Your brakes are the most important part of the car, and you should be worried if you experience any problems with them. Why does my car jump when I brake? Here are some of the reasons this might be happening in your car.
If you have purchased a new car or installed a new braking system, you might come across some difficulty in braking, which reduces over time in most cases.
In some instances, however, improper installation of brakes, a bad spare part or improper handling can cause a lot of discomforts when braking. You might feel a bit of vibration and jerking when you brake the car.
Car jerking on applying the brake or uneven acceleration is a common problem, and there can be a wide range of reasons behind it. If you are wondering “why does my car jump when I brake?”, then you have reached the right place. We will be looking deeper into this matter, and answering this and other similar questions, as well as giving some helpful tips to keep your brakes happy and healthy.
Braking and Acceleration in Cars
Braking and acceleration are the two most important aspects of driving a car, and it is also the place where most problems and doubts arise. The vehicle’s model and mechanism also play a vital role in this matter. As modern technologies are coming, the mechanism of cars has also become significantly more complex.
Types of Brakes
When it comes to cars, some of the most common brake systems are:
- Disc,
- Drum,
- Anti-lock,
- Electromagnetic brakes, and
- Band brakes.
Different companies prefer different braking systems, and although the difference between their structure is a lot, application in implementation is almost the same.
Jerking in newer brakes?
The application of brakes gets better with experience and applying sudden brakes, or hard brakes is the primary cause of jerks in cars.
Newer models of cars have a smoother braking system, and although you will be able to stop your vehicle immediately, the jerk case will be pretty low compared to older models with Disc brakes or drum brakes.
Changes in acceleration
The change in acceleration can also cause jerking in your Car. Scientifically speaking, jerking is caused whenever you are accelerating, because it causes a change in your velocity.
So, the more rapid you change your acceleration, the more significant amount of jerking you will feel while driving. You should always accelerate gradually, and with new technologies, the acceleration will only get smoother.
The accelerator of your car responds differently depending upon the gear in which you are driving, and sometimes even unmatched gear and acceleration can also be a cause of discomfort while driving.
Why Does My Car Jerk When I Brake?
Braking is one of the essential aspects of driving a car, and while it seems very simple, practical application and usage of the brake require a lot of experience and knowledge.
If you are one of those who have often felt a slight jerk while braking and wondered why does my car skip when I brake?, then there can be a wide range of reasons for this problem.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common issues:
#1. Out-Balanced Brake Rotors
A problem with your brake is also a common reason behind uncomfortable braking. Out-balanced brake rotors or debris in brake pads can also cause a rough braking experience.
Brake Rotors play a vital role in the braking system, and worn-out brake rotors exponentially decrease the braking efficiency of your car.
Brake Rotors are circular metal discs connected to the wheel of the car, and when the brake is applied, this metal disc is caught by a device to slow down your car.
There can be a wide range of problems with out-balanced or worn-out brakes like vibrating steering wheel, Irritating sound while applying the brake, and reduced braking efficiency.
#2. Worn Out Brake pads
Brake Pads play an essential part in your barking system, and without them, you will experience a very rough braking experience. The Brake Pads are present between the Brake rotor and brake shoe.
Brake Pads act as a cushion, and even though it applies a significant amount of friction on your brake rotors but without them, your brake rotors will get worn out much quicker.
The Brake Pads usually wear out with time, and it is essential that they are checked and replaced timely. If you have been observing irritating sounds during braking, then you should contact your brake pads to be checked and replaced.
#3. Empty Brake Fluids
Empty brake fluid is also a common cause of the Jerking of a car. In the newer car models, the primitive braking system is replaced by a Hydraulic brake and is much more efficient and easy to use than the drum or disc brake.
Low Brake Fluid reduces the efficiency of your braking system and causes some other significant problems like air filling or debris filling in your braking system. Hydraulic Braking systems are sensitive to air, so it is better to check your brake fluid regularly and fill up to the limit.
#4. Problems with the wheel bearing
If you are wondering why my car jumps when I brake then one possible reason behind it can be a lousy wheel bearing. A problem is wheel braking can cause a lot of discomfort while driving, including Jerking and jerky movement of tires.
An improper bearing in a wheel can be a reason for a wide range of problems, and you should avoid driving a car with a bad wheel bearing. The Wheel bearing helps the auto-rotate in an orderly and proper fashion, and without it, the motion of the wheels will be significantly compromised.
#5. Presence of Air or other substance in the Braking system
If you wonder why cars jerk when I brake, then it can also be caused due to the presence of any impurities in your braking system like air or dust.
This problem is more common in the case of the hydraulic braking system, and if left unchecked, this can also give rise to many serious issues.
The dust particles in excessive amounts can get collected on brake rotors or calipers, causing an uneven braking surface. The improper clutching of the brake rotor can cause problems like noise during brake application, vibration, and Jerking.
How to Reduce the Jerking of Car while applying Brakes?
The first thing you need to do to stop the Jerking of your car is to identify the reason behind it. There can be a wide range of reasons which can cause the Jerking during either braking or acceleration.
In most cases, a faulty body part of the car is the reason behind it. We have mentioned some of the most common reasons above, and if you are still unable to figure it out, it is better to get professional help before the matter can worsen.
You can also follow the steps given below to treat some minor issues:
- Regularly check your Brake Fluid and maintain the required limit. If you hear some noises during braking, then get your brake pads to change in due time.
- A Brake Rotor also needs to get changed after every 70000 km, so you should also make sure that you don’t exhaust the upper limit of their usage
- If you are feeling your tires are moving improperly or your steering wheel is vibrating more than usual, then it can be caused due to the lousy bearing of your wheel, which can be a serious problem if left unchecked.
- Jerking during acceleration is also a pervasive issue and can be caused due to dirty fuel injectors or dirty air filters.
- A dirty fuel injector can cause problems while starting a car or even driving, so it is necessary that you get it checked during the first signs of problems.
- If your car brakes have been giving a reduced efficiency while braking, then it can also be caused due to a worn-out braking system which can, later on, give rise to damaged parts and problems like noise, vibration, and Jerking.
A Few Final Words
There can be many reasons why your car is not experiencing a smooth braking. We have discussed a few of these reasons above, and some general tips on what you should do to keep your brakes working smoothly.
Thank you for reading the article, we hope this has helped answer your question. If you have some more doubts or queries, drop us a word in the comments and we will get back to you. You might also like to read: Why Do My Brakes Squeal In The Morning? And Why Would A Brake Caliper Lock Up?
