What’s ‘brake fade’?

Explanation: Continually using the brakes could cause them to overheat. When that happens, they become less effective. This is called brake fade, and it occurs most often when the driver has to control the vehicle's speed on a long downhill gradient. To help prevent brake fade, use the endurance brake (retarder) and a lower gear to keep the vehicle's speed in check, rather than the wheel-mounted brakes.

Category: Braking Systems

References: The Official DVSA Guide to Driving Buses and Coaches: Section 2, The Official DVSA Guide to Driving Goods Vehicles: Section 2