Updated at: 28-06-2022 - By: Lucas

You may have been feeling your car jerk when you put it in reverse, and it’s probably starting to annoy you.

I know how you feel because things like this have happened to me a lot. So let’s find out if it’s normal for a car to jerk when it’s put in reverse.

When you put a well-kept car in reverse, it shouldn’t shake. If your car jerks, it means there is a problem with the suspension, engine transmission, or electrical parts. People who feel this way should get professional help right away.

But don’t worry, there’s nothing to worry about!

There are a lot of reasons why this happens, and we’ll go over them one by one. Continue reading to learn more.

Car Jerking In Reverse: Causes and Fixes

car jerks when shifting from park to reverse-3

When you put the car in reverse, it might shake for a number of different reasons.

Among these are

Mechanical failure

Transmission issues

Something wrong with the engine

Electrical problems

Bad alignment or problems with the suspension

Next, we’ll talk about how to figure out which problem it could be if more than one seems likely.

We’ll also assume that your car has an automatic transmission, but the basic ideas are the same for manuals.

It’s important not to rule out anything before finding a mechanic you trust and giving them a chance to look at it properly.

There could also be parts of the car that don’t work right and are causing the problem.

When it’s hot outside, it seems like your car shakes more. This can make the transmission not work as well.

If you noticed any other problems before putting the car in reverse, you should talk to a mechanic as soon as you can.

Automatic Transmission Maintenance Tips

car jerks when shifting from park to reverse-2

The main thing to watch out for is a problem with the machine.

You can do a lot of damage to your car and put yourself in danger if you keep driving when the transmission starts to fail.

Another tip is that it never hurts to have your car checked for alignment if it shakes when you put it in reverse gear.

This service is cheap and shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes, but it can make a huge difference in how well your car drives.

Also, don’t forget to get the wheels balanced if they aren’t already, especially if you notice that one side of your car seems to jerk more than the other when you put it in reverse.

When you balance the wheels, the car will go much more smoothly and the tyres will last a lot longer.

FAQs

Do I Need an Alignment if My Car is Jerking in Reverse?

Yes, this is a common reason why jerking in reverse happens.

If you think your car might need to be aligned, don’t be afraid to have a mechanic check it out or at least learn how to do it yourself.

Is Transmission Fluid Vital for My Car?

Absolutely! Transmission fluid does a lot of important things, so it’s important to take care of your car properly. This means checking the transmission fluid often and, if needed, changing it.

Is Driving With Bad Alignment Dangerous?

Yes, it is very dangerous to drive with bad alignment.

If you don’t fix the problem, it will hurt your tyres quickly, and you could be stuck somewhere very quickly.

Will Getting the Wheels Balanced Fix Jerking in Reverse?

Yes, it will help a lot. If you’re having this problem, it’s important to find out what’s causing it so you can stop it from hurting you.

What Causes Transmission Failure?

There are many reasons why a transmission could fail, but most of them come down to not changing the fluid often enough or putting off maintenance.

t Causes Transmission Failure?

Bottom Line

So, if your car shakes when you put it in reverse, it’s clear that something is wrong with your transmission.

Don’t jump to conclusions and take it to a mechanic right away just because one of the gear teeth is worn out. It could be a bigger problem than that.

If you don’t want to waste money, having the wheels aligned and balanced is a good place to start.

It may seem like a small problem, but it can be important if you drive far and want to make sure your car is safe.

I hope this has been helpful. Have fun driving and good luck.