What is brake fade?

Brake fade refers specifically to a reduction in stopping power that occurs when the brake components, such as the brake pads, rotors, or drums, overheat during use. This overheating can diminish the friction and effectiveness of the brakes, leading to a situation where the driver must exert more pressure on the brake pedal to achieve the same stopping power originally available. It is a critical concept in understanding how brake systems perform, especially under high-stress conditions, such as during prolonged braking on a downhill slope or aggressive driving.

When the brakes overheat, typically due to excessive friction and insufficient cooling, the material properties of the brake components can change. For instance, the brake pads may lose their ability to generate necessary friction, or the brake fluid may also boil, negatively affecting hydraulic pressure. Consequently, the driver experiences a noticeable decrease in braking efficiency.

Understanding brake fade is essential for maintenance and for preventing potential accidents caused by insufficient braking capability in critical situations.