Final answer:
Brake fade is the term used when your brakes overheat and lose their effectiveness. It occurs due to excessive heat generated during braking, leading to reduced braking power and longer stopping distances. Proper braking techniques and allowing the brakes to cool down can help prevent brake fade.
Step-by-step explanation:
When your brakes overheat and lose their effectiveness, it is called brake fade.
Brake fade occurs due to the excessive heat generated during braking. When you apply the brakes, the friction between the brake pads and the brake discs converts kinetic energy into heat energy. If this heat is not dissipated effectively, the temperature of the brake system rises, leading to brake fade. Brake fade can result in reduced braking power and longer stopping distances, posing a safety risk. To prevent brake fade, it is important to use proper braking techniques and allow the brakes to cool down when they become hot.