Whenever you press the brake pedal to slow down, multiple individual parts and systems work together to stop or slow the car down. Every day, millions of drivers successfully navigate the highways and roadways without issues. However, if the brakes seem to fail, the results can be disastrous and completely disheartening. This situation is commonly referred to as brake fade, which is a temporary reduction or the full loss of braking power.

Brake fade may be temporary — lasting only a split second in most situations. But those precious moments can mean the difference between a successful stop, or a serious accident. In order to clarify some of the misunderstandings linked with this situation, we’d like to articulate some of the facts about brake fade, what causes it, and what you can do to lower the potential of this occuring to you.

What is Brake Fade?
In order to slow a car down, the brake pad and rotor must create mutual friction in the braking system. If the brakes are applied and this does not happen, it’s referred to as brake fade. When brake fade happens, it leads to an unexpected or inconsistent braking — typically increasing stopping distance and the likelihood of an accident. Brake fading is commonly caused by the overheating of a brake pad and can happen on vehicles, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles. Since brake fade happen from overheating, it’s usually temporary and the brake system will get back to normal function once the brake pads and rotor have cooled down.



What are the Different Kinds of Brake Fade?
There are two specific types of brake fade common with vehicles, trucks, and SUVs sold in the US.

Green Fade:The most common type of brake fade is called Green Fade, or early-life brake fade. This situation often develops when new brake pads and/or brake rotors are installed. When brake pads are changed, it might take some time to for the new part to ‘settle in’ or properly align. Some mechanics call this time the ‘bedding in’ period. Under normal city driving conditions, it will take 500 miles for brake pads and rotors to rightly align.
Dynamic Fade:Dynamic brake fade, or stop brake fade, is more serious and typically because of incorrect or faulty brake pad components. Brake parts are unique to every year, make and model. When a brake pad or rotor from a different year, make or model of car is installed on your car, truck or SUV, the potential for dynamic brake fade increases. Dynamic brake fade can equally be caused by improper installation — such as the brake caliper being improperly torqued.
Read More:https://automobileglobe.com/brake-fade-what-is-it/