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C1Difficulty 3/5

What risk does brake overheating from excessive use, for example on a long descent, create?

Correct answer

Loss of braking effectiveness due to excessive temperature.

It can reduce braking effectiveness: this is brake fade. Brakes cannot withstand any temperature without consequences. In drum brakes, excessive heat can reduce lining friction; damage and its extent depend on the system and conditions. On descents use an appropriate gear and the available auxiliary braking systems in accordance with vehicle instructions to avoid excessive service-brake use.

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  • Unlimited improvement in effectiveness as they heat up.

  • Loss of braking effectiveness due to excessive temperature.

  • No risk: they withstand any temperature without consequences.

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