Symptoms
- Vibration felt in the steering wheel, seat, or floor
- Gets stronger between 55–75 mph
- Smooths out at lower speeds
- No unusual noise, just shaking
Likely causes
- CommonWheel out of balanceA small weight imbalance becomes noticeable as speed increases.
- CommonTire has internal damage or a flat spotA belt separation or flat-spotted tire causes a rhythmic vibration.
- PossibleBent wheel rimA bent rim from a pothole can cause vibration even with a good tire mounted.
- PossibleWorn wheel bearing or CV jointThese can add vibration that changes with speed, though usually with added noise.
What to do
- Note the exact speed range where vibration starts and whether it's in the wheel, seat, or whole car.
- Check tire pressure and look for uneven wear or visible bulges.
- Have the wheels balanced at a tire shop; this fixes the majority of highway vibration cases.
- If balancing doesn't help, have the tires inspected for internal separation on a spin balancer.
- Check wheels for bends or dents, especially after recent pothole hits.
- If tires and wheels check out, have the wheel bearings and CV joints inspected.
Tools and parts
Wheel balancing weightsSearch: “tire balancing service”
Replacement tire if internally damagedSearch: “tire size for [your car model]”
When to call a pro
If balancing and a visual inspection don't resolve it, a shop with a tire spin balancer can detect internal tire damage that's invisible from outside.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.