Final answer:
You should know that your brakes are "fading" when less pressure is needed on the brake pedal for each stop (Option D).
Step-by-step explanation:
When you learn to drive, you discover that you need to let up slightly on the brake pedal as you come to a stop to avoid a j*rky halt. This is due to the relationship between static and kinetic friction. Kinetic friction is what slows the car down as the brakes are applied and the wheels begin to stop spinning. However, as the car comes to a complete stop, static friction takes over.
If you maintain the same pressure on the brake pedal, the switch from kinetic to static friction can cause the car to stop suddenly and j*rkily. To avoid this, you gently release the brake pedal just before the car stops, which makes the transition smoother and the stop more gradual.
In terms of heat generation, when a car applies brakes and comes to a stop, kinetic energy is converted into thermal energy, heating the brake pads and rotors. The faster the car is going, the more kinetic energy there is to convert, leading to higher temperatures. Similarly, Pascal's principle is employed in hydraulic brakes, where the force applied at the brake pedal is amplified and transmitted through the brake fluid to apply even braking force to all wheels.