What is brake fade?

Brake fade refers to the reduction in braking power that occurs when the brake components overheat, typically due to prolonged or excessive use. This phenomenon is particularly relevant in heavy-duty vehicles equipped with air brakes, where prolonged braking, such as on long descents, can cause the brake drums and shoes to reach high temperatures. When this happens, the materials used in the brake system can lose their effectiveness, leading to a significant decrease in the vehicle's ability to slow down or stop.

This issue is critical for drivers to recognize, as it can lead to dangerous situations if not addressed. Proper maintenance and awareness of brake use can help mitigate the risk of brake fade. Understanding brake fade is essential for CDL drivers to ensure safety on the road, especially in scenarios where frequent braking is required.

The other choices describe different scenarios that do not pertain directly to the issue of brake performance due to overheating, making them unrelated to the concept of brake fade.