What are the symptoms of brake fade?
4 Answers
The most obvious symptom of brake fade is a significant decrease in braking power, making it difficult to stop the vehicle. Here is a detailed introduction to brake fade: 1. Definition: Brake fade refers to the phenomenon where the braking force diminishes due to high temperatures generated by intense friction between the brake disc and brake pads. 2. Causes: After a certain number of braking actions, the temperature of the brake pads in a car's braking system (such as disc brakes or drum brakes) rises. When the optimal operating temperature is reached, the braking performance is at its best. However, if the temperature exceeds the maximum limit, the braking distance increases and the braking effectiveness deteriorates. This phenomenon is known as brake fade. 3. Solutions: When experiencing brake fade, you can downshift to a lower gear to utilize engine braking effectively. If the brake fade is severe, it is best to pull over immediately and wait for the braking system to cool down naturally before continuing to drive.
I've driven on many mountain roads, and the symptoms of brake fade are truly unsettling. When driving downhill before, continuous braking would make the pedal feel soft, like stepping on cotton, with less and less strength the more I pressed, and the braking effect noticeably diminished. Where it used to take just 10 meters to stop from 50 km/h, now it might take over 15 meters. Sometimes, I could even smell a burning odor, a clear sign of the brake pads wearing excessively under high temperatures. Especially on steep downhill sections, losing control of speed nearly led to accidents. Later, I learned to use lower gears combined with engine braking to share the load. Now, I check the brake fluid and disc conditions before driving, avoid heavy braking, and try to keep them cool. When stopping for a break, I touch the wheel hubs—if they're too hot to touch, I know there's a problem.
Last time I went on a self-driving trip, I experienced noticeable brake fade on the mountain switchbacks. The symptoms were quite obvious - the brake pedal felt much softer with increased travel, almost like stepping on air, requiring much more effort to slow down. The braking distance significantly increased; where I could previously stop easily, now I needed to start braking at twice the usual distance. I smelled something similar to burning tires and immediately pulled over in a panic, letting the brake system cool for about half an hour. Later, I consulted a car-savvy friend who advised using less frequent braking during long descents or traffic jams, and instead relying more on downshifting and speed control techniques. Since then, I've become more attentive to anticipation while driving, avoiding sudden braking, and have developed better driving habits.
The most direct sensation during brake fade is a softer pedal with weakened force feedback, requiring harder pressing for minimal effect, yet the stopping distance increases. Sometimes accompanied by a burnt smell, especially after hard or repeated braking. For instance, during highway tailgating or mountain driving, if braking feels laborious, overheating may be the cause. Immediately reduce speed and find a safe spot to park and cool down. During inspection, check if the brake discs are abnormally hot—this is crucial for prevention.
