Does your car start shaking every time you press the brakes? It can be an unsettling experience, leaving you wondering what’s happening. If your vehicle vibrates or shakes when you brake, it's not something to ignore. This could be a sign that there’s an issue with your car's braking system or other components. The good news is that understanding what causes this can help you address the problem before it gets worse. We'll explain some of the most common reasons why your car shakes when you brake.
Warped Brake Rotors
One of the leading causes of brake-related shaking is warped brake rotors. The rotors are the discs that your brake pads clamp down on to slow or stop your vehicle. Over time, due to heat and wear, these rotors can become uneven or “warped.” When this happens, your brake pads don’t make even contact with the rotor surface, causing the vibration you feel through the brake pedal or steering wheel.
If you’ve been driving for a while and notice the shaking, it’s likely your rotors need to be resurfaced or replaced. Driving on warped rotors not only feels uncomfortable, but it can also affect your vehicle’s stopping power, making it dangerous.
Worn-Out Brake Pads
Brake pads are designed to wear down over time, and as they get thinner, they may not grip the rotor as effectively. This can result in vibrations when you press the brake pedal. If the pads are too worn, you may even hear a squeaking or grinding noise along with the shaking, indicating that it's time to replace them.
It’s important to check your brake pads regularly as part of routine maintenance. Letting worn pads go too long without replacing them can cause damage to other parts of your braking system, leading to more expensive repairs down the road.
Uneven Tire Wear and Balance Issues
Sometimes, the problem isn’t directly related to your brakes at all. Uneven tire wear or unbalanced tires can also cause your car to shake, particularly when braking at high speeds. If your tires are worn more on one side than the other, it can lead to vibrations. This is especially common if your car's alignment is off or if you haven't rotated your tires in a while.
In addition to braking, you might also notice a slight vibration while driving, especially at higher speeds. Balancing your tires or getting an alignment can usually solve this issue. In some cases, replacing the tires may be necessary.
Suspension Problems
While the brakes and tires are often the first places to check, your suspension system can also be a factor when your car shakes during braking. Components like shock absorbers, struts, or control arms can wear out over time, leading to instability and vibrations.
If you suspect a suspension issue, you might notice other symptoms beyond just shaking when braking, such as a bouncy ride, uneven tire wear, or a clunking noise when going over bumps. A professional inspection can pinpoint the exact cause and help restore your vehicle's stability.
Sticking Brake Calipers
Brake calipers are responsible for squeezing the brake pads onto the rotor to stop the car. If a caliper becomes stuck, it won’t release the brake pad completely from the rotor, which can lead to uneven braking and shaking. You might also notice that your car pulls to one side when braking or a burning smell comes from one of the wheels.
Sticking calipers can cause excessive wear on the brake pads and rotors, leading to a need for early replacements. This problem should be addressed quickly, as it can worsen over time and lead to more expensive repairs.
What Should You Do If Your Car Shakes While Braking
If your car is shaking when you brake, it's important not to ignore it. Shaking can indicate several potential problems, and continuing to drive with these issues can lead to more damage and unsafe driving conditions. The first step is to identify the source of the problem. If you’re unsure, a professional inspection will help pinpoint whether it's the rotors, pads, tires, suspension, or another component.
Once the issue is identified, the next step is getting it repaired. Most of the causes of shaking while braking can be fixed relatively easily if caught early. The key is not to let the problem linger too long, as that can lead to more extensive and expensive repairs.
If your car is vibrating when you brake, it's time to get it checked out. Let Ripley's Total Car Care help you get back on the road safely with our expert maintenance and repair services. Call us now to book your inspection!