Direct Answer: A car that shakes when driving in winter is most commonly caused by frozen ice or snow packed inside the inner wheel rims, creating a weight imbalance. This vibration typically triggers at highway speeds (50-70 mph). Secondary causes include tire pressure contraction (losing 1 PSI for every 10°F drop) and "flat-spotting," where cold rubber hardens overnight after sitting in freezing temperatures.

The "Washing Machine" Effect: Physics of Winter Shaking

To rank as a nationwide authority, one must understand the physics of a winter vibration. Think of your wheel like a washing machine. When wet clothes (ice) bunch up on one side, the unit rattles violently during the spin cycle. Your luxury wheels react identically.

Technicians balance tires using lead weights that weigh only a few ounces. During a winter storm, just half a pound of ice stuck to the inner barrel of your rim can throw that balance off by over 400%, creating a jarring sensation through the steering wheel or seat floorboards.

Winter Vibration Diagnostic Guide

Where you feel the shaking helps identify the specific winter culprit. Use this table to troubleshoot before visiting a service center.

3 Free Fixes to Stop Winter Shaking at Home

Drivers across the Snow Belt can often resolve these issues without a mechanic by following these steps:

1. The Manual Clear-Out: Use a gloved hand or a plastic snow brush to reach through the wheel spokes and clear chunks of frozen slush. Important: Never use metal tools that could scratch your alloy finish or dislodge factory wheel weights.
2. The Heated Garage Soak: If possible, park your vehicle in a heated environment for 2-4 hours. This allows ice trapped in hard-to-reach crevices to melt and drain naturally.
3. High-Pressure Undercarriage Wash: A standard car wash may not suffice. Seek a professional facility that offers a dedicated undercarriage flush using warm water to dissolve "glacier" hardness ice.

Why Your Tires "Feel" Different in Sub-Zero Temps

Cold air is denser than warm air. For every 10-degree drop in external temperature, your tires will lose approximately 1 PSI of pressure. Under-inflated tires have less structural integrity, which can lead to speed-specific vibrations and reduced traction on icy roads.

Additionally, "Flat-Spotting" occurs when a car sits in sub-zero temperatures overnight. The section of the tire touching the ground hardens into a flat shape. This causes a rhythmic thumping for the first few miles of your morning commute until friction heat makes the rubber pliable again.

The INFINITI Advantage: Filtering Road Feedback

Owners of the INFINITI Q50 and QX60 have a technological edge against winter road feedback. Available Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS) replaces the mechanical link with digital sensors that process road inputs 1,000 times per second. This allows the system to "filter out" minor vibrations from icy ruts or uneven snow packs, providing a smoother steering experience than traditional luxury rivals.

⚠️ Winter Safety Advisory: DO NOT Stop on the Shoulder

If your vehicle begins shaking violently on a highway, do not pull over on the shoulder unless the car is completely disabled. Shoulders are high-risk zones during winter storms due to "whiteout" conditions and reduced visibility. Safely exit at the nearest ramp and pull into a well-lit service station to inspect your wheels.

Persistent Shake? Visit INFINITI of Beachwood

If the ice is gone but the shaking remains, you may have a bent rim or suspension damage from a winter pothole. Our technicians provide expert Winter Safety Inspections to ensure your alignment and tire balance are factory-spec. Schedule your visit today.