Have you ever experienced your car jerking when stopped in drive? If yes, then you know how frustrating and uncomfortable it can be. This issue can be caused by several factors, and it's essential to identify the root cause to avoid further damages to your car. In this article, we'll explore some of the common reasons why your car jerks when stopped in drive and what you can do to fix it.

Low Transmission Fluid

One of the most common reasons why your car jerks when stopped in drive is due to low transmission fluid. Transmission fluid is essential in keeping your car's transmission lubricated and functioning correctly. When the fluid level is low, the transmission may not be able to shift gears smoothly, causing the jerking sensation. Therefore, it's crucial to check your transmission fluid level regularly and top up when necessary.

Faulty Spark Plugs

A faulty spark plug can also cause your car to jerk when stopped in drive. Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the fuel in your car's engine, and if they're not functioning correctly, the engine may misfire, causing the jerking sensation. If you suspect that the spark plugs are the issue, it's best to have them replaced immediately by a professional mechanic.

Clogged Fuel Injectors

Clogged fuel injectors can also cause your car to jerk when stopped in drive. Fuel injectors are responsible for delivering fuel to the engine, and if they're clogged, the fuel flow may not be adequate, causing the engine to misfire. To fix this issue, you may need to have your fuel injectors cleaned or replaced by a professional mechanic.

Faulty Idle Air Control Valve

The idle air control valve is responsible for regulating the airflow in your car's engine when idling. If the valve is faulty, it may not be able to regulate the airflow correctly, causing the engine to stall or jerk when stopped in drive. To fix this issue, you may need to have the idle air control valve replaced by a professional mechanic.

Dirty Air Filter

A dirty air filter can also cause your car to jerk when stopped in drive. The air filter is responsible for preventing dirt and debris from entering your car's engine, and if it's clogged with dirt, the engine may not be able to breathe correctly, causing the jerking sensation. To fix this issue, you may need to have the air filter replaced by a professional mechanic.

Worn Out Engine Mounts

Worn out engine mounts can also cause your car to jerk when stopped in drive. Engine mounts are responsible for securing the engine to the car's chassis, and if they're worn out, the engine may move around, causing the jerking sensation. To fix this issue, you may need to have the engine mounts replaced by a professional mechanic.

Conclusion

Car jerking when stopped in drive can be caused by several factors, and it's crucial to identify the root cause to avoid further damages to your car. If you're experiencing this issue, it's best to have your car inspected by a professional mechanic to determine the exact cause and have it fixed immediately. Regular maintenance and checkups can also help prevent this issue from occurring in the future.