What is the maximum temperature that brake components can withstand during hard braking?

During hard braking, brake components, particularly brake discs and pads, can reach high temperatures due to the friction generated while slowing down a vehicle. The correct answer, 250° C, reflects the maximum temperature they can withstand without suffering from significant performance degradation or damage.

At temperatures above this threshold, brake components may experience issues such as brake fade, which occurs when the materials lose their effectiveness to generate friction. This can compromise the vehicle's stopping power, leading to safety hazards. Thus, understanding the heat tolerance of brake components is crucial for drivers, especially those operating larger vehicles or those used for heavy-duty tasks where braking is more intense.

The other options indicate temperatures that are below this effective limit. While components might handle those temperatures momentarily, they would not be ideal during prolonged hard braking situations. Therefore, it's vital to ensure that braking systems are properly maintained and assessed to remain within safe operating temperatures.