If you’re driving along and put your foot on the brake, it can be a bit disconcerting if you feel your car vibrating when you do break. A vibrating car can indicate that there is a severe problem with your brakes, and while you should take any engine fault or problem seriously, it’s paramount that you take extra care making sure the brakes are working correctly.
When your brakes are working correctly, you know your safe, when there is a problem, your safety may be compromised.
The good news is though is that there are usually signs that will indicate that your brakes may need looking at. Most problems are avoidable if you take swift action. There are often common factors that cause your brakes to vibrate.
Common Causes Of Brake Vibration
Worn Brake Pads
If your brake pads are worn out, then they may cause your car to shake. Your brake pads may well be worn out if you hear a grinding sound when you press down on the pedal. Usually, brake pads are held together by a special resin, and when the pads are working well this resin is evenly spread over the surfaces of the discs. When a brake pad overheats this resin may not distribute evenly, this issue can cause your brakes to vibrate.
Brake Rotor And Disc Issues
As the surface of brake rotors wear down over time, they become uneven. This can affect the ability of your brake pads to grab evenly, which can cause the brake pedal and steering wheel to shake. If you feel our steering wheel shake, then it’s time to get your car checked out.
Infrequent Driving Or Debris Stuck In Your Brakes
Mechanics loosely estimate that a pair of brake pads will typically last anywhere between 30,000-70,000 miles. The length of time brake pads last depends on a person’s driving style and the quality of the brake pads. If you drive your car infrequently, then your brake pads may rust, particularly in winter. This can cause brakes to corrode. If this happens, the rotor will become uneven, and you may hear strange noises from your car when your breaking.
If debris gets stuck in your brakes, then this can cause friction between your brake pads or the rotor. If a stone or other debris obstruct the brake pad, then it may affect the pads’ ability to grip correctly which in turn can cause your car to vibrate as the brakes can’t function properly.
Get An Expert Opinion
If you do find that your car shakes when your brake it may be time to consider brake pad replacement, your local Jiffy Lube services can help determine if you need a brake pad replacement.
