Why Does My Car Shake When Braking?

Mechanic Adjusting Brake Pad

If your car trembles while braking, the underlying issue most likely has something to do with your brake rotors, your tires, or your steering and suspension systems. If you’ve noticed that your car has been shaking, it’s definitely a good idea to schedule service and let one of our expert technicians take a closer look! The problem may be an easy fix, but even with more significant issues, it’s best to bring your vehicle in as soon as possible.

What to Inspect if Your Car Trembles When Braking

So, why does your car shake when braking? One of the following three issues is probably to blame:

Warped Brake Rotors

Warped or damaged brake rotors will cause your vehicle to shake whenever you press down on the brake pedal. When your rotors are warped, the pads can’t come into contact with a smooth surface; this causes them to shake and quiver with pressure.

Brake rotors may become damaged if you’ve been driving with worn-down brake pads, which can generate excessive heat when you’re trying to bring the car to a stop. Have them inspected regularly, and consider replacing them when you replace your pads.

Misaligned or Uneven Tires

If your tires are out of alignment, your vehicle might start to shake when you press down on the brake pedal. A similar issue can occur if the treads on your aging tires are too worn down or uneven.

Hitting a pothole or a curb may cause your tires to go out of alignment, but you can ask our service team to check and fix your alignment whenever you schedule service. Additionally, regular tire rotation and replacement can help to prevent issues caused by tread wear.

Damaged Steering or Suspension System

If your steering or suspension systems have been damaged in some way, you’ll probably notice that your car shakes almost all of the time—and shakes especially hard when you brake! Issues with your steering or suspension can be detected with the regular comprehensive inspections that we perform at every visit.

Of all the reasons that your car would shake while braking, steering or suspension damage is the most costly to repair. However, excessive vibration could damage other components, so you should always act quickly to minimize the damage.

What to Do if Your Car Shakes While Braking

If your car shakes while braking, it’s important to schedule a service appointment and assess the damage. Although most possible causes can be fixed with a quick tire alignment or brake rotor replacement, steering or suspension issues may require more extensive repairs. 

In any case, acting quickly can help to minimize the damage and get you back on the roads of Fort Lee before too long. Take advantage of service financing if your repairs just aren’t in the budget right now.

If Your Car Shakes While Braking, Call Jaguar Paramus Authorized Service

We’re here to help with any and all of your service and maintenance needs, and we can help you fix a shaking vehicle today. Don’t forget to explore our current service specials before you drive in from Ridgewood or Jersey City. Looking for more tips? We can help with that too.

 

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