What can cause brakes to fade or fail?

Brakes can fade or fail primarily due to excessive heat from overuse. When brakes are applied frequently or held for prolonged periods, especially on downhill grades, they generate significant heat. This heat can lead to a decrease in braking efficiency, as the friction material may start to lose its effectiveness, causing the brakes to feel less responsive or even fail completely.

The performance of brake systems relies heavily on maintaining a specific temperature range; when they exceed this range due to excessive use, the materials can become less effective. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as "brake fade," and it is critical for drivers to be aware of the conditions that can lead to this issue, particularly in heavy braking situations.

Understanding this concept is important for safe driving and maintaining control of the vehicle, particularly for commercial drivers who may encounter challenging driving conditions more frequently.