Question: When I’m driving at lower speeds, my car feels completely normal. But as soon as I accelerate and go faster, my car feels like it’s swaying side to side. What’s causing that and how can I fix it?
Answer: It can be uncomfortable and downright scary if your car suddenly starts swaying while you’re driving. Here are some of the main reasons you might feel like your car is swaying or swerving while you’re driving—and what you can do to fix it:
Tire pressure imbalance
If even one of your tires is over- or under-inflated, your car won’t grip the road the way that it’s meant to. This can lead to your car swaying side-to-side while you’re driving, especially at higher speeds.
To fix this problem, make sure that all of your tires are inflated to the correct PSI. It’s usually between 30 and 35 PSI, but that number can vary by vehicle. To find your ideal tire pressure, check your owner’s manual and make note that in some vehicles, PSI levels are different for the front and rear tires. Having your tires rotated regularly can also help prevent a potentially dangerous imbalance.
Worn shocks or struts
Old and worn out shocks and struts don’t do a good job of cushioning bumps and vibrations from the road, which can lead to the feeling that your car is swaying.
In addition to a swaying feeling, shocks and struts that need to be replaced can also make your ride bumpier than usual. You may also notice fluid leaking from around these components.
If you think your shocks or struts might be the reason your car is swaying side to side, bring the vehicle in for servicing right away to avoid further damage.
Suspension problems
A good suspension system helps support and stabilize your car. If one or more of these crucial suspension components are damaged, that instability can lead your car to rock side to side while you’re driving.
A faulty suspension that causes your vehicle to sway may also wear out your tires unevenly or lead to the car making squeaking or creaking noises as you drive. All of these symptoms are worth monitoring.
Suspension issues can seriously compromise the integrity of your vehicle and cause lasting damage, so it’s important to have this checked by a professional right away.
Bad steering components
A system of bars, joints, shafts, and columns makes up the steering system under your car. If there’s damage to any of these components, you might find your vehicle swaying back and forth.
It’s crucial to bring your vehicle in for servicing right away if you notice any damage to your steering components — these issues can cause you to lose control while you’re driving and potentially make it dangerous to be on the road.
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
