What is the primary cause of brake fade?

The primary cause of brake fade is excessive use of the brakes, which leads to overheating. When brakes are applied for prolonged periods, especially in situations like long downhill descents or frequent stopping in heavy traffic, the friction generated can raise the temperature of the brake components significantly. This increased heat can result in a decrease in the braking effectiveness, known as brake fade.

As the brakes heat up beyond their optimal operating temperature, the materials in the brake pads and rotors may start to lose their ability to generate the necessary friction, leading to the sensation that the brakes are not responding as expected. It's crucial for drivers to be aware of this phenomenon and to manage their braking technique to prevent overheating, such as downshifting to a lower gear to utilize engine braking or taking breaks to allow the brakes to cool off.

Other options, such as rough terrain driving, cold weather conditions, or poor vehicle maintenance, can impact overall braking performance, but they do not directly relate to the overheating phenomenon that specifically causes brake fade.