Final answer:
Brake fade is caused by the overheating of brake components, leading to a loss in braking effectiveness. It can occur with any type of brake system and may be temporarily remedied by reducing heat through brief cessation of braking.
Step-by-step explanation:
Brake 'fade' can be a critical safety concern and is a term used to describe the loss of braking effectiveness due to the overheating of brake components. Option 'c. Can be caused by the brakes becoming too hot' correctly identifies a cause of brake fade. Brakes convert a vehicle's kinetic energy into heat through friction, which can lead to a temperature increase. If brakes overheat, they may not function correctly because the excessive heat can reduce the friction between the brake pads and the rotors or drums, causing a reduction in stopping power.
Option 'a. Can be corrected by letting up on the brakes for 1-2 seconds and then re-apply them' is a temporary solution that may help to reduce brake temperatures, thus restoring some braking effectiveness in the short-term. However, it is important to address the root cause of the brake fade to prevent it from recurring.
Option 'b. Only occurs with drum brakes' is inaccurate as brake fade can occur with any type of brake system, including disc brakes, given the right circumstances such as sustained, heavy use.