Did your pedal vibrate when you hit the brakes?
If this is the first time it happened, you may be worried and want to take your car to the workshop.
However, your braking system may be perfectly fine.
Read on before you head to your workshop or see your mechanic.
1) Your pedal vibrated because the ABS (anti-lock braking system) was activated.
If the pedal vibrations (pulsing and groaning noises, too) happened when you e-braked, chances are ABS was activated.
ABS prevents your tyres from locking up, which could lead to an uncontrollable skid.
When ABS is activated, it pumps your brakes multiple times in succession – much faster than any professional racecar driver can manage.
The pulsing you feel is perfectly normal. There is no reason to be worried.
2) What if the pedal vibrates under normal braking?
Now, this is something to be concerned about.
The pulsing your feel from the brake pedal could be due to a variety of reasons.
These include a warped brake disc or uneven wear on the brake pad.
The “bumps” in these circumstances would cause the pulsing when you brake.
IMPORTANT: Do not release the brake pedal if you are e-braking!
Some drivers may find the pulsing to be unnerving and may then immediately lift-off because they are startled.
If you are in an emergency situation that calls for hard braking and steering to avoid an accident, do not come off the brakes!
The pulsing you feel at that moment will not harm you or your car.
In fact, you should bear in mind that it shows your ABS system is working just fine.
Coming off the brakes too early in such critical moments could mean the difference between life and death.
Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, especially in wet weather.
Always be aware of your surroundings, too, so you can anticipate and react in time.
