What are fade-resistant brake pads designed to prevent?

Fade-resistant brake pads are specifically engineered to maintain their effectiveness even under high-temperature conditions, which can occur during heavy or prolonged braking, such as on steep descents or during racing scenarios. As the temperature rises, some brake pads may experience "brake fade," a situation where the friction material weakens, leading to a significant reduction in braking performance. Fade-resistant pads utilize materials and designs that endure high temperatures without degrading, ensuring consistent performance and reliable stopping power, even in demanding situations. This is critical for safety and performance, especially for vehicles subjected to intense driving conditions.

The other aspects related to noise, rapid wear, and pedal feel are important but do not directly address the unique characteristic of fade resistance. Fade-resistant pads may also help with noise reduction and wear, but their primary purpose is to prevent the loss of stopping power under elevated temperatures.