What is the primary way to prevent brake overheating during prolonged use?

The primary way to prevent brake overheating during prolonged use is to avoid excessive braking, especially on downhill grades. When driving downhill, the vehicle's weight can cause the brakes to work harder, generating significant heat. This heat can lead to brake fade, which reduces braking effectiveness and can cause complete brake failure in severe cases. By minimizing the need for braking, such as by using engine braking or gearing down, you can help maintain a lower temperature in the brake system and ensure that the brakes remain effective throughout the drive.

While avoiding frequent acceleration can contribute to smoother driving, and using higher quality brake pads may improve braking performance, these actions do not directly address the risk of overheating associated with excessive use of the brakes during descents. Increasing tire pressure might enhance tire performance and handling, but it does not play a significant role in the prevention of brake overheating. Hence, focusing on managing braking, especially in challenging conditions like downhill driving, is crucial for maintaining brake integrity.