What can cause brake fade during operation?

Brake fade occurs when the braking system, specifically the brake components, cannot generate enough friction to slow down or stop a vehicle effectively. This phenomenon is primarily associated with overheating during high-speed braking. When the brakes are applied repeatedly or with excessive force, the heat generated can exceed the heat dissipation capacity of the brake system. This excessive heat can lead to a reduction in the friction coefficient of the brake pads or the brake fluid boiling, ultimately resulting in diminished braking performance.

In scenarios where high-speed braking is applied, such as during aggressive driving or an emergency stop, the components experience a significant increase in temperature. As the material characteristics change under high temperatures, the ability of the brakes to create effective friction decreases, leading to a situation where pressing the brake pedal feels less responsive or ineffective—this is known as brake fade.

The other options relate to different issues that can affect brake performance, but they do not specifically lead to the type of fade characterized by losing braking power due to high temperatures during operation.