first gear or when braking, paying attention to the first signs can prevent bigger problems later.
Can I Drive My Car If It’s Juddering?
You might wonder, “Is it safe to keep driving if my car judders when driving?” The short answer: it depends on what’s causing the problem.
In some cases, driving a little further is fine, but if the juddering is severe or getting worse, it’s best to stop and inspect the issue right away.
If the juddering happens during braking, it could mean the brake discs are worn out, and ignoring it might make things dangerous.
On the other hand, if your car is jerking while driving, it could be an engine or fuel-related issue, which may leave you stranded if not fixed.
Small issues like dirty spark plugs can usually wait, but serious mechanical problems need immediate attention.
The safest approach? If you notice continuous car engine juddering while driving, pull over and check for warning lights on your dashboard.
If you’re unsure what’s causing it, a quick visit to a mechanic will help you avoid costly repairs in the future.
Why Is My Car Juddering?
There are several reasons why your car is juddering, and the key is figuring out where the problem is coming from. Below are some common culprits:
- Car juddering and engine light on: If your engine light is on along with the juddering, it’s likely an issue with the engine, such as faulty spark plugs or an ignition coil problem.
- Car juddering in first gear: This can happen if the clutch is worn or the fuel injectors are blocked, especially in diesel cars.
- Is the noise coming from the engine, transmission, suspension, or driveshaft? Strange vibrations can also come from worn-out transmission parts or a faulty driveshaft, leading to uneven power delivery.
- Why is my car shuddering when accelerating? This usually points to a fuel delivery issue or air intake problem. It’s common in cases where the air-fuel mixture isn’t balanced or when the oxygen sensor isn’t working right.
Mechanical Issues That Cause Juddering
Mechanical problems are often the reason behind a car juddering when driving. Here are some of the most common issues:
- Spark plugs: If your spark plugs are dirty or worn out, they can misfire, causing the engine to stutter and your car to judder while driving. Cleaning or replacing them can solve the issue.
- Ignition coil failure: A failing ignition coil can disrupt the engine’s spark, which results in the car jerking while driving. This is a common problem in older cars.
- Lambda/Oxygen sensor: When the air-fuel mixture is off, the engine might struggle, leading to uneven performance. This often feels like a car jolting when accelerating.
- Faulty CV axle joints: If the joints in the CV axle are damaged, you’ll likely feel a car juddering in first gear or during turns, as the power isn’t transferred smoothly to the wheels.
Other Causes of Car Juddering
Sometimes the cause of car juddering while driving isn’t mechanical—it could be something simple you wouldn’t expect. Let’s look at a few other possibilities:
- Poor Quality Petrol: Using low-grade or contaminated fuel can make your engine struggle, leading to misfires and car jolting when accelerating. Switching to higher-quality petrol may solve the issue.
- Blocked Fuel Injectors in Diesel Cars: Diesel engines rely heavily on clean fuel injectors. If they get clogged, the engine won’t receive enough fuel, causing a noticeable car juddering when driving.
- Brakes Juddering: If your car judders when braking, it might be due to warped brake discs or worn-out pads. Replacing these parts can restore smooth braking.
- High Idle: When your car idles too high, the engine revs more than usual, leading to vibrations and car jerking while driving slowly or at a stop.
These issues may seem small, but they can affect your car’s performance over time. A quick inspection and maintenance can make all the difference in keeping your car engine running smoothly.