Red Seal Automotive Service Technician Practice Exam

What is a common sign of overheating brake components?

1. Increased brake pedal response

2. A reduction in braking effectiveness

3. Improved stopping power

4. Less noise during braking

The correct answer is: A reduction in braking effectiveness

A common sign of overheating brake components is a reduction in braking effectiveness. When brakes overheat, the friction material can become less effective, leading to longer stopping distances and a noticeable decrease in the ability to stop the vehicle effectively. This is primarily due to the brake fluid boiling, which causes a vapor lock, or the brake pads and rotors losing their capacity to generate adequate friction. Improper heat management can also lead to brake fade, where the brakes may feel less responsive the more they are used, especially during extended periods of heavy braking, such as in mountainous terrain or when towing heavy loads. In contrast, options like increased brake pedal response or improved stopping power suggest enhanced performance, which would not be the case in an overheating situation. Less noise during braking could imply that the brake assembly is functioning smoothly, but this does not correlate directly with overall effectiveness once the components are overheating.