Are Ceramic Composite Brakes Worth The Investment?

Performance cars are known primarily for their engines. The more horsepower, the better. The braking systems that are installed in these cars are often just as impressive, even though they rarely capture as large a portion of the spotlight. For example, ceramic composite brakes (CCBs) have been used in NASCAR and Formula 1 racing for years. They allow drivers to squeeze as much performance as possible from their vehicles. The question is whether the investment is worthwhile for “regular” drivers.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at CCBs from the perspective of using them for conventional driving. I’ll explain the technology behind them and provide a glimpse of their advantages. Even though the price of this unique braking system has declined over the last several years, they still cost thousands of dollars.

Understanding The Technology

One of the reasons ceramic composite brakes are so expensive is due to the lengthy process required to make them. Carbon fibers are combined with a silicon-based resin and molded into a brake disc. Then, using temperatures that climb to nearly 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit, the resin within the disc is changed into silicon carbide. It becomes as hard and durable as diamond. Next, the middle part of the rotor (which is often made from aluminum) is bolted to the CCB disc.

What Are The Advantages?

First, they’re lighter than conventional braking systems. Not only does that improve a car’s fuel efficiency, but the reduction in weight provides the driver with more control and comfort. The fact that CCBs provide more fuel efficiency means very little to the average driver. The higher price for this braking system all but eliminates any savings at the pump.

Ceramic composite brakes are also more durable than conventional discs and rotors. Automakers who install CCBs in their high-end vehicles claim that they’ll last for the life of the car. A related benefit is that the rotor is unlikely to warp, which can happen to conventional rotors due to excess heat, worn-out pads, and other factors.

Another advantage of using this type of braking system is that the material is more resistant to high temperatures. Brakes generate heat very quickly, especially with heavy use (for example, edging down a steep decline). That heat causes their performance to suffer. This is the reason CCBs are used in race cars.

The main drawback of ceramic composite braking systems (and it’s a significant drawback) is the price. The “hard as diamond” material that is used to create the rotor (ceramic composite) is very expensive. As a result, they are still beyond the budgets of most drivers. And given that their high level of performance is unnecessary for most people, it is unlikely that ceramic composite brakes will be mass-produced. As a result, we can expect prices for CCBs to remain high for the foreseeable future.

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4 Automotive Features That Are Designed For Families

Automakers have stacked their chips behind families. Cars, trucks, and SUVs are rolling off the factory floors equipped with more family-friendly features than ever. Some are designed to provide more safety. Others provide new levels of convenience. Still others deliver entertainment options that would have flabbergasted our grandparents.

Automobiles have evolved from mere transportation machines into homes away from home while we’re on the road. Here are four family-friendly automotive features that are likely to be installed in your next vehicle.

#1 – Rear View Cameras

The bigger your vehicle, the more difficult it is to see people, pets, and objects behind you when backing up. Hundreds of back-over deaths over the years have motivated auto manufacturers to install rear view cameras into their fleets. The camera is usually integrated into a vehicle’s bumper, though you’ll occasionally see them installed into the tailgate. A monitor is fitted into the dashboard. Rather than having to struggle in order to check whether the rear is clear, you can view real-time video on the monitor.

#2 – Swiveling Seats

SUVs and minivans were originally designed to fit families comfortably. Even though they offered more space and seating area, passengers were forced to sit facing forward. A few years ago, the designers at Chrysler introduced a new idea: swiveling seats. The seats allow passengers in the front of the vehicle to swivel their chairs around to face the rear. That flexibility gave parents the opportunity to talk easily with their kids rather than looking over their shoulders.

#3 – Rear Entertainment Systems

Automotive entertainment systems have been integrated into vehicles for years. They debuted in SUVs, but can now be installed into cars, trucks, and minivans. Their purpose is to keep children entertained while families are on the road. Display monitors are usually installed into the ceiling of the automobile. They fold down and allow kids to watch DVDs or play video games. For parents who would rather listen to the stereo, the audio from these systems can be piped through headphones.

#4 – An Additional Row Of Seats

Automakers created minivans and SUVs in response to increasing demand for extra seating space. Eventually, they began to equip their vehicles with a third row of seats. Due to space limitations, you’re unlikely to find this feature in cars, but you will find extra rows in a growing number of SUVs (minivans are not as popular as they once were). The feature was originally designed to accommodate families, but has since been used to support carpools.

The demand for large-capacity family-friendly vehicles has waned slightly as gas prices have risen over the past two years. But, the demand will always be there. Consumers with families will continue to expect automakers to deliver features that offer more convenience, safety, and entertainment value.

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