Your Brake Questions Answered near Holden, WV

Your brakes are the most valuable player (MVP) on your vehicle when it comes to safety. Whether you’re driving on the twisty roads of West Virginia or stopped at a red light in Logan County, you put your entire trust in your brakes. But how much do you really know about the process of pressing the brake pedal?

At Thornhill CDJR near Holden, WV, our certified technicians frequently address questions about brake performance, maintenance, and warning signs. So, we've put together answers to the most common brake questions to help you stay safer on the road.

Q: What’s the difference between disc and drum brakes?

• Disc brakes use a flat rotor with a caliper. When you press the pedal, the pads clamp onto the rotor, slowing your vehicle down.
• Drum brakes are usually found on the rear wheels. They utilize brake shoes that pin outward as the drum spins.

Disc brakes generally provide better heat dissipation and stopping ability, which is why they are predominantly used on contemporary vehicles and performance models like a Dodge Charger or Jeep Grand Cherokee. Drum brakes are simpler and less expensive but less effective than disc brakes, especially under heavy load.

Q: How does an anti-lock braking system (ABS) work?

ABS ensures that your wheels do not lock up when you stop unexpectedly. If it detects a wheel about to lock, it will pulse the brakes to provide traction, which will allow you to maintain control of the vehicle even when braking hard.

Here are some signs that could indicate your ABS may be failing:

• The ABS warning light stays illuminated.
• You feel abnormal pulsation in the brake pedal.
• You Experience extended stopping distances on slippery surfaces.

If you notice the ABS light on your vehicle's dashboard, schedule an appointment at Thornhill CDJR. It may be a sensor issue or may require more diagnosis and repair.

Q: Why does my brake pedal feel “spongy” or “soft”?

That squishy feeling usually means air or moisture has made its way into your hydraulic system, which reduces braking pressure.

Possible causes include:

• Low Brake Fluid
• Worn Brake Lines or Seals
• A Failing Master Cylinder

If your pedal sinks too easily, it’s time to get your hydraulic system inspected. Don’t ignore it – this issue can quickly escalate to brake failure.

Q: What are the different types of brake fluid – and why can’t I mix them?

The categorization for brake fluids is alongside a DOT rating:

• DOT 3: This fluid is the commonly used fluid for everyday drivers.
• DOT 4: This fluid has a higher boiling point and is best used in performance vehicles.
• DOT 5: This is a silicone-based fluid for special or classic vehicles.

Mixing fluids can harm seals, performance, or corrode internal parts of your brake system. Always refer to the manufacturer (check your owner’s manual), and our service team can top off or replace the appropriate fluid in your vehicle.

Q: What’s a brake booster, and how do I know if it’s failing?

Your brake booster uses engine vacuum to help apply pressure to the brakes – making it easier to stop without stomping on the pedal.

Signs of a failing booster:

• Hard Brake Pedal
• Hissing Sound Under the Hood
• Longer Stopping Distances

If braking suddenly feels like leg day at the gym, have us take a look.

Q: What is “brake fade,” and what causes it?

Brake fade happens when brakes overheat and lose their ability to create friction. Common causes include:

• Repeated hard braking (like mountain driving).
• Overloaded vehicle weight.
• Low-quality brake pads.

Once cooled, performance may return – but repeated fade can damage pads and rotors over time.

Q: How do I know if my rotors are warped or just need to be resurfaced?

Warped rotors can vibrate or pulsate under braking. While it might be a true vibration or pulsation when your rotors are warped, in some cases, it is just uneven pad deposits.

We will measure your rotors to determine whether they can be resurfaced, or “turned,” or whether you should think about replacement. If they are measuring below the minimum thickness, replacing the rotors would be the safest option.

Q: Why do my brakes pull to one side?

If your vehicle veers left or right when braking, possible culprits include:

• Uneven brake pad wear.
• Sticking caliper.
• Suspension alignment issues.

This is not something to ignore – it affects both braking distance and control.

Q: My brake warning light is on, but the vehicle seems fine. Is it safe to drive?

Nope. That light means something’s off – low fluid, worn pads, or an ABS malfunction. Even if your brakes “feel” fine, internal systems might not be working properly.

Play it safe and bring your vehicle to Thornhill CDJR near Holden. We’ll run a diagnostic and get your brakes back in top shape.

Stay Safe with Expert Brake Service at Thornhill CDJR

Your brakes are too important to gamble on. From ABS repairs to rotor replacements and fluid flushes, the Thornhill CDJR service team has the tools, training, and genuine Mopar® parts to keep you stopping safely every time.

Schedule your brake service today or stop by our service center near Holden, WV – because your safety is always worth the stop.

Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.