What is brake fade?

Brake fade refers to a decrease in stopping power due to overheating. This phenomenon occurs when the brakes are used excessively or continuously without sufficient cooling time. As brakes heat up, the friction materials can lose their effectiveness, resulting in reduced braking performance. This is particularly critical in scenarios where a vehicle is descending a steep grade or during prolonged braking situations, where the brake components can become excessively hot.

Understanding brake fade is essential for driver operators because it impacts safety and vehicle control. Recognizing the signs of brake fade allows operators to manage their braking strategy effectively, such as allowing time for brakes to cool or using engine braking methods to minimize brake use. Proper maintenance and pre-trip inspections of the braking system can also help prevent brake fade from occurring.