While automotive ceramics are revolutionizing engines and electric vehicles, their most visible applications to the average consumer are in a car's brakes and exhaust systems. These components, critical for both performance and environmental responsibility, showcase the exceptional durability and heat management capabilities of ceramic materials.

The use of ceramics in brake systems has become a hallmark of high-performance and luxury vehicles. Traditional brake pads, made from metallic or semi-metallic compounds, are prone to wear, producing significant dust and can lose their effectiveness under repeated heavy braking—a phenomenon known as "brake fade."Automotive Ceramics brake pads, however, offer a superior alternative. They are made from a dense mix of ceramic fibers and filler materials, which makes them incredibly hard and durable. The key benefit is their ability to dissipate heat very efficiently. This prevents brake fade and ensures consistent stopping power, even during aggressive driving. Furthermore, ceramic brake pads produce significantly less dust, and the dust they do produce is lighter in color, making for cleaner wheels. While initially more expensive, their longer lifespan and superior performance make them a popular choice for enthusiasts and a standard feature on many high-end sports cars.

Ceramic materials are also used in brake rotors, where they are often part of a composite material known as Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) or Carbon Fiber Reinforced Silicon Carbide (C/SiC). These rotors are exceptionally lightweight, which reduces the vehicle's unsprung mass, leading to improved handling and acceleration. They are also incredibly resistant to wear and can withstand temperatures far beyond what traditional cast iron rotors can handle. The combination of ceramic pads and rotors provides a braking system that is not only powerful and reliable but also significantly lighter and longer-lasting.

In the exhaust system, a critical component that relies heavily on ceramics is the catalytic converter. Its primary function is to convert harmful exhaust pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons, into less toxic substances. At its core is a ceramic honeycomb monolith, typically made from cordierite or silicon carbide. This ceramic substrate is coated with a precious metal catalyst. The honeycomb structure provides a vast surface area in a compact volume, allowing the exhaust gases to pass through and react with the catalyst. The ceramic material's ability to resist high temperatures and thermal shock is essential for this process, as the converter can heat up to over 1,000°C in a matter of seconds. The use of ceramics in these applications is a perfect example of how materials science contributes to both the performance and environmental sustainability of modern vehicles.