Why Does My Car Shake When I Brake?

By Chris Hardesty 03/15/2024 8:00am

Blurred and shaky car lights and traffic.

Feeling your car shake can rattle your mind, making you wonder about possible causes and worrying about potentially expensive repairs. Experiencing your car shaking when braking is a common complaint, but unpleasant wobbles and vibrations can also happen when accelerating, cruising at high speed, or when parked idling. Keep reading for some possible reasons before asking your mechanic, “Why is my car shaking?”

Why Is My Car Shaking When I Brake?

Worn-out brake components are probable causes of pulsations through the brake pedal and steering wheel.

Warped brake rotors, a sticking caliper, or unevenly worn brake pads cause vibrations that can shake your car when you press the brake pedal.
Delaying the repair is a safety risk, so no matter the cause, get to a mechanic promptly to find and fix the problem to avoid additional damage to the braking system.

Why Does My Car Start Shaking When Parked?

Sometimes, your vehicle doesn’t need to be moving to make the car shake. Even minor mechanical issues can jostle the engine and make the car vibrate when idling while parked.

A clogged fuel injector or worn-out spark plugs might cause the engine to misfire, which can be more noticeable at a lower RPM.
An erratic idle speed and bouncy engine might be due to an inefficient air/fuel ratio caused by a vacuum leak, inaccurate O2 sensor, faulty air control valve, or clogged engine air filter.

Why Does My Car Shake When I Accelerate?

Engine misfires like those mentioned above can also create a rough ride as you get up to speed, and there are other possible reasons why your car is shaking.

A common cause of car shaking is unbalanced wheels that often seem worse the faster you go.
Worn or bent CV (constant velocity) joints can lead to vibrations when you hit the gas.
Bad engine mounts can transfer vibrations and shake the entire car.

Why Does My Car Shake at High Speeds?

Rolling down the highway in a shaking car is an unsettling experience and it may be caused by any of the above reasons and more.

Uneven tire wear or damage to the rubber is arguably the most common reason for cars to shake while cruising along the road. As with unbalanced wheels, problems with the front tires may cause the steering wheel to shake, while trouble with a rear tire vibrates the seat.
Worn wheel bearings cause the wheel to wobble as it spins.
Shakes might be because of a damaged or misaligned driveshaft.
Worn-out suspension components will create a bouncy and shaky ride.

MORE: Power Steering Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Why Is My Car Shaking?

Following the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual and having routine inspections can help prevent some issues with your car shaking. Get to your service center when you feel unexpected vibrations. And remember, a shaking car isn’t always a sign of a significant problem, and neglecting it could create a bigger issue.

Find a qualified mechanic with the experience and tools to diagnose problems like why your car shakes. Be aware of when and under what conditions the vibrations occur. Whether braking, accelerating, cruising, or idling at a traffic light, the scenarios offer clues about the cause and potential fixes. Address problems promptly to ensure safe operation and help you have a smooth driving experience.