Brake fade occurs due to the brakes being what?

Brake fade primarily occurs due to the brakes becoming too hot. When brakes are applied repeatedly in quick succession, such as during heavy braking or going downhill, they generate a significant amount of heat. If the heat builds up beyond a certain point, the braking components can lose their effectiveness, leading to brake fade. This loss of stopping power happens because the friction material may start to break down or the brake fluid may vaporize, which hampers the brake system's ability to generate the necessary friction required to slow down the vehicle.

Worn down components, improper adjustments, or the age of the brakes can all affect their performance, but they are not the direct cause of brake fade. Brake fade is specifically related to the thermal condition of the braking system, making the scenario of excess heat the critical factor in this phenomenon.