Why Your Car Shakes at High Speeds: Could It Be Your Tires?

You’re driving along Highway 1 or cruising through Surrey when suddenly, the steering wheel starts to wobble—or worse, the whole car vibrates. It’s not just annoying, it’s unnerving. If this has happened to you, you’re probably wondering: what’s causing it?

More often than not, your tires are a major part of the problem.

Let’s dive into why your car’s wobbling at higher speeds and whether your tires might be the cause.

What’s Making Your Car Vibrate?

A shaky ride at high speeds often means something’s off balance—quite literally. Here’s what’s usually to blame:

Tires that aren’t balanced properly
Uneven tire wear
Damaged tires or wheels
Issues with suspension or brakes

In many cases, tires are the first place to check. That’s especially true if you’ve hit a pothole, driven over a kerb, or recently had a flat.

Tire Balancing: Small Problem, Big Impact

When tires are fitted, they need to be balanced so weight is distributed evenly across the wheel. But over time—and with Surrey’s bumpy roads—things can shift. Even a small imbalance can cause vibration once you get up to speed.

Luckily, balancing your tires is a quick fix. At Country Tire, we use precision machines to adjust things back to how they should be. Ideally, you should check your tire balance every 10,000 km, or when you rotate your tires.

Uneven Wear and Tire Damage

If your tires are wearing unevenly—more on one side than the other—it can throw off your whole driving experience. You might feel vibration, or your car might start pulling to one side. This can happen from misalignment, over- or under-inflation, or simply forgetting to rotate your tires.

Also keep an eye out for more serious damage like sidewall bulges, flat spots, or cracking. These issues often lead to vibrations and can be dangerous if ignored.

Wondering about your tires’ age? Check the tire date code. Even if they seem okay, older tires might not be safe.

Is It Time to Change Your Tires?

If balancing and alignment don’t sort things out, it could be time for a new set. Worn-out or damaged tires won’t just cause vibration—they can compromise your grip, handling, and braking too. For a deeper dive, check out our guide on how long tires typically last.

Whether you're after top-brand new tires or looking for quality used tires to suit your budget, we’ve got you covered. More drivers in Surrey are choosing used tires these days—especially when they’re properly inspected and fitted by professionals.

And don’t miss out on our latest tire deals—you might find just what you need at a brilliant price.

Don’t Overlook Alignment

Sometimes the issue isn’t with the tires themselves—it’s with how they’re aligned. After hitting a pothole or getting new tires fitted, misalignment can cause shaking and uneven wear.

Not sure about the difference between alignment and balancing? Have a read of our guide: Tire Balancing vs. Wheel Alignment.

Seasonal Tire Swaps and Wobbling

Living in Surrey means dealing with seasonal weather—and swapping between winter tires and all-seasons or all-weathers is part of the routine. But if your tires aren’t balanced properly during the switch, or if they’ve been stored incorrectly, you might notice vibrations.

Not sure how to store your winter set properly? Here’s how to do it right and keep them in great shape until next season.

Final Word: Smooth Ride, Peace of Mind

If your car starts shaking at high speeds, don’t shrug it off. Vibration is often a sign that something’s wrong, and the sooner it’s sorted, the better. It could be as simple as a quick balance or as important as a full replacement.

At Country Tire, we’ll track down the problem and sort it out—quickly, with a smile, and at a price that won’t sting. Book your appointment online or give us a shout if you’ve got any questions.

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Proudly looking after Surrey, BC, and nearby spots. Whether it’s tire checks, replacements, or balancing, trust Country Tire for cracking deals on new and used tires, plus top-quality service.

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