WHAT IS BRAKE FADE AND WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT?

 

 

At our Car Repair Shop Astoria, some customers come in with brakes that have to be applied harder in order to work. This can sometimes be due to what is known as “Brake fade” a loss of braking power that occurs when the brakes overheat, causing a reduction in their effectiveness. It typically happens when the brakes are used heavily over a prolonged period, or in situations where they experience continuous high stress, such as driving down steep hills or during aggressive driving like racing.

 

How Brake Fade Happens

Brake fade occurs due to the excessive heat generated during braking. Braking generates friction, which in turn produces heat. When brakes are used continuously or heavily, the temperature of the brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid can rise to levels that interfere with their ability to function properly.

 

At high temperatures Brake pads lose their frictional properties as they overheat, reducing their ability to grip the rotor effectively. In addition, brake fluid can boil if it gets too hot. Most brake fluid has a high boiling point, but if it exceeds that temperature, it can vaporize, leading to air bubbles in the brake lines (called vapor lock), which causes the brake pedal to feel soft or unresponsive. There is also an effect on the brake rotors. Overheating can also cause brake rotors to warp, leading to uneven braking force.

 

 Types of Brake Fade

There are a few different forms of brake fade. There is Pad Fade which is what happens when the brake pads themselves lose their ability to generate friction due to heat. The surface of the pads can break down, leading to reduced contact with the rotor.

 

There is Fluid Fade. This occurs when the brake fluid gets so hot that it boils, turning it into vapor. Vapor in the brake lines can compress when you press the brake pedal, reducing the ability to apply the necessary braking force.

 

There is Rotor Fade which occurs when rotors overheat, they may warp or develop a glaze on the surface. This glaze can reduce friction, leading to less effective braking.

 

Causes of Brake Fade

One cause is prolonged Braking. When driving downhill or in stop-and-go traffic, using the brakes constantly without allowing them to cool down can lead to fade. This is especially true for heavy vehicles or those towing something.

 

Aggressive Braking such as hard, repeated braking in high-performance situations (like racing) or emergency braking can push the braking system to its limits.

 

Old or Low-Quality Brake Pads that are either worn out or of poor quality tend to fade more quickly under heat stress. Which is why brake maintenance on your vehicle is very important. Our mechanics regularly check the brakes and perform Brake Service in Astoria for our customers.

 

Inadequate Cooling. If the brakes don’t have enough ventilation or cooling mechanisms (such as slotted rotors or good airflow), they’re more prone to overheating.

 

Overloaded Vehicles, as heavier vehicles create more heat when braking, which makes the brakes more prone to fade, especially if the vehicle is carrying a heavy load.

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Signs of Brake Fade

 

Reduced Braking Power. The most obvious sign is that the brakes don't feel as responsive as usual. It may take more force to slow down or stop the vehicle.

 

A soft or spongy Brake Pedal.  When brake fluid boils, air bubbles form in the brake lines, which can make the brake pedal feel soft, spongy, or like it goes to the floor with minimal resistance.

 

A fading Pedal. In some cases, the brake pedal may gradually move further down with each press as you attempt to brake.

 

An Overheating Smell. You might notice a burning odor, which is caused by the brake pads overheating. This can be a sign that they are reaching their temperature limits.

 

Squealing or Grinding Noises. As the pads overheat and wear down, they might start to produce high-pitched squeals or even grinding noises.

 

Preventing Brake Fade

 

Avoid the overuse of Brakes. When driving downhill, try to use engine braking (shifting into a lower gear) to slow the vehicle, rather than relying solely on the brakes. Use intermittent braking (braking in short bursts) rather than continuous braking.

 

Upgrade Brake components. If you're often in situations that stress the brakes (e.g., track driving, mountain driving), consider upgrading to higher-performance brake pads, ventilated or slotted rotors, and high-performance brake fluid with a higher boiling point. Our Auto Mechanic Astoria regularly checks the brakes on our customers’ vehicles and can upgrade brake components if needed.  

 

Cool down your Brakes. After heavy braking, allow the brakes to cool down by driving at a slower speed or stopping briefly. Don't park immediately after heavy braking, as this can trap heat in the brakes.

 

Check your Brake Fluid. Ensure the brake fluid is at the right level and hasn't absorbed too much moisture (which lowers the boiling point). Flush and replace old brake fluid periodically.

 

Regular Brake Maintenance is important. Regularly inspect brake pads and rotors for wear, and replace them when necessary. Ensure the brake system is properly maintained and has no leaks.

 

What to Do If You Experience Brake Fade

If you experience brake fade while driving, don’t panic. Try to stay calm and avoid hard or panic braking. Shift into a lower gear to help slow the vehicle down without using the brakes (engine braking)

 

If you're on a long downhill or have been braking heavily, try to avoid using the brakes as much as possible to allow them to cool. If the braking power continues to decrease or the pedal feels unresponsive, pull over and stop the vehicle in a safe area. Allow the brakes to cool completely before proceeding. If the problem persists, have your brakes checked by a mechanic to ensure there is no damage to the braking system.

 

Brake Fade in Different Vehicles

 

Passenger Vehicles - In regular driving conditions, brake fade is less common unless you're driving on hilly terrain or during aggressive driving. But performance vehicles, especially sports cars, are more prone to fade during track events.

 

Commercial Trucks - Large trucks with heavy loads are more susceptible to brake fade, which is why many have advanced braking systems (like engine brakes or retarder systems) to help manage it.

 

Racing or High-Performance Vehicles - In racing conditions, brake fade is almost inevitable without proper cooling and high-performance braking systems. Racers will often use ventilated brakes, carbon-carbon brake rotors, and high-performance brake fluids to prevent fade.

 

Brake Fade vs. Regular Brake Wear

 

Brake Fade is a temporary loss of braking power due to heat, but the brakes will recover after cooling down.

 

Regular Brake wear is the gradual and permanent degradation of brake components (pads, rotors) that results in reduced braking performance over time. Brake fade is a short-term issue that can be resolved once the brakes cool, while wear requires maintenance and replacement of parts.

 

Brake fade is a serious issue that can compromise safety, so understanding its causes, signs, and how to prevent it is essential for maintaining effective braking performance. Regular vehicle maintenance, cautious driving, and upgrading components when needed can help prevent brake fade. If you are in the New York City area and are in need of brake service or think you may be experiencing “brake fade”, then see our Auto Mechanic Queens.