Why Does My Car Shake When Braking?

Does your vehicle shake when you apply the brakes? Feeling a vibration in the steering wheel or brake pedal can be alarming, and there are a few different things that can cause it. In this guide from the service team at Standard Motors in Swift Current, we’ll answer the question  “Why does my car shake when braking?” aWe will also provide some tips on how you can correct the problem.

Warped Brake Rotors

One of the primary reasons why a car trembles when braking is damaged or warped brake rotors. When you apply the brakes, the brake pad engages with the rotor to stop the wheels from spinning. This creates friction and heat and will wear down both components over time. As the rotors wear down with usage, they can start to warp, causing the brake pads to slip. If this is the case with your vehicle, you will most likely notice that most of the shaking is coming from the brake pedal.

It is generally recommended that you have your brake rotors replaced around the 115,000-kilometre mark. However, your driving habits and the climate you live in could require you to replace the rotors sooner.

Uneven Tire Wear or Unbalanced Wheels

Uneven tire wear can cause the steering wheel to vibrate when braking. Regular tire rotation is the best way to ensure that your tires wear evenly. Tires should be rotated every six months or 10,000 to 12,000 kilometres. Consult your owner’s manual to find the recommended tire rotation schedule for your specific vehicle. It is also a good idea to routinely check the tire tread depth.

Another possible cause is having wheels that are out of alignment. This can happen if you have hit a curb or a pothole on Saskatoon-area streets. When you schedule a wheel alignment at the Standard Motors Service Centre, our technicians will adjust the angle on your wheels to the original specifications so that they will properly contact the road and provide a smooth ride.

Steering & Suspension Issues

A problem with the steering or suspension can also cause the vehicle to tremble when braking, as well as during regular driving. Worn out wheel bearings or damage to the axle shaft are just a couple of the things that can cause the vehicle to shake when coming to a stop.

Whenever you bring your car, truck, or SUV in for your next oil change or tire rotation, make sure to ask our certified technicians to do a vehicle inspection. We can identify any potential issues with the steering and suspension system and resolve them before they become serious.

Keep Your Vehicle in Top Condition with Standard Motors

If you find that your car shakes or trembles when braking, it is best to have your vehicle looked at by a professional as soon as possible. Here at Standard Motors, we want to ensure that you can take to the roads in and around Kyle knowing that your vehicle is operating safely. We can also provide tips on everything from how to change a flat tire to when you should switch winter tires to summer. Make sure to check out our current service specials and coupons, and feel free to contact our service centre if you have any questions