What phenomenon occurs when excessive heat in a brake system diminishes its stopping ability?

When excessive heat builds up in the brake system, it leads to a phenomenon known as brake fade. This condition occurs when the brake components, such as the disc, pads, and hydraulic fluid, overheat due to prolonged or heavy braking. The excessive heat can cause the brake pads to lose their friction characteristics or the brake fluid to vaporize, resulting in reduced stopping power. This diminished effectiveness can pose a significant safety risk, particularly in high-demand driving situations such as downhill driving or during repeated heavy braking.

Understanding brake fade is crucial for maintaining vehicle safety and ensuring systems are properly designed to handle the thermal stresses encountered during various driving conditions. It highlights the importance of using materials and designs that can dissipate heat effectively and maintain performance under stress.