Any braking system must be able to
effectively handle the heat created by friction within the
system. The tremendous heat created by the rubbing
brake surfaces must be conducted away from the pad
and rotor (or shoe and drum) and be absorbed by the air.
The greater the surface areas of the brake components,
the faster the heat can be dissipation. Thus, the weight
and potential speed of the vehicle determine the size
of the braking mechanism and the friction surface area of
the pad or shoe. Brakes that do not effectively dissipate
heat experience brake fade during hard, continuous
braking. The linings of the pad and shoe become glazed,
and the rotor and drum become hardened. Therefore,
the coefficient of friction is reduced and excessive foot
pressure must be applied to the brake pedal to produce
the desired braking effect.