English
Carbon Ceramic Brakes vs. Steel Brakes: Which is Best For High Performance Racing?
Created on 09.16
Racing is absolutely brutal on your braking systems – which is why choosing the right one is key. Performance racers are often torn between choosing carbon ceramic brakes or steel ones. In this piece, we will be running a comprehensive of both to pick a winner for the racing division.
We’ll be diving deep into heat resistance, durability, fade control, consistency, compatibility, and costs – so jump right in with us.
Carbon Ceramic Brakes: The Racer’s Dream Kit
Carbon ceramic brakes are disc rotors made of ultra-light ceramic silicon carbide reinforced carbon fibers. This reinforcement is what gives this kit its high hardness and thermal stability – crucial in racing. Originally meant for aerospace and F1, you’ll see carbon ceramic kits widely used by every level of performance racers.
Here’s a quick table of the pros and cons of using these brakes as an avid racer :
Pros | Cons |
Exceptional heat resistance – they remain stable even at temperatures reaching 800°C–1000°C. | High costs – these carbon kits can hit ranges of US$3,000–US$5,000, especially if you get a kit. |
Consistency – even under high pressures, the pedal feel remains stable, letting you brake with confidence. | Unsuitable for daily use – for these kits, optimal friction is at 300°C, which normal driving speeds will not be able to generate. |
50% lighter – the composition of carbon ceramic makes for a brake kit that is only half as heavy, reducing resistance and effects of inertia. | Impact vulnerability – while highly heat-resistant, the lighter carbon ceramic will form micro cracks upon impact. |
Better fade control – the carbon ceramic rotors maintain a stable friction coefficient (typically 0.45–0.50 µ), which means more uniform braking even at high speeds. | Specialized maintenance – carbon ceramic surfaces are not easily machined, any surface defects usually mean you’ll need a replacement. |
High-durability – these brakes are 4-5x more likely to last in a track cycle, making them ideal for endurance tests like consistent racing performance. | Specific compatibility – these high-performance brakes are only compatible with pads |
Better debris control – these reinforced brake units are less likely to generate dust, keeping your brake components cleaner for better aerodynamics. |
Carbon ceramic rotors deliver the lightest, fade & heat-resistant braking systems to high performance racers. However, the setbacks are usually in its high cost and maintenance needs. These brakes also need to be operated within their specific heat and friction conditions to be able to function optimally.
Steel Brakes: The Traditional Workhorse
Steel brakes – either high-carbon cast iron or forged steel rotors – have been the traditional braking setup for centuries. The alloying lends steel discs hardness, aside from the better thermal and friction resistance. Common alloys in steel brakes are molybdenum, chromium, or vanadium.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of having steel brakes, if you’re big on racing :
Pros | Cons |
Resilience – unlike carbon composites, steel have a better tolerance for thermal cycling, reducing need for replacements. | Heavy – steel discs are 50-60% heavier than carbon composite brakes, meaning it takes more friction and force to stop the effects of inertia. |
Cost-effective – a standard steel rotor kit is priced anywhere between US$500–$2,000, almost 10x cheaper than a carbon composite kit. | Heat fading – these alloyed rotors are not built for heat, you’ll see loss in braking performance between 600–650°C and a softening of pedal feel. |
Low temperature performance – these brakes have a friction coefficient between 0.35–0.45 µ, no warm-up laps needed. | Thermal distortion – repeated thermal cycles can cause warps and cracks that will need frequent maintenance, if you race. |
Better impact resistance – steel alloys have a tightly packed composition for better impact management. This means lesser cracks, breaks, or damage that needs replacements. | Heat soak – steel’s high thermal conductivity means , requiring extensive cooling setups that can cost more. |
Easier to service – you can simply re-surface your warped discs for cheap and they’ll be good as new. | Shorter lifespan – steel rotors last only 20-30% of what carbon ceramic discs can withstand. |
Wider compatibility – brakes kits with steel rotors are often compatible with a large variety of brake pads, saves on maintenance costs. | More debris – steel disc generate more iron oxide dust per rotation which can potentially clog cooling ducts and lower aerodynamics. |
Steel brake kits remain the go-to of most racers – mainly due to cost factors and ease of maintenance. They’re also more predictable in nature, allowing racers a better control for their brake feel during high-speed laps. Despite the weight, debris, and shorter lifespan, racers choose this due to its duality of performance – on tracks and on the daily roads.
Carbon Ceramic vs. Steel Brakes: A Head-to-Head Comparison
While both brake systems have found their place in the world of racing, there really is only one clear winner. Let’s stack them up against one another – especially in key racetrack metrics – so we can see who emerges the king of the division.
Factor | Carbon Ceramic Brakes | Steel Brakes |
Heat Resistance | Stable up to 1000°C, virtually fade-proof under repeated heavy braking. | Reliable up to 600–650°C, but fade begins beyond this threshold. |
Weight Savings | Up to 50% lighter (6 kg vs. 12–14 kg per rotor), reducing unsprung mass and rotational inertia. | Heavier (12–14 kg per rotor), increasing load on suspension and reducing acceleration gains. |
Consistency | Friction coefficient remains stable (~0.45–0.50 µ) lap after lap, critical for endurance racing. | Good consistency at moderate temps, but prone to heat soak and soft pedal feel in extended stints. |
Durability | Lasts 3–5x longer than steel rotors in track cycles; low wear with proper use. | Typically wears out faster, requiring resurfacing or replacement after heavy track use. |
Maintenance | Specialized — cannot be machined; replacement only. Requires ceramic-specific pads. | Serviceable — can be machined, resurfaced, or paired with a wide range of pads. |
Cold Performance | Suboptimal below 300°C, often squealing or feeling “dead” at low temps. | Strong bite from cold (0–200°C), ideal for mixed-use or short sprints. |
Cost | Premium pricing: US$12,000–20,000 kits, replacements US$3,000–5,000 each. | Accessible: US$500–2,000 per kit, far cheaper per cycle. |
At the end of the day, carbon ceramic brakes deliver the dream performance on track for the frequent racer – despite the intricate care and higher cost point. However, casual racers will often find that steel rotors are adequate for their dual-use patterns.
Carbon Ceramic Brakes With Molando
Our carbon ceramic brake discs are made from advanced carbon-ceramic composites (C/SiC + nano-materials) for the best thermal and friction performance. Each disc is fitted with our patented smart systems – including sensors and control mechanisms – for precise braking performance every time.
Check out our catalog and speak to our professionals for a quote on your custom carbon ceramic brake kit.
Leave your information and we will contact you.