Why Does My Car Shake When Braking?

Mechanic Inspecting Brake Pads and Rotors

 

Is your car trembling when braking near Ramsey, MN? Then, you might find yourself asking “Why does my car shake when braking?” There could be multiple issues happening at once and you should be aware of some of the most common ones, should this ever happen to you. Learn more about the common culprits with the service experts at the Cornerstone Auto dealerships below. 

Reasons Why Your Car Shake When You Brakes

Reason #1: Warped or Damaged Brake Rotors

If a car trembles when braking, the first suspect service technicians will look for is warped or damaged brake rotors. Brake rotors are used in conjunction with brake pads to prevent your tires from spinning. However, they get thinner over time from wear and tear, so they become more likely to be damaged. The extra heat created during braking can warp the rotors, which then causes the brake pads to slip and make a quivering feeling. 

When this happens, it means it’s time to replace your brake rotors. They are usually replaced by 

the first 70,000 miles at the very least. However, you might need to replace it earlier depending on your driving habits and climate in the Monticello, MN area.

Reason #2: Issues With Tires 

Aside from the brake rotors, you should also look at your tires, as they can easily make your vehicle feel unbalanced. Even if they are slightly out of alignment or a bit too old, your suspension will then have to do extra work to keep everything balanced. If your tires are guilty, you will most likely feel the issue in your steering wheel. 

Check the tire alignment and if you haven’t done a tire rotation on time, you should as the alignment of your wheels is also checked during that service! Consult with your owner’s manual for an exact time frame for your tire rotation. 

Reason #3: Steering and Suspension Issues 

What if your car is trembling when you are braking and when you are not? This will point fingers at your steering or suspension systems. However, this could also be a damaged part at play, such as an axle shaft. 

You can prevent this from happening if you start to request general inspections when you go into your local Elk River service center for basic maintenance. The service technicians will be able to tell you if there’s anything wrong with the crucial systems of your car and how to resolve it before you have to endure driving a shaking car. 

How to Stop My Car From Shaking?

Your best bet is to bring your vehicle into one of our service centers at one of our Cornerstone dealerships according to your make. It is difficult to know for sure what is wrong with your car when it is shaking, so it is best to leave it to the professionals to figure it out for you! Enjoy our service specials and consider opting for the You+ service plan to keep you going on the Anoka, MN roads for a long time. 

Certified Service at Cornerstone Auto Dealerships

Whether you have a Kia, Ford, Jeep, or Chevy vehicle, Cornerstone Auto can help you out with all service-related issues! Find a full list of all our dealerships in Minnesota here and see which brand we are knowledgeable about. You can also see their hours, their contact information, and directions to each location accordingly!

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