if not ceramics then what?
if not ceramics then what?
Author
Discussion

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

82 months

Friday 21st June 2019
quotequote all
So you buy a car with them at a premium compared to the same car with steels, you then crap yourself using them so box them up and then buy something like alcons or something else

for those running a car with pccb's what do you do

1. enjoy them and what happens happens
2. remove them and put something else on
3. not drive the car and polish it instead

If 2. what are the options?

i ask because i recently viewed a car with ceramics and there was a chip in one of the discs. it got me thinking about my unintended but likely gravel trap testing at a track day and im wondering whether it actually makes more sense to buy a car without ceramics in the first place?

Twinfan

10,125 posts

132 months

Friday 21st June 2019
quotequote all
It's been discussed ad nauseum if you Google around, and I have my view based on my own research and a chat with a PEC instructor, which is if you don't have to worry about the cost of replacement discs, then fill your boots and enjoy PCCBs. If the replacement cost brings you out in a cold sweat, avoid them.

It's a simple as that really. They are what they are.

Porsche911R

21,146 posts

293 months

Friday 21st June 2019
quotequote all
RC1 said:
So you buy a car with them at a premium compared to the same car with steels, you then crap yourself using them so box them up and then buy something like alcons or something else

for those running a car with pccb's what do you do

1. enjoy them and what happens happens
2. remove them and put something else on
3. not drive the car and polish it instead

If 2. what are the options?

i ask because i recently viewed a car with ceramics and there was a chip in one of the discs. it got me thinking about my unintended but likely gravel trap testing at a track day and im wondering whether it actually makes more sense to buy a car without ceramics in the first place?
buy it use it they are great things

Desert Dragon

1,445 posts

112 months

Friday 21st June 2019
quotequote all
Back to the 911 Virgin car rofl

DJMC

3,604 posts

131 months

Friday 21st June 2019
quotequote all
Twinfan said:
It's been discussed ad nauseum if you Google around, and I have my view based on my own research and a chat with a PEC instructor, which is if you don't have to worry about the cost of replacement discs, then fill your boots and enjoy PCCBs. If the replacement cost brings you out in a cold sweat, avoid them.

It's a simple as that really. They are what they are.
My PEC instructor told me the only catastrophic brake failure they've had was with ceramics.

MDL111

8,785 posts

205 months

Friday 21st June 2019
quotequote all
I just enjoy the car and whatever happens happens. Once I need to replace them, I will take a look at surface transforms vs keeping the warranty on my engine and gearbox - no clue yet which way I will go. I do replace brake pads before they get to the limit though.
What’s the point to worry about stuff all the time, life is too short

Twinfan

10,125 posts

132 months

Friday 21st June 2019
quotequote all
I think worrying about a potential £10k bill at any time due to a random stone hit while driving is a valid concern!

Koln-RS

4,117 posts

240 months

Friday 21st June 2019
quotequote all
Ceramic brakes are common place, if not standard fit, on most premium sports cars these days.

Any concerns seem to be based on some bad publicity with first generation examples, 15 years ago.

I've had them, used them hard, and thought they were brilliant.

Djit

277 posts

118 months

Friday 21st June 2019
quotequote all


Porsche were running steels last weekend...

Koln-RS

4,117 posts

240 months

Friday 21st June 2019
quotequote all
Twinfan said:
I think worrying about a potential £10k bill at any time due to a random stone hit while driving is a valid concern!
Your insurance would cover that.

993rsr

3,659 posts

277 months

Friday 21st June 2019
quotequote all
Koln-RS said:
Your insurance would cover that.
Good luck with that !

993rsr

3,659 posts

277 months

Friday 21st June 2019
quotequote all
Koln-RS said:
Ceramic brakes are common place, if not standard fit, on most premium sports cars these days.

Any concerns seem to be based on some bad publicity with first generation examples, 15 years ago.

I've had them, used them hard, and thought they were brilliant.
With respect, that’s not an accurate statement.

Even the latest iteration of PCCB made by SGL Carbon will succumb to wear and require replacement with extensive use on track.

On the road no issue, the thermal shock of prolonged track use is very different.

Twinfan

10,125 posts

132 months

Friday 21st June 2019
quotequote all
I've got no issues with wear, it's damage I have an issue with.

Twinfan

10,125 posts

132 months

Friday 21st June 2019
quotequote all
Djit said:


Porsche were running steels last weekend...
That says it all to me!

Koln-RS

4,117 posts

240 months

Friday 21st June 2019
quotequote all
993rsr said:
Good luck with that !
You don't need luck, just a reputable insurance company - your car components may not be covered against 'wear and tear', but they are covered against 'accidental damage'.

Geneve

4,013 posts

247 months

Friday 21st June 2019
quotequote all
I've had pccbs on my last seven sporting Porsches - probably 180,000 mls - no issues, just all the lovely benefits. The latest gens are pretty near bullet proof, but in normal road use the rotors will go well into 6-figure mileages, so getting cost neutral. Pad life is similar to steels.

If I bought a car purely for extensive track use, maybe I would go for steels, but I understand that PEC have had numerous pccb equipped cars, inc the yellow GT4, that have had a hard life on original rotors.

Twinfan

10,125 posts

132 months

Friday 21st June 2019
quotequote all
Very grey area though isn't it, I wouldn't fancy my chances in the event of a claim. Accidental damage of a wear and tear item could be tricky, surely? The same rule would then apply to tyres?

993rsr

3,659 posts

277 months

Friday 21st June 2019
quotequote all
Koln-RS said:
993rsr said:
Good luck with that !
You don't need luck, just a reputable insurance company - your car components may not be covered against 'wear and tear', but they are covered against 'accidental damage'.
And there is another sort of Insurer those on here would use?

I assume you’ve had a claim paid out for chipped PCCB from your comments.

993rsr

3,659 posts

277 months

Friday 21st June 2019
quotequote all
Geneve said:
I've had pccbs on my last seven sporting Porsches - probably 180,000 mls - no issues, just all the lovely benefits. The latest gens are pretty near bullet proof, but in normal road use the rotors will go well into 6-figure mileages, so getting cost neutral. Pad life is similar to steels.

If I bought a car purely for extensive track use, maybe I would go for steels, but I understand that PEC have had numerous pccb equipped cars, inc the yellow GT4, that have had a hard life on original rotors.
For the street I agree, the promoted benefits.

I’m sure the PEC cars with PCCB have been well used, and seen a hard life, but that does not mean they are immune to wear.



Edited by 993rsr on Friday 21st June 23:03

Koln-RS

4,117 posts

240 months

Friday 21st June 2019
quotequote all
Twinfan said:
Very grey area though isn't it, I wouldn't fancy my chances in the event of a claim. Accidental damage of a wear and tear item could be tricky, surely? The same rule would then apply to tyres?
Yes, it's 'black & white' - if a rock goes through your windscreen, bonnet, radiator, or brakes (steel or ceramic), it's the accidental damage risk you are covering when you pay your premium for. Hit a pot hole and damage your tyres and suspension - no different.

It would take a very dubious insurer to quibble. In a worst case they can argue that the component was, say,50% worn and offer 50% towards the replacement, but this never happens in practice.