Can Low Coolant Cause Car to Shake? 7 Possible Causes

Proper coolant volume is necessary to transfer heat from the engine to the radiator efficiently. Prolonged overheating can warp metal parts so they no longer perform as designed. Over time, compromised components may induce new vibration issues.

Low coolant can be one of the main causes of car shaking while driving. The cooling system regulates a car’s engine temperature, circulating coolant throughout.

When coolant is insufficient, it disrupts this delicate temperature balance. Overheating may then occur, damaging engine components and throwing them out of alignment ultimately causing shaking in the car.

In this article, we will find can low coolant cause cars to shake and whether there are any other possible reasons causing cars to shake. If coolant is the main culprit behind car shaking then how does coolant cause the car to shake?

Let’s find the reason behind the car shaking!

Can low coolant cause car to shake?

Yes, low coolant can cause a car to shake in certain situations. When coolant levels drop too low, it disrupts the engine cooling system and allows overheating to occur. Sustained high temperatures can potentially warp or crack internal components, throwing off their balance and alignment to induce vibrations.

But, before finalizing the low coolant level as the cause of car shaking, you will need to confirm that the coolant level is low. We are adding some possible signs of low coolant in the car, you can check the coolant level by visualizing these signs. 

What are the Signs of Low Coolant?

Here are some early possible signs of low coolant in your car engine. Here is our detailed guide on symptoms of low coolant.

1. Low Coolant Levels

Checking the coolant level in the reservoir tank is one of the easiest ways to detect low coolant. The reservoir serves as an overflow area, maintaining the proper fluid level as coolant circulates between the engine and radiator during heating and cooling cycles.

If the coolant level in the reservoir is noticeably below where it should be, it indicates coolant has been slowly depleting from the entire cooling system through leakage or usage over time.

A low reservoir level is thus a major warning sign of an overall low coolant condition developing.

2. Coolant Warning Light

The coolant warning light is another potential indicator of low coolant levels in the engine. Modern vehicles have a sensor to detect coolant temperature and pressure.

If cooling system issues cause the engine to overheat, the sensor will trigger the warning light to inform the driver. By the time the light comes on, coolant levels may already be dangerously low and overheating is severe.

3. Engine Overheating

One of the most obvious signs that coolant levels are low is the engine overheating. The coolant system works to maintain an optimal operating temperature for the engine.

Without sufficient fluid, its heat-transferring abilities are compromised. This allows hotspots to develop internally and the temperature to rise above safe levels.

Smoke under the hood or the temperature gauge reaching the red zone indicates overheating has occurred due to low coolant reserve.

4. Temperature Gauge Fluctuations

Erratic fluctuations of the temperature gauge needle can also indicate low coolant levels. When the cooling system is functioning properly, the engine temperature remains steady.

However, less coolant circulating, causes the temperature to rise more dramatically during driving. 

These unstable readings signal the coolant’s reduced capacity to effectively regulate heat, requiring a coolant refill to restore its heat-exchanging abilities.

5. Sweet Smell Inside the Car

Another subtle sign that may point to low coolant is noticing a sweet smell inside the vehicle.

 As coolant levels drop, the concentrated coolant mixture can more easily seep into areas like the passenger cabin through small cracks in hoses or the system itself.

The distinctive sweet odor results from the glycol antifreeze component in the coolant formulation.

6. Heater malfunctioning

Issues with the car’s heater core functioning can also occur secondary to low coolant levels. Just as the coolant regulates engine temperature, it circulates through the core to heat the interior.

Without sufficient fluid flow, the core cannot transfer warmth into the HVAC system efficiently. The heater may blow only cold air or intermittently switch between hot and cold outputs. A check under the hood can then reveal a depleted coolant reserve requiring refilling.

Also Read: 6 Best Antifreeze for Older Cars

Causes of the car shaking

Here are some other potential causes of car shaking other than low coolant. If low or no coolant is not the culprit behind car shaking, then look for these problems. 

1. Engine issues

Some potential engine issues that can lead to car shaking include misfires in one or more cylinders, and worn motor mounts that do not restrain engine movement adequately. The damaged components like a warped cylinder head from overheating cause an unbalance in the rotating assembly.

2. Transmission Problems

Transmission issues can also be a source of unwanted vehicle vibration. Worn or damaged transmission mounts that fail to properly isolate engine vibrations from the drivetrain can allow shakes to transmit into the vehicle.

Internal transmission problems like faulty gears may produce irregular rotation, resulting in a shaking car.

3. Low Engine Coolant 

Low engine coolant levels can lead to overheating, which over time causes harmful warping and cracking of critical engine components like the cylinder head, block, and heads.

As metal parts become distorted from prolonged high temperatures, their movement is no longer smooth. This loss of balance and harmony in the rotating assembly manifests as noticeable vibration and shaking in the car.

4. Brake issue

Problems with the brake system can also result in an unsteady vehicle. Worn brake pads that cause the discs or drums to vibrate during stops translate brake vibrations into whole-car shakes.

Likewise, warped or damaged rotors incapable of smooth deceleration induce disturbances that register as shaking within the vehicle.

5. Tire problem

Issues with the tires are another potential culprit for shaking. Uneven tire wear from improper alignment causes an imbalance that sends vibrations through the wheels.

Bent or damaged wheels incapable of smooth rotation also create unwanted movement translated to the vehicle as shakes. Low air pressure or worn tires lose their ability to dampen road irregularities.

6. Suspension issues

Problems with the suspension system can lead to a shaking car. Worn bushings and ball joints fail to properly control vehicle movement over bumps and cracks in the road, allowing vibrations to enter the cabin.

Damaged or loose suspension components like control arms or tie rods reduce the suspension’s effectiveness in absorbing shocks from the road, resulting in an unsettled ride that feels like shaking.

7. Low transmission fluid

Low fluid levels may cause increased friction and heat buildup inside the transmission as components rub together. This additional resistance places more stress on transmission gears and linkages during gear changes.

Over time, the higher wear and tear leads to irregular gear rotation perceived as shaking in the vehicle.

How Does Low Coolant Cause the Car to Shake?

Here are the reasons why overheating from low coolant can cause the engine to shake:

Cylinder Warping

When the engine overheats due to low coolant, the metal cylinders can warp from exposure to excessively high temperatures over extended periods.

As the cylinders distort even slightly from their intended shapes, it disrupts the smooth rotation of the piston rings within the cylinder walls. This loss of uniform cylinder spacing introduces vibrations into the rotating assembly.

Repair cost

Replacing a warped cylinder involves removing and replacing the cylinder head on that engine bank. Expect to pay approximately $1000-1500 for parts and labor to fix one warped cylinder. 

Cracking of Engine Components

Prolonged overheating also risks cracking critical engine components like the cylinder head or engine block. Tiny cracks that develop from the thermal stresses of high heat can compromise the structural integrity of these parts.

Cracks and weaknesses change how the components normally flex and move during engine operation. The disturbed vibrational patterns are felt as shaking in the vehicle.

Repair cost

On average, repairing a cracked engine component like a head or block ranges from $1500 to 3000 depending on the extent of the damage. 

Loss of Balance

Warped cylinders and damaged engine structure upset the fine balance achieved through rigid manufacturing tolerances.

The rotating assembly which should spin freely begins to wobble with uneven forces generated from mismatched components. It is this imbalance introduced at the heart of the propulsion system that manifests as whole-car vibrations and shakes.

Repair cost

The cost of new internal engine parts usually ranges between $1000-2000. Having a machine shop balance the rotating assembly after component swaps adds approximately $300-500 to the total repair bill.

What Should You Do if Your Car is Shaking?

If you experience vibrations or shakes coming from your vehicle, there are a few things you should do to diagnose and address the problem.

Inspect for Visual Clues

Carefully examine the exterior and undercarriage of the car for visible damage or abnormalities. Inspect tires for uneven wear patterns and inspect suspension components like ball joints, tie rods, and bushings.

Look for fluid leaks that could indicate internal component issues. This visual check may reveal obvious problems.

Check Fluid Levels

Low transmission fluid, engine coolant, power steering fluid, or brake fluid levels can all cause vibrations. Top off any low reservoirs and recheck for improvement.

Examine Drive Components

Inspect drive belts, hoses, and boots for cracks, slipping, or tension issues. Look under the car for signs of worn drivetrain mounts allowing movement. Suspension work like alignments can correct awkward handling that leads to vibrations.

Consult Auto Mechanic

If you cannot identify the cause, have an experienced automotive mechanic perform diagnostic testing using specialized equipment. Their analysis and recommended repairs will safely resolve the shaking problems. 

Do not ignore vibration issues, as they could worsen and lead to more expensive repairs down the road.

How to Prevent Coolant Issues in Car Shaking?

Here are some ways to prevent coolant issues from causing car shaking:

Regularly Check and Maintain Coolant Levels

• Check the coolant reservoir level at least once a month and top up as needed. This prevents air pockets from forming.

Monitor the Engine Temperature

• Be aware of your engine’s normal operating temperature. Watch for any significant rises that could indicate low coolant in the car.

Address Any Coolant Leaks Promptly

• Don’t ignore coolant puddles or drips. Have leaks repaired quickly before coolant is lost completely.

Follow the Vehicle Manufacturer’s Recommendations

• Stick to the maintenance schedule for coolant flushes and changes using the type specified by the automaker.

Keep the Cooling System in Good Condition

• Ensure all hoses, radiators, water pumps, and thermostats are in good working order. Repair or replace worn parts before failures occur.

Catching low coolant levels early through regular checks and maintenance helps ensure the cooling system performs as designed. This prevents overheating issues from developing into serious engine damage and shaking problems down the road.

How does a car act when coolant is low?

Here are some ways a car may act when the coolant level is low:

• The engine temperature gauge or warning light will indicate the engine is running hotter than normal. This is usually the first sign of low coolant.
  
• Steam or white smoke may start to come from under the hood as the engine overheats. This occurs as moisture in the warm engine evaporates into the air.
  
• The heating and air conditioning in the cabin may not work as well or blow out warmer air unexpectedly. This is because the coolant also flows through the heater core.
  
• The engine could start knocking, stalling, or making other abnormal noises as the increased heat causes premature ignition of the fuel.
  
• Acceleration may feel sluggish since a hot engine is not running as efficiently and boost/power is reduced to prevent damage.
  
• Over time, parts can crack or warp from overheating caused by low coolant. This can lead to leaks, shaking, or rough idling.
  
• In severe cases of neglected coolant levels, the engine may even begin to seize up or stall if the excess heat isn’t addressed promptly.
  

How long can you drive with a coolant light?

It is not good to drive with low coolant in the engine. You should try to get to a safe spot to stop within 5-10 minutes of a coolant warning light coming on. Prolonged driving in this situation risks overheating the engine. 

If necessary, some sources say up to 30 minutes of additional driving at low speeds is okay as a maximum limit. 

Is it OK to drive a car while shaking?

It is not recommended to continue driving a vehicle that is experiencing noticeable shaking or vibrations.

Driving a car that is shaking poses significant safety hazards, as the unstable vehicle can become difficult to control, especially at higher speeds.

The vibrations traveling through the steering and chassis could interfere with the driver’s ability to brake and steer as needed.

Final Words

Low transmission fluid, engine parts worn out, or low coolant levels can cause your car to shake. You need to consult a professional mechanic ASAP to save the engine from further damage. In short, never ignore shaking in your vehicle. 

Getting potential mechanical issues checked immediately rather than driving while vibrations occur is the safest choice. Detecting problems early allows for affordable, quick fixes.

Putting off diagnosis risks expensive damage and endangering yourself or others on the road. Your car is telling you something – listen to its warning signs before further trouble arises.