There’s nothing more terrifying than hitting the brakes in an emergency… only to find they don’t respond. Most drivers assume their brakes are fine—until it’s too late.
But brake failure doesn’t happen overnight. According to the Tyre, Equipment, Parts Association (TEPA), a proud affiliate of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), warning signs appear long before disaster strikes. Neglecting these can be catastrophic, especially considering that 35% of major crash accidents follow a tyre burst—or similar mechanical failure—prior to the incident.
Understanding Brake Fade
“Brake fade creeps up on you,” explains Dylan Petzer, TEPA National Vice Chairman. “It starts with having to press the pedal a little further to get the same slowing effect. That ‘spongy’ or ‘long’ pedal is the classic warning.”
Brake fade can manifest in different ways:
- Brake fluid fade: The pedal feels soft, like stepping on a wet sponge, dangerously close to the floor.
- Brake pad fade: The pedal feels hard as a rock, yet the car barely slows.
“On long trips, especially down a mountain, this is a code-red situation,” Petzer warns.
At its core, brake fade is simple physics. Brakes are energy converters. Your engine transforms fuel into kinetic energy to move the car. Brakes convert that motion into thermal energy—heat—through friction, squeezing pads against rotors. But if the pads exceed their heat threshold, they can no longer grip properly, and your braking system is overwhelmed.
Brake Fluid: The Silent Betrayer
Petzer says the biggest mistake drivers make is ignoring brake fluid.
“Everyone worries about brake pads because you can see them wear. But brake fluid quietly absorbs water over time, lowering its boiling point and setting you up for failure at the worst moment. Brake fluid isn’t a ‘lifetime fill’. It should be flushed and replaced every two years, no matter the mileage.”
City Streets vs. Mountain Roads
Driving conditions drastically affect brake performance.
- In-town driving: Frequent stops give brakes a chance to cool between uses.
- Mountainous or long-distance driving: Riding the brakes for extended periods generates constant heat. Add a trailer or caravan, and your brakes are asked to absorb the energy of a two- or three-ton vehicle for minutes on end. Eventually, they hit their thermal limit.
Petzer’s advice? Let your gears do the work.
“When descending a steep hill, shift down instead of riding the brakes. Engine resistance holds your speed, keeps your brakes cool, and ensures they’re ready when you really need them.”
3 Signs Your Brakes Need Help
- Burning smell: Hot brakes emit a pungent, acrid odor. Pull over immediately and allow them to cool for at least 30 minutes.
- Squealing or grinding: Squealing usually indicates worn pads. Grinding, however, is metal on metal—damaging rotors.
- Vibration: Pedal or steering vibration when braking often means warped rotors, usually from prior overheating.
Prepare Before You Hit the Road
“With the festive season approaching, long drives, heavy loads, and hot weather are inevitable. Ensure your trip is safe by visiting an accredited workshop for a pre-holiday vehicle inspection, including brakes and brake fluid,” Petzer urges.
“Driving with questionable braking power is irresponsible. Don’t gamble with lives—make sure your car is as ready for the holiday as you are.”
