Which condition can lead to brake fade?

Brake fade occurs primarily due to the overheating of the brake system. When brakes are applied, friction generates heat. If the brakes are used continuously or excessively – such as during prolonged downhill driving or repeated hard braking – the temperature in the brake components, particularly the brake pads and rotors, can rise significantly. This excessive heat can lead to several issues: the brake pads can begin to lose their friction properties, the brake fluid may boil (if it reaches its boiling point), or the surface of the rotors may become glazed. All of these situations compromise the braking performance, resulting in what is described as 'brake fade.'

Understanding brake fade is critical for safe vehicle operation, as it can lead to reduced stopping power and increased stopping distances, which can be dangerous in emergency situations.

The other options, while they may affect vehicle performance or safety in different ways, do not directly cause brake fade. Excessive brake dust buildup can lead to poor braking performance over time but is not primarily responsible for the immediate loss of braking efficiency due to overheating. Under-inflated tires can lead to increased stopping distances and may affect overall vehicle handling, but again, they do not directly relate to brake fade. Low battery voltage can affect electrical components in a vehicle but