Swift Driving Academy CDLP Training Manual Practice Test

Brake fade happens when the braking system overheats, causing the friction materials to glaze and the braking force to drop. The best course is to pull over to a safe location, stop, and let the brakes cool. While stopped, you can check for signs of overheating (smell, smoke, warped rotors, or worn pads) and arrange for maintenance if anything looks abnormal. After cooling, test the brakes gently and avoid heavy braking until they’ve been inspected. Continuing to drive at reduced speed still leaves you with decreased stopping power and less room to recover, which is risky. Turning off the engine and coasting removes power assist, making the brake pedal feel harder and braking less effective. Using the parking brake while the brakes are hot can cause the rear wheels to lock or drag, potentially leading to a loss of control or damage.