Brake fading is caused when:
Answers
Brakes are not used often enough.
Brakes overheat.
Brakes are too cold.
Brakes are wet.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: Brakes overheat.
Explanation:
Brake fading occurs when the brakes lose their ability to generate adequate stopping power due to overheating. This can happen during prolonged or intense braking, such as in mountainous terrain, during high-speed driving, or when frequently braking on downhill slopes. When the brake components, such as the brake pads and rotors, overheat, their friction properties are diminished, and this reduces their effectiveness in slowing down or stopping the vehicle.
Brakes work by converting the kinetic energy of the vehicle into heat through friction. The brake pads press against the rotors, creating friction that slows the wheels. However, if the brake system is used too intensely, the heat generated exceeds the system’s ability to dissipate it. As a result, the brake pads and rotors can become too hot, causing the brake fluid to boil and leading to a loss of braking performance.
Brake fluid, which is essential for transferring force from the brake pedal to the brakes themselves, has a boiling point. When brake fluid boils, air bubbles form in the lines, causing a spongy brake pedal and decreased braking power. Additionally, the brake pads themselves can become glazed or lose their friction material due to excessive heat, further contributing to brake fading.
Other factors like brake pads being too cold, wet, or infrequently used generally do not cause brake fading. Cold or wet conditions can reduce braking effectiveness but don’t lead to fading. Wet brakes, for example, might cause a temporary reduction in braking efficiency, but they regain full effectiveness once the moisture evaporates or is wiped away.
Preventing brake fading involves using proper braking techniques, such as avoiding long periods of constant braking and allowing the brakes to cool periodically, especially in high-stress driving conditions.