What are common causes of brake fade?

Brake fade is primarily associated with the overheating of brake components, which compromises the braking system's effectiveness. When the brakes are applied, friction is generated between the brake pads and rotors or drums, which converts kinetic energy into heat. If the braking system becomes excessively hot—due to prolonged use, heavy loads, or steep descents—this heat can reduce the friction coefficient between the brake materials. As a result, the brakes may feel less responsive or may require more pedal effort to achieve the same stopping power, resulting in the phenomenon known as brake fade.

Factors unrelated to brake heat, such as low tire pressure, do not directly cause brake fade. Low tire pressure can affect the vehicle's handling and braking efficiency but does not fundamentally alter the performance of the braking components themselves. Similarly, dirty air filters and a weak battery have no bearing on brake performance. Dirty air filters are more relevant to engine performance than to braking, and a weak battery primarily affects the vehicle's electrical systems rather than the mechanical operation of the brakes. Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes that overheating of brake components is the key factor contributing to brake fade.