Posted on 7/31/2026
A car that shakes while stopped at a light may feel normal again as soon as you begin driving. That change often points toward a problem that is strongest at idle, when the engine is turning slowly and has less momentum to hide uneven operation. The vibration may come from the engine itself, worn mounts, the transmission, an electrical load, or a combination of smaller concerns. Paying attention to whether the shake changes in park, neutral, drive, or with the A/C on can help narrow down the source. Worn Engine Mounts Can Transfer More Vibration Engine mounts hold the engine in position while absorbing normal movement. Many mounts use rubber, and some contain hydraulic fluid to reduce vibration even further. Over time, heat, oil exposure, and constant engine movement can cause the rubber to crack, collapse, or separate. A worn mount often causes the strongest vibration while the vehicle is stopped in drive. The shake may lessen when the transmission is shifted into ... read more