Why Does My Car Shake When Braking

Front Car Rotors

If your car trembles when braking, it could be a sign that there is a serious problem with the suspension, the tires, or the brake system itself. It is important to resolve any of these issues as soon as you can to maintain safety on the Edmonton roads. This guide from the service team at Capital GMC Buick will answer the question, “Why does my car shake when braking?”

Damaged or Warped Brake Rotors

The most common reason why a car trembles when braking is damaged or warped brake rotors. Whenever you apply the brakes, the brake pad engages with the rotor to stop the wheels from spinning. This creates friction and heat, which will wear down both components over time. As the rotors wear down from use, they can start to warp, causing the brake pads to slip. If this is the case with your car, truck, or SUV, you will most likely notice that vibrations are coming from the brake pedal.

How often should you replace the brake rotors? It is generally recommended that you have your brake rotors replaced around the 115,000-kilometre mark. However, where and how you drive could require that the rotors be replaced sooner. When you bring your vehicle into Capital GMC Buick for brake service, our certified technicians will carefully check the wear to both your brake pads and rotors to ensure that you have the braking power you need on Edmonton-area roads.

Uneven Tire Wear or Unbalanced Wheels

Another reason why a car trembles when braking is uneven tire wear. If this is the case, you’ll feel vibrations in the steering wheel when driving. The best way to ensure that your tires wear evenly is to keep up with your tire rotation schedule. Typically, tires should be rotated every six months or 10,000 to 12,000 kilometres, but you should consult your owner’s manual to find the manufacturer’s recommended tire rotation schedule for your specific vehicle.

Another thing that will cause uneven tire wear is misaligned wheels. This can happen if you have hit a curb or a pothole on Edmonton-area streets. With the wheel alignment service offered at Capital GMC Buick, our expert technicians will adjust the angle on your wheels so that the tires will properly contact the road and provide a smooth ride.

Steering & Suspension Issues

Problems with the steering or suspension can also cause the vehicle to shake when braking. This can be caused by worn out wheel bearings or damage to the axle shaft.

When you bring your car in for routine maintenance such as an oil change or tire rotation, consider having our certified technicians conduct a vehicle health check, which can identify any potential issues with the steering and suspension system before they become serious and more costly to repair.

Get Professional Auto Care Today at Capital GMC Buick!

Why does my car shake when braking? As you can see, there are several reasons why a car trembles when braking. Schedule service with Capital GMC Buick and let our professional team keep your vehicle running safely in top condition. Make sure you take advantage of our current service specials and coupons, and if you have any questions about how to check your tire tread or would like to know if your car’s AC system uses gas, contact our Service Centre.

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