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

[Paul Gi]

Hello again

Availability of big brake kits or conversions for our cars are a) unknown in existence to myself and possibly others and B) quite possibly pointless for our cars, due to the low kerb weight or a C1 and Aygo (790kg, according to manufacturer claims) that bigger diameter brakes would be wasted on a car so small and lightweight. Here's the best bet: -

1) Fit EBC Greenstuff or other aftermarket uprated brake pads

2) Bleed the brake fluid and refill using DOT 5.1 brake fluid

3) Get uprated tyres <--- Most crucial part really

It's all well and good getting bigger and more powerful brakes however the performance brakes can only be fully realized if the tyres can handle the braking force. The performance magazine evo reckon that out of a big tyre test, the best tyres (for a FWD car as the test car was a Golf GTi) were Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3's as they were the best tyres in the majority of the tests done. Personally i think the Continental EcoContact 3 tyres fitted to mine are really good and i too find the brakes more than adequate.

Hope this helps

[crisskro]

I find the brakes beeing a bit crappy myself - referring to the ABS. BUT, if you use braking + engine brake, the car starts to brake very good. Also you can fit 195/45 R15 tires on 15' rims, they will improve the cornering speed, brake distance and looks.

[banzaijoe]

Must admit, I've never had a problem with my Aygo's brakes, and I've done plenty of track days and sprint sessions in it. However, before giving the car away I have uprated the front brake setup with performance parts - EBC Green Stuff pads and OE size Rossini drilled and grooved discs (available from Car Parts Direct). So far I'm very impressed with this pairing...

Joe Clifford

Editor

Banzai

[daveyjp]

The Aygo brakes certainly aren't as fierce as other cars I have driven (a heavy breath on my Audi's and you go through the windscreen!). I have driven numerous Nissans since the early 1980s through to the late 1990s and one aspect they were always good for was brakes.

The Aygo is so light that the current brakes are more than adequate. Anticipation of the road ahead can make brakes largely redundant - remember the Aygo isn't a sports car.

If you fit bigger brakes chances are you will just light up the ABS more often.

[Mat @ SWS]

Cheers for the comments people.

I'm aware of engine braking, and it's something I do, but with her being a female driver *sniggers*, I don't think she does this lol...

As for alloys, my mate knows someone who can get me a good set for her, so cheers for confirming that they will benefit the car.

[crisskro]

The Aygo is so light that the current brakes are more than adequate. Anticipation of the road ahead can make brakes largely redundant - remember the Aygo isn't a sports car.

Yes it is

[Projectzip]

My Aygo has mad brakes! hit the pedal and stuuuumpth my teeth are biting the steering wheel!

[JustinH]

I dont think my Aygo's brakes are bad, but there's definately more travel on the pedal before they do start to work to the same degree as other cars I've driven that just require a light touch.

[Mat @ SWS]

I dont think my Aygo's brakes are bad, but there's definately more travel on the pedal before they do start to work to the same degree as other cars I've driven that just require a light touch.

Think you've summed it up perfect there. When she moaned about th ebrakes, I said they seem ok. But she moaned that she has to brake sooner than she did in her old micra. I think she may be getting confused with the travel of the pedal as opposed to the force the brakes apply. Me being a guy and a perfect driver ( ), I don't see much of a problem with these brakes. But I've yet to be in a situation where I'm doin a "high" speed and then need to stop quickly.

Either way, I think I'll upgrade to EBC Pads when they require changing :D

[rajivrattna]

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Either way, I think I'll upgrade to EBC Pads when they require changing

I know this is an old post but did you see/feel any difference after upgrading to EBC pads?