Catching brake fade before it becomes a problem

[Apex]

Imagine you're slowly making your way down a hill with a fully loaded haul truck,
your foot gently resting on the brake pedal, and you notice the temperatures rising.
What quick checks do you rely on to spot brake fade before it gets out of hand?
Share your tips from the field so we can all make it down safely.

 

[Orewhatnow]

I always pay attention to how the brake pedal feels first.
If it starts to feel soft, I back off, give it a gentle pump, and check the temperature gauge if there’s one.
A quick look at the lines and wheel hubs usually gives me a clue if I need to slow down before it gets tricky.

 

[hazguard]

After a few nerve-wracking downhill rides, I began tapping the brakes lightly on straight stretches to test their reaction. Heat can build up quickly, so I keep an eye on the color of the hubs when I stop for a quick check. If they’re glowing, that’s my signal to take a break.

 

[Rockbottom]

My go-to method is to gently feather the brakes and notice if the pedal feels squishy, keep an eye on the temp gauge, and listen for anything unusual. If the truck starts lagging or gives off a burnt smell, I pull over, let everything cool down, and don’t take any chances. Safety always comes before speed.