What does brake fade primarily affect?

Brake fade primarily affects braking distance. This phenomenon occurs when the braking system overheats, typically due to prolonged or excessive application of the brakes. As the brakes generate heat, their effectiveness decreases, leading to a longer distance required to stop the vehicle.

When brake fade occurs, the friction material on the brake pads becomes less effective, which means that more distance is needed for the vehicle to come to a complete stop. This is particularly critical for heavy vehicles or during long downhill descents where continuous braking is necessary. Understanding brake fade is important for drivers, especially those operating larger or heavier vehicles, as it emphasizes the need for managing braking techniques to maintain control and safety on the road.

Other options, like fuel efficiency, vehicle speed, and driver awareness, are not directly impacted by brake fade in the same critical way, but rather focus on different aspects of driving and vehicle operation.