Why Does My Car Shake When Braking?

Car brakes

There are a number of reasons your Honda—or any car—might start shaking upon braking as you drive around Redmond. So if you’re asking yourself, “Why is my car shaking when I brake?” you’ve come to the right place. Consider our advice, and if you have further questions, connect with Honda of Kirkland certified technician. Learn more about the reason behind steering wheel shakes when braking at our dealership today!


Why a Car Might Shake When Braking 

When cruising along the highway and notice shakiness when you hit the brakes to slow down, some potential reasons include:

  • Bent rims
  • Bad CV joints
  • Loose lug nuts

If your brakes are merely making grinding or squeaky noises, you may be facing a different issue. However, steering wheel shakes when braking, in particular, is often linked to issues with the rotors.

Repairing brakes

Why Rotors Fail

To understand why rotors fail, you should understand how your brakes function. When you press on the brakes, your brake pads clamp down on your brake discs, also known as rotors. In an ideal world, the rotors are perfectly smooth. If your steering wheel shakes as you brake, this indicates your rotor is either warped or, more likely, has worn unevenly over time. The latter is something that happens over the lifespan of a car.

Brake pads and disc

How Dangerous are Worn Rotors?

Though warped rotors don’t indicate immediate doom, the sooner you confront the issue, the better. The vibrations caused by warped rotors can create problems in any number of other components in your car, from your calipers to your car’s brake pads. The sooner the problem is addressed, the smaller your bill—or time investment—will be. Even more dangerous than a high bill: the wobbliness could potentially be a hazard as you drive around Woodinville. So for the sake of your wallet and your car’s stability, address this issue if it continues.

Brake repair

How to Fix a Car’s Rotors

If your rotors are bad, you can replace them or fix them. What does fixing a worn rotor entail? If you happen to have a lathe around, you can shave the flat side of the rotor smoothly. This fix is temporary though—there’s obviously only so much rotor you can shave before you run out of rotor. If you want, most mechanics can also complete this quick fix for you.

Working on brakes

Our Service Specials

Cabin Air Filter Replacement

$10 Off

Your vehicle’s cabin air filter helps remove allergens, particulates, and odors from the interior of your vehicle, keeping things nice and fresh. The cabin air filter also helps keep your interior clean, by removing dust from the air. Like all filters, your Honda’s cabin air filter will become clogged over time. As the filter becomes clogged, it will work less efficiently…you’ll get less airflow, more dust, more odors, etc.

If you suffer from allergies, asthma, or a great sense of smell, you NEED to replace your Honda’s Cabin Air Filter on a regular basis. And an OEM replacement is best, as Honda specifies the amount of filtration for each specific system. Some after-market filters are too light, meaning they won’t filter enough air. Other filters are too heavy, which will strain your vehicle’s HVAC system.

Prices may vary by model. Plus taxes and fees where applicable. Please present coupon during write-up. Not to be combined with any other discounts.

Expires: 01/03/2025

"B" Service Special

$10 Off

“B” Service Special:
oil and filter change, inspect front/rear brakes, check parking brake adjustment, inspect driveshaft boots, tie-rod ends, steering gearbox, gearbox parts, suspension components, brake hoses and lines, all fluid levels, exhaust system and fuel lines.

Valid only at Honda of Kirkland. Prices may vary by model. Plus taxes and fees where applicable. Up to 4.5 qts. $8.89 extra for 5.7 qt. systems. Coupon must be presented at time of write-up. One coupon per customer, per visit. Not valid with any other offer, promotion or special. Not to be used to reduce outstanding debt. No cash value. Not retroactive. See dealership for details. Void where prohibited by law.

Expires: 01/03/2025

"A" Service Special - Oil Change with Multi-Point Inspection

$5 Off

“A” Service Special – Oil Change with Multi-Point Inspection
In addition to providing top-quality Honda Genuine oil and a Honda Genuine oil filter, we’ll perform a free multi-point inspection. Competitive prices, Honda-trained technicians and Honda Genuine Parts. Why take your Honda anywhere else? Includes replacing engine oil per specifications, assessing and adjusting fluid levels and complimentary multi-point inspection.

Valid only at Honda of Kirkland. Up to 4.5 qts. $8.89 extra for 5.7 qt. systems. Coupon must be presented at time of write-up. One coupon per customer, per visit. Not valid with any other offer, promotion or special. Not to be used to reduce outstanding debt. No cash value. Not retroactive. See dealership for details. Void where prohibited by law.

Expires: 01/03/2025

Brake Pad Replacement

$35 Off

Front or Rear Brake Pad Replacement w/ Rotor Resurfacing

Valid only at Honda of Kirkland. Prices may vary by model. Plus taxes and fees where applicable. Please present coupon during write-up. Not to be combined with any other discounts. Includes brake pad replacement and rotor resurfacing. Discount does not apply if customer elects to defer resurfacing.

Expires: 01/03/2025

Brake Fluid Exchange

$10 Off

Honda recommends brake fluid replacement every 3 years. Brake fluid loses its ability over time to absorb moisture from the brake lines. This can result in loss of brake pedal pressure due to a lower boiling point and corrosion.

Prices may vary by model. Plus taxes and fees where applicable. Please present coupon during write-up. Not to be combined with any other discounts.

Expires: 01/03/2025

Discount on Vehicle Service

$15.00 OFF

Save on vehicle service (including parts and labor)
$10.00 – Discount on service from $100.00-$199.99
$15.00 – Discount on service from $200.00 or more

Prices may vary by model. Plus taxes and fees where applicable. Please present coupon during write-up. Not to be combined with any other discounts. Coupon not valid for tire purchase or vehicle alignment. Not Valid for Diagnostic Fees.

Expires: 01/03/2025

Tire Inspection and Alignment

$125.00+tax

Valid only at Honda of Kirkland. Prices may vary by year and model of the vehicle. Plus taxes and fees where applicable. Please present coupon during write-up. Not to be combined with any other discounts.

Expires: 01/03/2025

Battery Replacement

$15 Off

Have a Honda Genuine battery installed today and drive confidently! Includes our 100-month limited warranty.

Valid only at Honda of Kirkland. Prices may vary by year and model of the vehicle. Plus taxes and fees where applicable. Please present coupon during write-up. Not to be combined with any other discounts.

Expires: 01/03/2025

Replace Your Rotors at Honda of Kirkland

For Seattle residents, replacing your rotors is the most effective and long-lasting fix to a shaky steering wheel. If you aren’t comfortable doing this yourself, have a Honda of Kirkland technician take a look. Our techs are qualified to both diagnose and fix any problems that may arise with your Honda, and we can even help you learn how to enter a Honda radio code, or change the battery in your Honda key fob, how to check car oil levels, how often should you rotate your tires, and what your Honda warning lights mean. Schedule a service appointment today! Let our technicians help you find any issues with your car with our guide to why your car may be overheating so you can get back on the road.


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12420 NE 85th St, Kirkland, WA, 98033
Honda of Kirkland 47.6798067, -122.1753462.