Why Does My Car Shake When Braking?

Mechanic Working On Brakes
 

If you’ve been wondering, “Why does my car shake when braking?” you’re likely dealing with some serious issues. Whether you feel a rumbling in your steering wheel or brake pedal, a shaking vehicle is unsettling. It’s important to pay attention to all the signs and symptoms displayed by your vehicle. If your car shakes when braking at high speeds, that may indicate a different problem than if your vehicle shakes all the time. Review our service tips below to learn more, or schedule an appointment with us right away if your commute from Manistee to Cadillac feels unsafe.

 

 

What Causes a Car to Shake When Braking? Warped Rotors

The main cause of a shaking sensation while braking is warped or damaged brake rotors. Brake rotors work in conjunction with your brake pads to stop your wheels from spinning when you press the brake pedal in Grayling. Over time, rotors wear down and get thinner and thinner. This process makes them more prone to damage as rotors age.

So, “Why does my car shake when braking?” you ask. Excessive heat generated by the braking process can warp the rotors, causing the pads to slip and create a shaking sensation. Generally, brake rotors need to be replaced by the 70,000-mile mark, but it can be done earlier.

What Causes a Car to Shake When Braking? Tire Problems

Tires are another major cause of shaky sensations when you try to brake. Whether your tires are misaligned or just a bit old, your suspension has to work harder to keep everything balanced. If the shaking started right after you hit a curb or pothole, chances are you have an alignment issue. Your tire alignment should be checked during your routine tire rotations which should occur every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.

What Causes a Car to Shake When Braking? Steering & Suspension Issues

If you’re dealing with a suspension issue, more than likely you feel the shaking when braking and driving at normal speeds. We rely on our brakes to keep us safe in emergency situations, so if your car shakes when braking at high speeds, that can be worrying. Various part issues, like a damaged axle shaft, can lead to wobbling on the road. To combat this, have your vehicle inspected whenever you stop by for an oil change. This will give our mechanics the opportunity to spot issues before they spiral out of control!

How to Fix a Wobbling Car

If your car shakes when braking at high speeds or you feel a rumbling when you come to a slow stop, it can be difficult to determine the cause of the issue on your own. That’s why we recommend visiting our Traverse City service center for care if you have brake problems. We even offer service coupons to make each visit more affordable.

Reach Out to Our Service Team to Learn More!

Now that you have a better understanding of what might be causing your vehicle to vibrate, you can follow up with our Serra Cadillac Of Traverse City service team. We’ll quickly diagnose the issue and get you back on the Traverse City streets in no time. Looking for more tips? We can teach you how to fix a dent in your car or how to replace your key fob battery!

 

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1747 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI, 49686
Serra Cadillac Of Traverse City 44.73513, -85.59452.