The car shakes when braking: what you need to know

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Your car experiences daily ups and downs. Your car sends you signals about many issues. These signals may seem normal, but ignoring them can lead to major problems that could require a lot of effort to resolve. Car shaking during braking is one such signal that should not be ignored. The reason for this shaking can be anything, including tires, brake discs, or any other cause. Ultimately, it’s better to address it early rather than fix it later.

To make driving safer and smoother, diagnose the cause of a problem in every possible way.

Car Shaking During Braking: Common Causes

Every vehicle’s brakes come in the form of discs or drums, and friction and resistance are the reasons they work. When you feel this shaking, low or high friction and resistance could be one of the causes. Additionally, other reasons may be behind this phenomenon.

1. Tires

Tires are the most common cause of these shakes. If the tires are unbalanced, the steering wheel or the car shakes. According to some studies, shaking can start around 80 or 90 kilometers per hour, and if not addressed at that point, the situation can worsen at 100 kilometers per hour. But there’s no need to worry, as the situation improves with increasing speed. However, it’s helpful to consult a professional car mechanic for maintenance advice.

car shaking during braking
Worn rotor causes car shaking during braking. Source: Daily Post Share

2. Worn Rotor

A worn-out disc can be the cause of car shaking during braking. In this case, the disc may move from side to side, exceeding the maximum allowable value, which is about 0.05 mm. A dirty or rusty disc surface and a thin spot on the disc can be the reason.

3. Warped Rotor

Incorrect tightening of a new rotor after maintenance can cause the car to shake during braking. It is necessary to tighten the rotor according to a specific pattern and precise torque for the proper functioning of the car.

4. Brake Caliper Seizure

You may feel vibrations in the steering wheel when the brake caliper engages. The situation can worsen as the car accelerates. Additionally, you might also smell a burning odor.

You can avoid tire issues by purchasing new, high-quality tires. Moreover, it’s best to check the tires before and after maintenance.

car shaking during braking
Main causes of car shaking during braking. Source: Car and Driver

It’s easy to fix the brakes by servicing the caliper during a maintenance session. If your car has traveled more than 1,200 kilometers, it’s necessary to take it for maintenance as soon as possible. You can determine if the caliper is stuck by noticing that the front or rear brake pads wear out more than the others.

Conclusion

The best idea is to consult a top-notch car mechanic to solve your car problems. Experts can point out the cause of car shaking during braking and can offer you the perfect solution.

You can make your car last a long time by following all maintenance tips and heeding warning signs, starting today!

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