What causes brake fade?

Brake fade occurs primarily due to the overheating of the brakes. When brakes are engaged, friction between the brake pads and rotors generates heat. If the brakes are used extensively, especially during prolonged braking periods, such as going down a long hill or during aggressive driving, they can reach temperatures that exceed their designed limits. This overheating can lead to a reduction in friction material performance, resulting in a diminishing ability to stop effectively. The brake system becomes less responsive, which can create a dangerous situation if the driver isn't aware that the braking capacity has diminished.

While other factors like driving at high speeds, improper tire inflation, and excessive vehicle weight can influence overall vehicle control and stopping distances, they are not the primary cause of brake fade. Specifically, driving fast increases the demand on brakes, but it is the heat generated from sustained use that directly leads to the fade.