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CDL · General

What is 'brake fade' and what causes it?

Correct answer

Loss of braking power caused by overheating the brakes (often from continuous/excessive use on long downgrades)

  1. A Brakes changing color
  2. B Loss of braking power caused by overheating the brakes (often from continuous/excessive use on long downgrades)
  3. C Brakes that work better when hot
  4. D A type of brake fluid

Why this is the answer

BRAKE FADE is the LOSS of braking power caused by OVERHEATING the brakes — typically from continuous or excessive brake use, especially on long, steep DOWNGRADES. CDL air brakes. As brakes overheat, they lose their ability to create friction, so they become less effective (or fail). PREVENTION: use a low gear and engine braking on downgrades; use the 'snub' braking method (firm application to slow down, then release to let brakes cool); don't ride the brakes continuously; choose a safe speed for the grade. Excessive brake fade can cause runaway trucks. Knowing brake fade (overheating from overuse, especially downhill) and how to prevent it is commonly tested.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual — Air Brakes, Brake Fade

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