Why Does My Car Shake When Braking? | Service Tips at Jim Hudson Ford

Have you noticed that your car’s steering wheel or brake pedal shakes when you apply the brakes? If a car trembles when braking, it’s generally safe to drive for the moment. However, it’s definitely an issue that you’ll want to address by scheduling service at a Lexington-area auto shop as soon as you can.

So, why does your car shake when braking? Most often, this is caused by a problem with the suspension, brake rotors, or tires. In the guide below from the Jim Hudson Ford service center, we’ll go over how to diagnose the issue if your car trembles when braking.

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Why Your Car Shakes When Braking: Brake Rotors

If your car trembles when braking, worn brake rotors are the most likely cause. Here’s what Florence drivers need to know:

Brake rotors typically last about 70,000 miles and should be inspected and replaced at regular intervals as per of your recommended maintenance schedule, but it’s possible for them to wear out earlier.
Brake rotors wear thinner over time, which can lead to warping. Warped rotors may allow the brake pads to slip, which causes your car to shake.

Why Your Car Shakes When Braking: Tires

Misaligned tires are another common cause of a car that trembles when braking. Augusta drivers should keep these key points in mind:

Misaligned tires can also cause a car to shake when braking because the suspension must work harder to keep the vehicle balanced.
If you notice that your car trembles when braking soon after hitting a pothole or a curb, the shaking may be caused by wheel misalignment.
Uneven tire wear can also cause your wheels to become unbalanced and shake your car. We recommend following a tire rotation schedule to even out the wear patterns between your tires.

Why Your Car Shakes When Braking: Steering & Suspension

If the shaking isn’t due to worn brake rotors or misaligned wheels, you may be looking at a problem with the suspension or steering. If this is the case, you’ll notice that your car shakes the entire time that you drive, rather than only while braking. Experienced technicians can take a look at your car’s steering and suspension components to determine the root of the problem, as well as prevent problems of this nature going forward.

Wondering Why Your Car Trembles When Braking?

Find out with the service technicians at Jim Hudson Ford! Whether you want to speak with a technician in person or discuss your vehicle over the phone, we’re here to help. Contact us for more DIY car-care tips, or simply stop by our dealership in Lexington today!

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license charges. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license fees. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.