What Are CCBs?
The acronym stands for “ceramic composite brakes.” It’s a relatively new technology that was used exclusively in racing cars until a few years ago. Drivers who compete in the Indy 500 and other high-profile racing events require better braking systems than those used in conventional vehicles. They have to be lighter, able to withstand intense heat, and perform better. It wasn’t until 2008 that Porsche released their Boxster S fully equipped with them. It was the first car that “normal” drivers could buy a car (assuming they had over $60,000 to spend) with the special ceramic composite brakes. Below, we’ll explore how they’re made and whether they’re worth investing in.
How They’re Made
One of the reasons why CCBs are expensive (which we’ll get into below) is because of the process used to build them. As you may know, your car’s brakes use discs and rotors. The material used to produce the CCB discs is a mixture of carbon fibers and a silicon-based resin. Once it has been molded, the discs are exposed to temperatures exceeding 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit in order to transform the resin into a diamond hard material called silicon carbide. Then, the rotor is bolted to the disc.
Are They Worth Having?
To give you an idea regarding the level of investment required, the Boxster S noted above costs just north of $55,000 without the special ceramic composite brakes. If you add the CCBs, you’ll pay another $8,000. If you’re driving a Ford Escort, spending an extra $8,000 for special brakes may not be the perfect decision. However, if you’re driving a performance car, CCBs offer a few advantages.
First, as noted above, they’re lighter (a little over 30 pounds lighter). That helps deliver a smoother ride with more efficiency. You may not notice it (after all, it’s only 30 pounds), but it does make a difference. Second, they tend to last longer. Automakers like Porsche have even claimed that you’ll never need to replace your CCBs, assuming you’re not participating in the Indy 500. Third, they’re extremely heat-resistant. If you’ve read my previous column on how heat impacts the effectiveness of your brakes, you’ll understand why this is a major benefit.
So, are they worth the money? It depends on your budget and how you drive. If you own a Bugatti, an extra $8,000 won’t mean much to you. In that case, get them. If you do a lot of your driving on steep hills, the heat resistance of ceramic composite brake systems will come in especially handy. Also, keep in mind that it’s entirely possible that the “mass market” automakers (Toyota, Honda, etc.) are already designing more affordable CCBs. In the end, waiting patiently may be the best solution.
