If you’re on this page, it’s probably because you’ve experienced your VW vibrating while your car is idling. Often, this intense vibration can be both worrisome and uncomfortable. You have made the first right step in trying to find out exactly why your VW is shaking while idling.
There are usually various reasons why you would experience this with your VW ranging from spark plug problems to engine oil issues. Let’s cover all of the reasons why your VW could be shaking while idling, as well as proffer quick and effective solutions to the problem.
Rough Idling
The first step to solving any problem is to know what exactly the problem is and why it is happening. Rough idling in vehicles is usually a warning sign of various problems in the car’s engine and the entire system.
A rough idling in your VW could eventually lead to faulty combustion, poorer fuel economy, and other engine problems in the long run.
- Spark Plugs: A very common reason for shaky engines when the car comes to a stop is a faulty spark plug. When your spark plugs are worn out, they could cause the vehicle’s engine to misfire. It has been generally proven that the most common cause of a shaking engine is a dirty or worn-out spark plug. This shouldn’t be difficult to fix and is quite inexpensive. It could be difficult for an untrained eye to diagnose a worn-out spark plug. Hence, it is important that you bring your vehicle for diagnosis and repair to an auto service you trust.
- Clogged Air Filters: Over time, the air filter in your vehicle can become susceptible to contamination and pollution. After your VW has spent some time on the road, it is only expected that the air filters get clogged with dust, road debris, etc., all of which add up to contaminate the air filters. As a result of this, the airflow that is required to mix with the car fuel for combustion is cut short. In the long run, this would affect the Idling of your VW and also result in higher fuel consumption.
- Faulty Timing Belt: The timing belt in a VW is responsible for the smooth running of other integral components of the car’s engine. Damage to the timing belt could also lead to the rattling sounds and vibrations that occur while your VW is idling. It is important to check and ensure that the timing belt is not loose, worn out, or damaged. If you’re unable to tell the state of your timing belt, it is advised that you bring your VW to our professionals for early and accurate diagnostics. It is important to repair the damage to a timing belt as soon as possible, as a delayed repair could affect other belt-related components like fans and so on.
- Disconnected Hoses: it is common for the vacuum or air hose which is located beneath your vehicle to come loose. Aside from the hoses coming loose, it is also quite common for the rubber hoses to wear out and become brittle. In such a case, the vacuum leak could lead to contamination. All in all, you don’t want any problems with your hoses, as a fault here could eventually cause your engine to misfire, which leads to vibrations and shaking.
- Broken Motor Mounts: These parts might look small but they are extremely important. A loose or broken motor mount could cause your car to shake while idling. The motor mount is responsible for holding your engine to the frame of your car. If this mount fails to successfully attach your engine to the car, it would explain why your VW shakes while idling. This is extremely dangerous, so if you suspect this is the problem, it’s best to have it towed.
How To Fix the Shaking in your Idle VW
Now that you have a better idea of what could 
be causing your vehicle to shake while idling, you’re faced with what to do about it. While it’s usually good to have some knowledge about your car and its parts, you should still see our professionals to get to the root of the problem.
If you live in and around Denver, Centennial, Littleton, Englewood, Aurora, and other neighboring cities, bring your vehicle to Dart Auto for professional diagnostics and repair.
At Dart Auto, we have a team of master technicians with over ten years of training and dealer experience. We are committed to helping all our customers experience a safe and comfortable driving experience. Contact us today!
* Volkswagen Golf Car image credit goes to: alkimsarac.
