What is one effect of heat on brake components during heavy use?

During heavy use, brake components generate a significant amount of heat due to friction between the brake pads and brake rotors. This heat can negatively affect the performance of the brakes. As the temperature rises, the brake fluid can also heat up, which may lead to vaporization. If the vapor bubbles form in the brake line, it can result in a spongy brake pedal, reducing braking effectiveness. Furthermore, excessive heat can cause the brake pads to become glazed, leading to decreased friction between the pads and rotors. This chain of events ultimately means that the brakes may become less effective, posing a safety risk while driving.

In contrast, while some components may indeed perform efficiently up to a certain temperature, the primary concern when brakes become excessively hot is the reduction in their efficiency and effectiveness. The potential for smoking generally arises in extreme cases, but it is the overall decrease in braking performance that is the critical issue in this scenario.