Why does my car shake when I brake?

It's one of the most common issues a vehicle can have. When you press on your brake, your steering wheel shakes back and forth. So, what causes a car to shake when braking?  

Worn or Unbalanced Tires

If your wheels are not balanced, it could be a reason why your steering wheel is wobbling. This symptom can get worse when you drive your vehicle at high speeds as the shaking is transferred to your steering wheel.  

Issues with Brake Rotors 

If the brake rotors are out of balance or warped, the vehicle can jerk to a stop or rapidly vibrate depending on your driving conditions.  

Worn or Dirty Brake Pads 

If the brake pads are worn or filled with dirt and debris, the area of the rotor under the brake pads can collect these substances, causing the car to pulsate when braking. 

Brake Calipers

The brake calipers' role is to press the brake pads against the rotor. If it fails to press the pads properly, it can lead to the vibration in the steering wheel. Dust collection, wear, or corrosion can make your brake calipers fail to equalize the force between the two pads.

First, make sure each of your tires doesn't have any worn parts. If your tires are badly worn, then it's time to change your tires. If your car is vibrating because of the worn brake rotors and pads, take your car to a professional repair shop to have them replaced or fixed. Driving your car in a rough manner, such as suddenly depressing the brake or excessive accelerating, could also cause wear and tear of your brake components, so try to drive smoothly and have your car inspected regularly by a trusted professional.