Is your car shaking when you hit the brakes? Take it to Milex Complete Auto Care for a checkup. Shaking is an indication of a problem and should not be ignored.
If your car shakes when you hit the brakes, there’s likely an easy solution. Milex is a leader in the auto repair industry, and our mechanics have the training and experience to diagnose the problem and get your back out on the road. We’ve been helping Americans with their cars for more than 50 years. Milex is part of Moran Family of Brands, a franchisor of six brands in the aftermarket auto and window tinting industry.
Let’s explore some of the common problems associated with shaking.
Brakes. The most common culprit when you encounter shaking when you slow down is the brakes. Most new vehicles have disc brakes. The disc, or brake rotor, decelerates when the brake pads apply friction. Over time, brake rotors can warp because friction from the brake pads slowly wears down the rotor. If your steering wheel shakes when you brake, it’s probably the rotors.
A mechanic can typically resurface your rotors to reduce warping and prevent shaking. If you’ve already had your rotors resurfaced, you may need to get them replaced to alleviate the problem. Rotors usually need to be replaced between 50,000 to 70,000 miles. Brake pads should be changed every 10,000 to 20,000 miles to ensure they are in optimal condition.
If your car sits unused for long periods, corrosion can build up between the brake pad and the rotor and cause damage. Driving your car regularly and choosing high-quality rotors will help prevent rust from forming. Storing your car in a garage away from the elements can also go a long way to keeping the rotors in good condition.
Frequent stop-and-go traffic can also cause undue wear and tear on your car’s brakes. If you encounter traffic on your daily commute, keeping up with brake maintenance will help prevent problems from cropping up.
Tires. While it’s likely the brakes are causing your car to shake, your tires could also be part of the problem. Your wheels may be out of alignment, or a tire could be out of balance. The mechanics at Milex do a thorough inspection of your tires when you bring your car in for maintenance. Getting your tires aligned is a quick, inexpensive fix for shaking.
Vehicle manufacturers recommend getting your tires aligned at least once per year unless there is a problem. Tires need to be rotated every 5,000 miles to ensure they wear properly and extend their life.
Axle. A damaged axle can cause your car to shake, although the shaking typically occurs as you speed up. Accidentally hitting the curb or driving over potholes wreak havoc on axles. CV joints are at the end of the drive axle. If they get grimy or torn, your car may start shaking.
Safety Concerns
Car brakes are essential safety tools. While most crashes occur because of human error, sometimes a mechanical issue is the problem. A pedestrian was killed every 81 minutes in traffic in 2020, according to the most recent numbers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Keeping your brakes in good condition can go a long way to help limit pedestrian injuries and prevent crashes.
Schedule a Visit to Milex
It’s important to have your brake system inspected at least once per year to prevent unexpected problems. The mechanics at Milex Complete Auto Care can keep your brakes in prime condition to prevent problems on the road. Visit our website to find your local Milex and schedule a maintenance appointment today.