why does my car shake when i brake at high speeds

A car shaking when braking at high speeds is most commonly caused by issues with the braking system, particularly warped or uneven brake rotors. When rotors warp due to heat or wear, the brake pads cannot make smooth, even contact, causing vibrations felt through the steering wheel. Other possible causes include worn or dirty brake pads, stuck or malfunctioning brake calipers, unbalanced or misaligned tires, and suspension problems such as worn ball joints or tie rods. These issues cause imbalanced braking forces or uneven tire contact with the road, producing shaking during braking. Specifically, brake rotor warping or uneven wear is a leading cause, especially when the vibration is felt in the steering wheel at highway speeds. Tire imbalance or misalignment can exacerbate the shaking, and suspension wear can also contribute. Stuck calipers applying uneven pressure or brake pads contaminated by dirt or oil can create vibrations and affect braking smoothness. Inspecting and repairing brake rotors and pads, balancing or replacing tires, and checking suspension components are recommended actions to resolve the shaking. In summary, the shaking when braking at high speeds is mainly due to warped brake rotors or related brake system issues, with tire and suspension conditions playing supporting roles in the problem.