What is the recommended action if you experience brake fade?

• A. Do not continue driving; pull over safely, let brakes cool, and have them inspected.
• B. Continue driving slowly and ignore it.
• C. Turn off the engine and restart to reset brakes.
• D. Increase speed to generate airflow.

Answer: (A)

Brake fade happens when the braking system overheats and loses stopping power. Heat makes the friction between pads and rotors less effective and can boil the brake fluid, so the pedal feeling can change and stopping distance increases. The safest course is to stop as soon as you can safely, pull over in a safe spot, and let the brakes cool completely. Then have the system inspected for worn pads, warped rotors, leaks, or other damage. While you wait, use engine braking by downshifting to help slow the car and avoid riding the brakes, which only adds heat. After cooling, if braking isn’t back to normal, don’t continue driving—get them serviced before driving again.