A dangerous reduction in stopping ability that occurs when brake components overheat from prolonged or heavy use, such as riding the brakes down a long mountain grade. The extreme heat can cause the friction material to outgas, creating a boundary layer that prevents the pads from gripping the rotors. It can also cause the brake fluid to boil, leading to a spongy pedal that goes straight to the floor.
I experienced serious brake fade coming down the pass and had to use the runoff ramp to slow down.
Upgrading to slotted rotors and high-temperature brake fluid helps mitigate fade on track days or when towing heavy loads.
Related terms
Engine braking
A deceleration technique that slows a vehicle by letting the drivetrain drag against the engine's internal resistance.
Brake line
A rigid tube or flexible hose that carries pressurized hydraulic fluid from the master cylinder to the wheels.
Disc brake
A braking mechanism that uses calipers to squeeze friction pads against a rotating rotor.
Brake assembly
A complete, pre-assembled unit containing the components needed to replace a vehicle's braking mechanism.