Bigger Brakes

[Mat @ SWS]

Rights then, our lass said the other day before I drove her car that the brakes are bad. And too be honest, I thought they were pretty OK, although I didn't take it up to a decent speed.

 

Anyway, she's just rang me moaning again about the brakes. Her words are "the brakes are crap".

 

She says she has too brake earlier than she normally would. She also thinks they aren't as good as the old Micra she had. I find this odd TBH. They're ABS, and being newer, I'd expect them to be better than what she's saying.

 

Anyway, the question is, is it possible to upgrade to Bigger Brakes? I was thinking maybe something along the lines of a C2 VRS or other "bigger/faster" car.

 

My mate has upgraded his on his Mk4 Ibiza FR to ones from Audi TT. I know it's a different brand and family of cars altogether, but is a similar thing possible for the C1?

 

Oh, she's also a Retained Firefighter, so when she gets called out, she has to be there quick. Would also help if she could stop quickly and safely aswell ;) lol

[Ronin]

Yes you can as long as you can find a manufacturer of them for your spec . Brembo, Mintex and AP all have a good range and the difference in braking is shall we say "dramatic".

 

BEWARE THOUGH.... Any modification regardless if it's to make things safer, you will have to inform your insurer first before doing anything.

If you don't and you have an accident YOU WILL NOT GET A PENNY even if it wasn't your fault!

You will also be liable for the costs of the other driver & car if there is one involved. Insurance engineers are meticulous when it comes to modifications on a car these days. If they spot one thing different then the whole car becomes null and void.

A close friend of mine will testify to this and six years later he is still paying out for it! Ironically if he had rang his insurer it would have cost him A further £45 instead of the £32,000 it has so far.

 

Personally though I would go and invest in some road/race pads called "green stuff" by EBC. Extra insurance "nil" in many policies. You will notice a big difference.

 

Has the brakes always been bad or is it just recently? Go to a local tyre and exhaust centre (not the big Kwikfit type) many offer free brake efficiency tests and then you will know if something is wrong or if they are just poor as standard.

[Mat @ SWS]

I'm aware of insurance issues, cheers. Someone on TOC has mentioned Green Stuff pads and some 15" alloys with decent tyres.

 

Can't believe the cost of insurance goes up with bigger brakes. My mate upgraded his Mk4 Ibiza ones, to Audi TT 312s (IIRC), they charged him more even tho it made the car safer!!!

[downsman]

There's only just enough clearance for the front discs with the 14 inch wheels, so you'd definitely need new wheels!

 

I've found the brakes to be fine. Either her cars brakes are faulty in which case you'd better to take it in, or she's bought the wrong car and had better swap it for a hot Clio or a Civic type R!

 

By the time you've fitted wider tyres and bigger brakes and paid modified car insurance, I think changing the car would be cheaper :unsure: