Brake Fade

It often happens on long downhill descents or track driving. Old brake fluid with water can boil and cause a soft pedal. Pads can also lose friction when overheated. Pedal fade feels like a soft or sinking pedal, while pad fade feels like a hard pedal with little deceleration. After heavy use, let the brakes cool by driving gently rather than holding the car stationary with the pedal, which can leave pad deposits on hot discs.

Too much heat reduces friction or creates vapour in the brake fluid.

Use engine braking and a lower gear on long descents. Change brake fluid at the recommended interval.