Here in Colorado, we might think a bit differently about a car’s brake system than others across the Midwest. Driving up and down I-70 after a fun weekend can do that to you.
Even if you’ve never experienced brake fade before, you’ve probably thought about losing your brakes as you fly down the hills. Those truck ramps off to the side, waiting for a runaway truck to help slow it down.
What if the same happened to you? What if you couldn’t stop?
Brake fade occurs when your car’s braking system temporarily loses effectiveness, making it harder to slow down or stop. It typically occurs under conditions of prolonged or extreme braking … hello, Colorado mountains. It can also occur during high-speed stops or in stop-and-go traffic.
Losing your brakes is never fun. Luckily, there’s an easy way to lower your risk … regular maintenance. If you’ve never experienced brake fade before, it’s time to learn a little more about it and what you can do to solve it before it occurs.
Learn More About Brake Fade
Brake fade is the loss of braking power due to overheating of the braking system components. When you press the brake pedal, friction is created between the brake pads and rotors (or brake shoes and drums) to slow your car. This friction generates heat.
Under normal conditions, the braking system can dissipate this heat efficiently. However, during prolonged or intense braking, the heat generated can exceed the system’s capacity to dissipate, leading to:
- Overheated brake pads and rotors lose their ability to generate adequate friction.
- Extreme heat can cause brake fluid to boil, creating air bubbles that reduce hydraulic pressure.
- Excessive heat can harden the surface of the brake pads, reducing their ability to grip the rotor effectively.
There Are Several Types of Brake Fade
There’s a lot of power and energy behind the braking process. You’re driving at 40, 50, 60 miles per hour. You step on the brakes. It’s their job to reduce your speed, slow your vehicle down, and bring it safely to a stop, all the while moving that heat and energy around safely.
Brake fade occurs when this fails. Brake fade can occur in several ways, depending on which component is affected.
Friction Fade
This occurs when the brake pads or shoes overheat and lose their ability to generate sufficient friction against the rotors or drums. You’ll notice it as a reduction in braking power despite applying consistent or increased pedal pressure.
Fluid Fade
Brake fluid absorbs heat and begins to boil, forming air bubbles in the brake lines. Air is compressible, unlike brake fluid, leading to a spongy or unresponsive brake pedal. When this happens, you’ll have to give a soft or spongy brake pedal more pressure to engage the brakes.
Mechanical Fade
Heat causes components like the brake calipers, rotors, or drum linings to expand or deform temporarily. As this occurs, you’ll notice the reduced braking efficiency or uneven braking performance.
How This Changes With Heavy Usage
You’re a Coloradan. We know how you love to play in the great outdoors. That’s why you have the large vehicle and lots of toys to enjoy nature. But here’s something to consider: Heavy usage significantly affects the likelihood and severity of brake fade. How?
Increased Heat Generation
Heavy braking – what happens when you experience frequent stops, towing heavy loads, or driving downhill for extended periods – generates more friction and heat. Heavy vehicles or loads amplify this effect, as your car’s brakes must work harder to slow down the larger mass. This excess heat can overwhelm the braking system’s ability to dissipate it, leading to friction fade or fluid fade more quickly.
Faster Wear of Components
Constant heavy braking accelerates wear on brake pads, rotors, and fluid, reducing their effectiveness over time. That means these worn components are less able to handle stress, increasing the likelihood of brake fade during intense usage.
Greater Strain on the Entire System
Hauling trailers or cargo increases the weight your brakes need to slow down. That amplifies the heat generated. If you’re using your truck or SUV frequently for heavy-duty purposes, the braking system often needs upgrading to handle the extra strain. Is this something you handle regularly?
Reduced Recovery Time
Do you push your vehicle to the limits? During heavy use, brakes don’t have time to cool between applications. This cumulative heat buildup makes fade occur faster and last longer.
Tips for Mitigating Brake Fade During Heavy Usage
You bought your vehicle for a reason. You have things to do. And your vehicle should be able to keep up with whatever you choose to dish out.
This is where regular maintenance comes into play. Being aware of brake fade means you can do what’s necessary to prevent it. We recommend:
Use Engine Braking
Shift to a lower gear when descending steep grades to let the engine take on some of the braking load, which reduces the stress on the brakes.
Invest in Heavy-Duty Brakes
If you frequently tow, haul, or drive in the Colorado mountains, ensure your vehicle is prepared for what it will face. High-performance brake pads are designed to withstand higher temperatures without losing friction. Slotted or drilled rotors allow better heat dissipation. Some vehicles offer or can be fitted with enhanced cooling mechanisms. Talk with a mechanic to upgrade your vehicle to meet your needs.
Avoid Riding the Brakes
Apply brakes in short, firm bursts to give them time to cool between applications. Avoid holding the brake pedal continuously while descending hills – use downshifting or engine braking instead.
Monitor Your Brake Fluid
Heavy use can cause brake fluid to boil if it contains moisture, leading to fluid fade. Use high-temperature-rated brake fluid and replace it more frequently if you’re regularly pushing your car’s limits.
Regular Maintenance
Inspect your brake system more often if you frequently use your vehicle for heavy-duty tasks. Look for signs of wear, such as thinning brake pads, warped rotors, or discolored brake fluid. Replace components proactively. Don’t wait for them to fail under pressure.
Experiencing Brake Fade
You’re reading this for a reason. Heavy usage amplifies the risks associated with brake fade and accelerates wear and tear on your braking system.
If you’ve noticed this recently, and frequently rely on your car for towing, hauling, or other heavy-duty tasks, consult one of our professional mechanics to ensure your braking system is equipped to handle the load safely and efficiently.