Do I really need ceramics?

[doodlebug]

Surprisingly high, though cannot recall specifics. Life not likely to be more than 20k with reasonable pedal pushing.

[smudge]

I had the front steels replaced o my B8 RS4 at circa 25k iirc...... I've changed the pads twice now.

I have no idea on the costs, but I can find out if it helps as a guide....?

[anth8910]

Think I'll ring the part department tomorrow and get a proper picture. Thanks for the help though

[feeltheburn]

I wouldn't say I'm heavy on the brakes so would like people's opinions on whether ceramics are just going to cost me a fortune in extra depreciation. I'm not going to track the car at any point so are they really worth the expense?

For the usage you are describing ceramics are not necessary, imo. I struggled a bit when speccing my car and ultimately decided not to go ceramic as I'd never use the car on a track; it had nothing to do with the costs (likewise for Air versus DRC). This was much to the disappointment of my teenage son, but I wasn't looking for bragging rights in any case! Indeed if some of the claims are true, ceramics could prove more cost effective in the long run given their claimed longevity.

Lately there have been a few posts about brake squeal with the ceramics; solution seems to be to give them a good roasting. So basically the "fix" seems to be to drive constantly like an a***hole on public roads to keep them tip-top! I wouldn't concern yourself with brake fade etc, the standard brakes are more than capable of stopping the RS even when driving like the aforementioned a***hole on a quiet and twisty A road (which is hard to resist on the odd occasion when I have the car and road to myself!)

One thing I see in their favour is brake dust, or lack thereof. The RS6 is a heavy beast and even with moderate brake application, brake dust is quite significant with the standard spec brakes. I like to keep my wheels spotless but this only lasts for the first couple of hours post cleaning.

As I think I said somewhere before, I'd advise against deciding spec purely on how you THINK you will drive it. In reality this is likely to be mainly A roads and Motorways and not to within the last 2% of the available traction (which is massive!!) as you kiss apexes on or off the track. The RS6 is no less of a quick car on steel than if it had ceramics , it is however incapable of being a true sports car with either of them....but absolutely practical, fun and breathtaking to drive! Good luck with the agony that is choice!

[Zeebuilder]

I had front disks and pads changed after mine got stolen. They had roasted both disks and pad. Cost £1250 from Audi. Thank you Admiral!!! On another note I had my beast out for around 25 minutes driving on the edge a few weeks ago and did notice after a while when brakes were really hot the pedal became almost spongy!!

[feeltheburn]

I had front disks and pads changed after mine got stolen. They had roasted both disks and pad. Cost £1250 from Audi. Thank you Admiral!!! On another note I had my beast out for around 25 minutes driving on the edge a few weeks ago and did notice after a while when brakes were really hot the pedal became almost spongy!!

Did Audi also replace the brake fluid when they did the discs and pads?

[Zeebuilder]

I couldn't tell you mate, I would need to look at the invoice. I wouldn't expect so due to the high temperatures which the oil can get to. Only had 900 mile on the clock

[Zeebuilder]

Fluid/oil all the same lol

[feeltheburn]

I'd recommend you check if it was replaced- even racing fluid breaks down fairly rapidly when roasted, It starts to gas off and can lead to a spongy pedal.

[Zeebuilder]

Will do mate. To be honest feels great otherwise but I had a go pro strapped near the exhaust and was giving her a really good thrashing when it did eventually feel a bit spongy. I'll find out tomrrow

[scott2340]

Biggest regret on mine! It takes some stopping when your on it

[Heden]

I attended the Audi Driving Experience on Silverstone yesterday. It is an event I can highly recommend btw
Whilst their, I took the opportunity to ask the instructors what they recommended, steel or ceramics on the RS6. The reply was steel with the motivation that steel and ceramics breaks the car equally. The only difference would be the endurance and consistency of the ceramics if you tracked the car.

Yes, they might last longer, but the cost of replacing the rotors and pads is close to 10k GBP.

Everyone prioritises differently, so there is no right or wrong decision imo, if money is not a scarcity they chose ceramics by all means. There is no draw back and you also get the bragging rights that goes with it

[classba]

[quote= The reply was steel with the motivation that steel and ceramics breaks the car equally. The only difference would be the endurance and consistency of the ceramics if you tracked the car.
[/quote]

I'm sorry but that is utter BS.

[koruki]

Do you really need an RS6 over say.. an S6 lol

[koruki]

The reply was steel with the motivation that steel and ceramics breaks the car equally. The only difference would be the endurance and consistency of the ceramics if you tracked the car.

I'm sorry but that is utter BS.

So you know better than driving instructors at Silverstone picked by Audi?