What is the effect of increased heat on braking ability?

Increased heat affects braking ability by decreasing the effectiveness of the braking system. This phenomenon primarily occurs because of brake fade, which is a loss of friction between the brake pads and the rotor due to excessive heat buildup. When the friction material on the pads gets too hot, it can become less effective at gripping the rotor, resulting in longer stopping distances and less responsive braking.

As heat builds up, the brake fluid can also reach a boiling point, creating vapor bubbles in the fluid. This vapor can compress under pedal pressure, leading to a spongy brake feeling and further diminishing the driver’s ability to stop promptly. Understanding this relationship between heat and braking performance is crucial, especially during emergency vehicle operations, where controlled stopping is essential for safety. The correct answer highlights the importance of managing heat in the braking system to maintain optimal performance during operations.