If your car has ever vibrated or shook when you turned on the air conditioning, you are not alone. This is a problem that car owners frequently experience and is brought on by a number of causes. This article will examine potential causes of this issue and offer solutions to help keep your car in good working order.
Causes of Car Shaking When AC is On
Engine or transmission mounts that are loose or worn are one of the most frequent causes of car trembling when the AC is on. The engine and transmission are held in place by these mounts, and when they become worn out, the engine and transmission can move around, causing vibrations to be felt throughout the entire car.
Drive shaft or CV joint wear or damage is another potential factor. The drive shaft connects the wheels to the transmission, and the CV joints enable wheel rotation even when the car is moving. The steering wheel or seat may vibrate if these components are worn out or damaged.
When the AC is on, worn or unbalanced tires can also cause a car to shake. While worn tires can cause vibrations to be felt at all speeds, tires that are out of balance can make them more noticeable at higher speeds. To avoid this problem, it’s crucial to check the state of your tires frequently and have them balanced and rotated.
Another frequent reason for car trembling while the air conditioner is on is a malfunctioning compressor. The AC system’s compressor is in charge of compressing and moving the refrigerant. If it isn’t functioning properly, the AC may run noisily and there may be vibrations throughout the vehicle.
When the AC is running, low refrigerant levels can also cause a car to shake. If refrigerant levels are low, the air conditioner won’t be able to effectively cool the air because the refrigerant is what absorbs and releases heat from the air inside the car.
Symptoms of Car Shaking When AC is On
You might observe additional signs in addition to your car shaking when the AC is on, such as:
- Feeling of vibration or shaking in the seat or steering wheel
- AC system operation that is noisy
- decreased cooling capacity of the AC
- Identification and Resolution
It’s crucial to get a professional inspection and repair in order to identify the problem. To identify the source of the swaying, a mechanic or dealership can examine the engine and transmission mounts, drive shaft and CV joints, tires, and the AC system.
If it is discovered that the issue is with the engine or transmission mounts, they will need to be replaced. Drive shafts and CV joints that are worn out or damaged must also be replaced. Tires that are unbalanced or worn will require balancing and rotation. It will be necessary to replace the AC compressor if it is discovered to be defective. Refilling of low refrigerant levels is necessary.
Prevention and Maintenance
It’s crucial to routinely inspect the drive shaft, CV joints, and engine and transmission mounts for wear and tear in order to prevent car swaying when the AC is on. Regular tire rotation and balancing are recommended, and the AC system should be checked for proper refrigerant levels and other problems.
Additionally crucial is adhering to your vehicle’s manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule. When the AC is on, shaking can be reduced and the AC system’s proper operation can be ensured with routine maintenance and inspections.
Conclusion
Several problems can make a car shake when the air conditioner is running, but the most frequent ones are worn or loose engine or transmission mounts, worn or damaged drive shafts or CV joints, uneven tire wear, a broken air conditioning compressor, or low refrigerant levels. To correctly diagnose the problem, it’s important to have a professional inspection and repair.
When the AC is on, shaking can be reduced and the AC system’s proper operation can be ensured with routine maintenance and inspections. This entails routinely inspecting the drive shaft, CV joints, engine and transmission mounts for damage, rotating and balancing the tires, and checking the AC system for low refrigerant levels and any other problems.
Don’t ignore your car shaking if the air conditioner is on. To stop further damage and guarantee the safety and comfort of your ride, the problem needs to be fixed as soon as possible. You can maintain your car’s smooth operation and take pleasure in a comfortable ride even on the hottest days by understanding the potential causes and taking the necessary precautions to prevent and fix the issue.