Can frigid weather cause the steering wheel of a car to vibrate a little more than usual?
Also, is it normal for the steering wheel of a compact car to lightly vibrate during driving? I have a little corolla and the steering wheel seems to be vibrating a bit, but it isn't too noticeable. Hoping it's not something that needs repair!!
2007-03-08 01:13:22 · 5 answers · asked by jilip_99 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Toyota
You might just have snow build up around the front tires. Try to get it off and the steering should be better.
2007-03-08 01:18:04 · answer #1 · answered by sissy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cold weather has an effect on many areas of your car. More specifically the belts and hoses that are made of composite rubber or synthetics tend to harden slightly. The drive belt that is on the power steering pump is run by such a belt. This belt and indeed the pump itself may take a little time to warm up and cause the slight vibration to be telegraphed to the steering wheel. However, improper tire pressure, snow or ice buildup on the wheels, or perhaps even a lost weight on the tires can cause the wheels to vibrate. Usually this present no real problem. All vehicles have a particular personality, maybe this is one of your cars. At any rate don't go phobic about it unless it becomes really bad and makes it hard to control your car. Just keep the tire pressure where it should be, rotate the tires and check to make sure all the necessary weights are in place at your next wheel alignment.
2007-03-08 09:28:50 · answer #2 · answered by Tom H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you have ice and snow build up in your wheel wells? If the answer is yes, the tires rubbing against the additional buildup will make not just this, but most "any" car have steering wheel vibration. This has happened not only in my 98 Toyota Corolla, but also in my 97 Saab SE. Knock the snow out of your wheel wells and see if that helps. If you experience heavy snow, you probably won't be able to keep up w/ it. If you continue to have vibration, it may be your tires and/or possibly an alignment/tire balancing problem. If it isn't the snow and ice, try tire balancing then alignment. If there is a suspension problem, most places that align front ends will at least notify you there is a problem to be addressed.
2007-03-10 00:57:04 · answer #3 · answered by Belle H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cold weater in and of itself does not usually cause a vibration, but you can get snow and ice packed into your wheel which will put your wheel out of balance and cause a vibration.
2007-03-08 09:18:51 · answer #4 · answered by DavidJrmy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your front tires probably need balancing.
2007-03-08 09:27:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋