Why Does My Car Shake When I Brake?

Have you noticed that your new or pre-owned Kia has been wobbling whenever you come to a stop in Kearney Mesa? Maybe you feel the vibration coming from the brake pedal or steering wheel of your Kia K4 or Carnival. Regardless, you’re probably wondering, “Why does my car shake when I brake?” 

There are several causes as to why your car shakes when braking. Discover the three most common reasons why your car shakes when braking with the team at Kearny Mesa Kia. If you need to bring your car or SUV in for service, make sure to take advantage of our service specials.

What Causes Cars to Shake When Braking?

So, what are the most common causes for why cars shake when braking at San Diego traffic stops? Our service experts have broken down the three most frequently identified reasons below.

Warped Brake Rotors

The most common reason why your car shakes when braking is due to warped or broken brake rotors. Brake rotors work in tandem with your brake pads to prevent your wheels from spinning when you come to a stop on Kearney Mesa roads. However, over time, the rotors get thinner and thinner from long-term wear and tear. Excessive heat generation due to braking can also damage the rotors, causing the brake pads to slip and create a shaking sensation, which is most often felt in the brake pedal. 

Brake rotor replacements are usually recommended once you’ve hit 70,000 miles on the odometer, however, your driving habits and location can influence whether you should come in for service earlier or later. 

Misaligned Wheels or Worn Tires

Still wondering why your car shakes when braking, even though your brake rotors are in perfect shape? Another likely reason why your car is trembling is that your wheels are out of alignment or your tires have uneven tread wear. 

Here at Kearny Mesa Kia, we recommend coming in for routine tire rotations every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. If you’re curious about when your vehicle is due for tire service or a wheel alignment, your best bet is to check your owner’s manual for optimal tire service intervals. 

Suspension & Steering Issues 

Another popular reason why your car shakes when braking is due to potential problems with your steering or suspension systems. This type of damage will be felt not only when you’re braking, but when you’re driving around San Diego as well. The certified technicians at Kearny Mesa Kia can identify exactly what the issue is and take care of it so you can get safely back on the road. 

Reach Out to Our Kearney Mesa Service Team

If you’ve still got any questions or doubts about why your car shakes when braking, you should schedule an appointment with our service center. Just be sure to take advantage of our maintenance coupons to save yourself some money on vehicle repairs. Please feel free to contact our technicians with any questions.