Basically the title.
In: Engineering
A further advantage is that brakes work on friction, and friction produces heat. Under heavy braking, brake fluid can boil and produce voids in the brake lines, which reduces pressure on the brake pads and reduces braking power. This is known as brake fade. Getting water in the brake lines is even worse because its boiling point is lower, creating steam voids. This affects all vehicles, including passenger cars travelling down steep hills, and is why you’re advised to use engine braking rather than the foot brake. Very heavy vehicles going downhill are ripe for brake fade and why escape lanes exist. Air brakes are already gas so cannot boil, and indeed the extra heat will increase the air pressure in the lines, improving braking force slightly.
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