From Wobbles to Worries: What to Do
When Your Steering Wheel Shakes
At Full Blown Automotive & Audio, we care about our customer’s safety and few things are more
unsettling for a driver than feeling the steering wheel shake while cruising down the road. A
steady, smooth ride is something we all want from our car, so when vibrations kick in, it’s easy to
worry about safety, or even the potential cost of repairs. The good news? A shaky steering
wheel almost always points to an underlying issue that can be diagnosed and fixed.
Understanding when and why it happens is the first step to keeping both you and your car safe.
My Car Shakes When I Brake
If your steering wheel starts to shake as soon as you press the brake pedal, it often signals an
issue with your braking system. The most common culprit is warped brake rotors. Over time,
heat and friction can cause rotors to wear unevenly, and when the brake pads clamp down,
you’ll feel the vibration through the steering wheel.
Other possibilities include worn brake pads or issues with the calipers sticking. Ignoring these
warning signs can lead to reduced braking performance, longer stopping distances, and further
damage—something no driver wants. If braking-related shaking shows up, it’s best to have your
vehicle inspected right away by a professional from Full Blown Automotive & Audio in Winter Park.
My Car Shakes When I’m Not Braking
If the shaking isn’t tied to braking, there are several other possibilities:
●
Wheel Balance Issues: Even a small weight imbalance in your tires can cause
vibration, especially at higher speeds.
●
Alignment Problems: When wheels aren’t aligned correctly, your car may drift slightly
to one side and the steering wheel can feel unsteady. Our pros at Full Blown Automotive
can help.
●
Worn Suspension or Steering Components: Parts like tie rods, ball joints, or control
arms wear out over time, leading to wobbling and unsafe handling.
●
Tire Wear or Damage: Uneven tread wear, flat spots, or internal tire damage can all
cause shaking that gets worse the faster you drive increasing the potential for flat tires
and blow outs.
At Full Blown Automotive & Audio in Winter Park, we know these problems can worsen with
time and affect both safety and comfort, early diagnosis is key.
What Do I Do?
The first step is not to ignore it. While it might seem like just an annoyance at first, steering
wheel vibrations are your car’s way of telling you something’s wrong. Here are a few smart
steps to take:
● Pay Attention to Timing: Note whether the shaking happens during braking, at certain
speeds, or only on rough roads.
● Schedule an Inspection: A professional technician at Full Blown Automotive & Audio in
Winter Park, Fl, can quickly identify whether it’s the brakes, tires, alignment, or
suspension.
● Address the Problem Promptly: Small issues like tire balancing are quick fixes, while
larger concerns like worn-out suspension parts require immediate attention to avoid
safety risks.
● Stay on Top of Maintenance: Schedule regular inspections at Full Blown Automotive &
Audio,including tire rotations, and brake checks to help prevent these problems before
they ever reach the shaky stage.
A shaking steering wheel is never something to brush off—it’s a clear sign your car needs
attention. Whether it’s brakes, tires, or suspension, catching the problem early keeps you safer
on the road and saves money in the long run.
At Full Blown Automotive & Audio in Winter Park, FL, the team is equipped to diagnose and
repair steering wheel vibrations and a wide range of other issues. Beyond general auto repair,
they also offer performance upgrades, custom audio systems, diagnostics, and preventative
maintenance services to keep your vehicle running at its best.
So, if your drive has gone from smooth to shaky, don’t wait. Call today to schedule a visit at Full
Blown Automotive & Audio in Winter Park and get back to confident, comfortable driving.