So I need new Brake Pads all around, I live in the North East and we're fast approaching the snowy season up here - What would the community recommend for new pads that would be ideal for snowy driving?

I wanted to go with EBC Redstuff but was recently told they would have too much bite for snow driving and could cause some forward sliding/loss of traction.

Are there some good pads out there which are not noisy, have a good amount of bite... but i guess more "spongy" for more conservative braking in a slippery environment?

Any input/tell me what you're using, would be more than appreciated.

Thank You!

 

Go with the EBC Redstuff
http://www.waymotorworks.com/ebc-red...rake-pads.html

when it comes to brakes there's no such thing as too much bite. With cold weather no matter what pads you have the initial bite will be less the colder it is.

Normally really high metallic cheapo pads have less bite, but that's not a good thing cause even warm they have less bite. I've actually driven cars with such cheapo pads that we could not get the abs to activate no matter how hard we got on the brakes. Which in my opinion isn't even safe.

Go with good pads and don't look back.

 

I've run in many winters with Brembo's, performance pads/rotors, SS brake lines, and aggressive brake fluid just fine. To me, it's just about knowing your braking points, especially when the roads are slick. I also use my transmission to slow me down more often than my brakes in certain situations. I usually stay in higher RPM and downshift when needing to slow down. Of course, it is what you're comfortable with as well. I'm very comfortable with this set up with snow driving. I also have pretty aggressive snow tires, but have used this set up with not so great all seasons (haha). I'd suggest a street performance pad, that is meant for more of a daily use and an occasional track use because of the noise. I cannot personally speak from using the EBC pads, but I can speak from using StopTech street performance pads and HAWK ceramic street pads in aggressive winter driving conditions. Both worked well for me. Otherwise, lots of people like the Akebono pads as they are low in noise and brake dust and seem to grab well. If you have any questions, let me know.

 

Thanks guys, this really helped! I wanted to go with the RedStuff so bad, but when my SA at Mini told me it was not a good idea in snow, I was worried... I mean my previous car (Eclipse) had some pretty harsh pads, plus coilovers.. this made for a pretty aggressive setup initially, and given the right snow tires I couldn't get that thing to slip if I tried.

So RedStuff it is. One more question, how much would you estimate a dealership would charge to put them in for me? Just out of curiosity as I do not have the means to install them myself.

 

I'd just call and get a quote. You should be just fine. Don't let him deter you from going the route you want. I've done an aggressive set up for at least 9 winters perfectly fine. I know most of the time dealers recommend resurface or new rotors at the time of new pads. Are the current pads gone and that's why you're upgrading? I always replace my rotors at the time I do pads, personal preference. I'd recommend looking up a MINI specialist shop in your area if your dealer wont do it or quotes you a ridiculous price. Let us know what they say.

 

Well my front pads seem to have good life left, the front rotors were replaced with OEM rotors about 3k miles ago as they were warped. The rear rotors seem to be just fine as well, I'm replacing all 4 pads because the rear pad's service light has come on the tachometer display + the rear brakes are starting to get loud and grindish... not actually grinding but getting loud like they are, took a look myself and there's really not much left of them.

I live right down the street from NorthEast-Motorwerks, which apparently comes highly recommended for BMW/MINI service - I've read good reviews on their website & a few other sources. So if Mini can't do it for a reasonable price, I know where else to get a quote from.

I'll keep you updated on the situation. Won't be for at least a couple weeks as one of my 18" JCW rims is damaged and causing vibration. I don't want to purcahse a new one from mini for over $300 - So I found someone selling 4 OEM Black Mini rims on NAM. If they're in good condition I need to purchase them and have Firestone slap on some new tires/TPMS. After I spend this money THEN I'll have money for brakes lol