What does the term "brake fade" refer to?

The term "brake fade" refers to a temporary reduction in braking power that occurs when brakes are subjected to prolonged use, leading to overheating. This overheating can occur during scenarios such as extended downhill driving or repeated hard braking. When the brakes heat up excessively, the friction material can lose its effectiveness, which means the braking system becomes less responsive until the brakes cool down again. This phenomenon is crucial for officers and drivers to understand, as it can significantly affect the performance of a vehicle in emergency situations.

The correct understanding of brake fade emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs of overheating and managing braking techniques to prevent loss of control. In contrast, a permanent loss of braking power would indicate a more severe condition or failure within the braking system, while an increase in braking power is not related to brake fade at all. Additionally, a braking system malfunction implies a broken or damaged system, rather than the temporary condition described by brake fade.