Carbon-ceramic brakes are fitted to many modern high-performance Ferraris and provide extraordinary braking performance.
They’re also expensive components.
Understandably, brake condition is therefore an important consideration for owners and anyone buying a used Ferrari.
But assessing a carbon-ceramic braking system isn’t as simple as looking at the mileage or measuring the disc in the same way as a conventional iron brake disc.
Why Ferrari Uses Carbon-Ceramic Brakes
Carbon-ceramic braking systems offer several advantages for high-performance applications.
These can include reduced unsprung mass, reduced fade, resistance to corrosion and the ability to operate under demanding conditions.
They have consequently become closely associated with modern high-performance and Special Series Ferraris.
Do Carbon-Ceramic Discs Wear?
Yes.
Carbon-ceramic brakes shouldn’t be considered lifetime components. However the wear is not like conventional steel discs and special attention and knowledge is required
Their condition can be influenced by use, temperature, damage and other factors.
Mileage alone doesn’t provide an accurate measure of remaining condition.
Conditional wear patterns must also be understood, weather that is excessive wear on the inner face or increased wear on the out face. Each have their own reasons which all tell a story.
Road Miles vs Track Miles
How the Ferrari has been used matters enormously.
A car covering thousands of relatively gentle road miles may place very different demands on its braking system from one completing repeated circuit sessions.
Track use generates significantly greater temperatures.
That’s why a low-mileage Ferrari shouldn’t automatically be assumed to have lightly used brakes.
What Should Be Inspected?
Brake inspection should consider the system as a whole.
Depending on the particular model and system, this can include:
- Carbon-ceramic discs
- Brake pads
- Callipers
- Brake fluid (boiling point and colour)
- Associated components
- Surface condition
- Evidence of damage
- Relevant wear criteria
- Driver-reported changes in braking behaviour
- Pedal feel
The correct manufacturer procedures and technical limits applicable to the particular system should be followed.
Can You Judge Them Visually?
A visual inspection can provide useful information, but appearance alone shouldn’t be used to determine the complete condition of a carbon-ceramic disc.
Likewise, a disc shouldn’t automatically be condemned simply because its surface doesn’t look like a conventional iron brake disc.
Appropriate assessment matters.
What About Brake Pad Wear?
Brake pads remain an important part of the system.
Pad condition should be inspected and considered alongside disc condition.
The interaction between the two is important, particularly where the vehicle has experienced intensive use.
Its not just about how much pad is left, the condition of the compound also matters.
Brake Fluid Matters Too
It’s easy to focus entirely on expensive ceramic discs and forget the fluid.
Brake fluid plays a critical role in braking performance and has time-based maintenance requirements. This is due to brake fluid being hydroscopic meaning it absorbes water from the atmosphere. When this water boils in the braking system at high temps it converts to a gas which compresses under braking. This can lead to the pedal dropping to the floor and no pressure pushing the pad into the disc to slow you down.
This becomes particularly relevant for cars used on circuit where braking temperatures can be significantly higher.
What Should Buyers Check?
If you’re considering buying a 458 Speciale, 488 Pista, F12, 812 or another Ferrari fitted with carbon-ceramic brakes, braking-system condition should form part of the technical inspection.
Understanding the condition of high-value consumable components before purchasing can prevent unwelcome surprises.
This is particularly relevant when comparing two apparently similar cars.
A cheaper purchase price can become less attractive if significant maintenance has been deferred.
What About Collector Cars?
Low-mileage collector cars aren’t exempt.
A proper inspection still makes sense.
For an important Ferrari, retaining records relating to brake inspection and replacement can also contribute to the vehicle’s maintenance history.
When Should Ferrari Carbon-Ceramic Brakes Be Replaced?
There isn’t a useful universal mileage figure.
Replacement decisions should be based on the appropriate technical inspection and limits applicable to the particular braking system.
That’s why statements such as “ceramic brakes last X miles” can be misleading.
The individual car matters.
There is also another option instead of replacing. Sometimes refurbishing the ceramic disc is a more cost effective and suitable option.
Changes in Braking Behaviour
Owners should report any noticeable change in braking performance.
This might include:
- Different pedal feel
- Vibration
- Unusual noise
- Reduced braking confidence
- Warning messages
- Behaviour that changes as the brakes become hot
These symptoms don’t automatically identify a particular problem, but they provide useful information during inspection.
Ferrari Brake Inspection in Essex
Joseph Quinn provides Ferrari brake inspection and technical support from our workshop in Brentwood, Essex.
For road cars, Special Series Ferraris and cars used on circuit, we consider the condition of the complete braking system rather than making assumptions based purely on mileage.