Why Is My Car Shaking When I Brake or Drive?
Have you ever felt your steering wheel vibrate, or your whole car shake while you're driving or braking? It’s not just uncomfortable — it’s a sign something is wrong. The shaking might start small but can get worse fast, and ignoring it could lead to expensive repairs or even safety risks.
At Peers Auto Spares, we help South African drivers pinpoint and fix these issues with affordable, quality car parts. In this blog, we’ll break down the most common causes of vehicle vibration, how to troubleshoot them, and what parts you may need to replace.
🔧 Common Causes of Car Shaking
There are two main situations when shaking is most noticeable:
- While driving (especially at high speeds)
- When braking
Let’s look at each scenario and the likely causes.
🚘 Car Shaking While Driving
If your car shakes when cruising or accelerating, here are the usual culprits:
1. Unbalanced or Damaged Tyres
Tyres that aren’t balanced properly can cause vibrations, especially at speeds above 80 km/h. Pothole damage or uneven wear can also create shaking.
💡 Check your tyres first — it’s the most common issue.
2. Worn Suspension Components
Parts like control arms, ball joints, or tie rod ends can wear out, causing instability and vibration.
🛠️ Find durable steering and suspension parts at Peers Auto Spares.
3. Bent or Damaged Rims
A cracked or bent wheel rim (often from hitting a pothole) can throw your car off balance.
4. Driveshaft or CV Joint Problems
If the shaking worsens with acceleration, it could be a worn CV joint or driveshaft — especially on front-wheel-drive cars.
5. Engine Mount Issues
Damaged engine or transmission mounts can cause vibration, especially at idle or when accelerating from a stop.
🛑 Car Shaking When Braking
If the shaking only happens when braking, the issue is likely within your braking system.
1. Warped Brake Discs (Rotors)
This is the most common reason for shaking during braking. Heat can cause your rotors to warp, especially if your brake pads are worn or low-quality.
⚙️ Replace your pads early with quality brake pads to avoid disc damage.
2. Uneven Brake Pad Wear
If pads are worn unevenly, braking can become unstable and jerky. It also leads to faster rotor wear.
3. Sticking Caliper
A brake caliper that doesn’t release properly can cause a wheel to drag, leading to vibration and uneven braking.
📋 How to Diagnose the Problem
Try this quick checklist:
| Symptom | Likely Cause |
|---|---|
| Shakes at high speed only | Unbalanced tyres or bent rims |
| Vibrates during braking | Warped rotors or worn brake pads |
| Vibrates while accelerating | CV joint, driveshaft, or engine mount |
| Constant wobble or knocking | Worn suspension or wheel alignment |
If you’re still not sure, a mechanic can help pinpoint the exact cause.
🛒 What Parts Might You Need?
Here are common parts replaced when fixing vibration issues:
- Brake pads – restore smooth, safe braking
- Brake discs (rotors) – if warped or damaged
- Suspension parts – control arms, bushings, ball joints
- CV joints – if clicking or vibrating when turning
- Tyres or rims – check for damage or wear
- Wheel bearings – often overlooked, but can cause vibration
🔧 At Peers Auto Spares, we can help match the right part to your car model — fast and affordably.
🧰 DIY or Mechanic?
If you're experienced with car repairs, some of these issues (like brake pad replacement or tyre swaps) can be done at home. For others — like suspension or driveshaft repairs — it's best to see a trusted mechanic.
Either way, bringing your own quality parts from Peers Auto Spares can save you money on your repair.
✅ Final Thoughts
Car vibration isn’t just annoying — it’s a warning sign. Whether it’s your tyres, brakes, or suspension, shaking can lead to bigger problems if ignored.
Fixing it doesn’t need to be expensive. With the right diagnosis and quality parts, you can get back to smooth, safe driving in no time.
At Peers Auto Spares, we stock:
- Brake pads
- Suspension and steering parts
- Filters and spark plugs for servicing
- CV joints, mountings, and more
🛍️ Shop online now or contact our team for expert advice and affordable spares.
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