We have all had those close call moments while driving, where you hit your brakes and your car doesn’t stop right away. You drive away thinking, that was lucky, but why did that happen? You likely experienced brake fade.
So, what exactly is brake fade? It is a gradual loss of braking power resulting from decreased friction between the lining and the drum or disc of the brake usually caused by overheating. Avoid brake fade and visit brake service near me to have your brakes inspected today with Lakeview Automotive.
What Causes Brake Fade
To fully understand what causes brake fade, it is important to learn how the braking system works. When you tap your brake pedal, you're activating calipers, causing pistons to press the brake pads against the brake rotors.
A mass amount of heat is generated when your brake pads press against the spinning rotors. How hot are we talking? Brake pads can withstand heat up to 700° F. But because we are not continually applying our brakes, the heat dissipates while driving.
If there is an excessive buildup of heat and it's not dissipating, your brakes will become less responsive resulting in brake fade. This occurs in stop-and-go traffic, aggressive driving, braking down long hills, or driving an overloaded vehicle.
Other Causes of Brake Fade
Although less common, there are two other circumstances where brake fade could occur.
- Brake Fluid Fade: This can happen when water in the brake fluid overheats from all the friction, resulting in steam reducing the effectiveness of your brakes. When this occurs, your brakes may feel soft or sponge-like.
- Worn Brake Pads: When the resin in your brake pads degrades, it releases a gas-forming film between the pads and rotors. Thus, reducing the quality of surface contact, meaning your brakes have no friction to generate, aka stop.
Preventing Brake Fade
Brake Fade is preventable with some simple driving 101 lessons:
- Avoid aggressive driving. Fast starts, quick stops, and forceful braking are especially hard on your car. Slow down, turn some music on and relax during those pesky rush hour moments.
- Gear down. Next time you hit a long downhill or windy road, try downshifting gears on your vehicle. This will reduce the use of your brakes and the risk of overheating.
- Inspect and service. Get your brakes inspected and serviced regularly to maintain their integrity.
Never take your brakes for granted. They are our vehicle's most important safety feature. They have the ability to slow down and protect us in a split second, avoiding incidents and accidents. Keeping them well maintained will make the difference between encountering any brake fade, brake fluid fade, or worn pads. Next time you search ‘brake inspection near me’, click Lakeview Automotive. Our team of mechanic experts is available to handle all your brake needs, from inspections to repairs and maintenance. Call today (403) 242-1575 or book online.
