Bremsefade

Bremsefade is a term used in German-language automotive discourse to describe a decline in braking performance during extended or repeated braking, caused primarily by heat buildup within the brake system. The term is related to the English expression brake fade and is often discussed in practical and technical contexts as a type of thermal fade.

The primary mechanisms behind bremsefade include vaporization of brake fluid, which can reduce hydraulic pressure; glazing or glazing-like changes in the friction material of pads reducing the available coefficient of friction; overheating of brake discs leading to reduced friction efficiency or temporary rotor warping; and degradation of seals and lubricants under high temperature. While discs and drums can both experience fade, disc brake systems are most commonly associated with thermal fade in modern vehicles.

Symptoms of bremsefade include longer stopping distances, a softer or spongier brake pedal feel, increased pedal travel, and a noticeable loss of braking responsiveness during repeated or sustained braking, such as downhill driving or track scenarios. It tends to occur under high thermal load conditions, such as high-speed deceleration, heavy loads, hot ambient temperatures, or insufficient cooling.

Mitigation strategies focus on thermal management and material selection. These include ventilated or larger rotors, improved cooling ducts and heat shielding, high-temperature brake pads, and brake fluids with higher boiling points. Regular maintenance of brake fluid and proper bleeding practices are important, as is driving technique that reduces continuous high-load braking and, where possible, the use of engine or regenerative braking to share the load. In German automotive literature, bremsefade is discussed as a practical concern for performance driving and heavy-duty braking.