What Causes Brake Shaking on the Highway?
2 Answers
Brake shaking on the highway may be caused by uneven wear of the brake discs. Here is some relevant information about brakes: 1. Introduction: As the name suggests, it is a mechanical braking device that can slow down the speed of a vehicle, also known as a decelerator. 2. Principle: The car's brake pedal is located below the steering wheel. Pressing the brake pedal causes the brake linkage to be pressured and transmitted to the brake pads on the brake drum, which then clamp the brake disc, slowing down or stopping the vehicle. The manual brake in a car is located next to the gear shift and is connected to the brake lever. 3. Function: Its purpose is to decelerate, either reducing speed or bringing the vehicle to a complete stop. The principle of braking is to convert the vehicle's kinetic energy into heat energy, which is then dissipated. The kinetic energy comes from the power provided by the engine, which requires fuel combustion to generate. In other words, every time you press the brake, it means a bit of your gasoline is being wasted.
When driving on the highway, I've experienced brake shudder several times, especially after long-distance driving when braking, the steering wheel shakes noticeably. I remember once when I was rushing home, while slowing down to exit the highway, the steering wheel vibrated significantly, scaring me as I almost lost control. Later, when I took it to the repair shop for inspection, the mechanic said the main cause was the brake discs warping due to heat—frequent braking at high speeds caused uneven metal expansion from the high temperatures. They also checked whether the brake pad wear was even and if the wheel hub was balanced. In the end, replacing the brake discs solved the problem. This incident taught me that brake system maintenance shouldn't be neglected. Now, I get a comprehensive check every 20,000 kilometers to avoid risks on the highway. If this kind of shudder during high-speed driving isn't addressed, it can also accelerate wear on other components, affecting overall safety.
