What does fade resistance refer to in brakes?

Fade resistance in brakes refers specifically to the ability of the braking system to handle repeated use without experiencing a significant loss of braking effectiveness. This phenomenon occurs when brakes become overheated due to continuous application, such as during repeated braking on a steep descent or in high-performance driving situations. When the brakes overheat, they may not provide sufficient stopping power, a condition known as brake fade.

Fade resistance is critical for maintaining consistent and reliable stopping performance, particularly in situations that demand high levels of braking, ensuring that the driver can rely on the brakes to perform effectively regardless of how much they have been used. This attribute is a key factor in the safety and performance of a vehicle, especially in braking applications that require endurance, such as racing or aggressive driving scenarios.

The other options, while related to brake performance, do not specifically address the concept of fade resistance. The quickness of stopping pertains to overall braking power, the smoothness refers to the feel during braking rather than its effectiveness under heat, and the lifespan of brake pads is about durability rather than their performance consistency under heat.