Skoda Octavia II (1Z3) – Ferodo DS2500 brake pads test

Skoda Octavia II (1Z3) hatchback, 2.0TDi 103kW (BMM)
288mm factory straight vanes rotors (front)
rear rotors don’t matter for now because the car is unbalanced
Continental ContiWinterContact TS850 195/65 R15

Upgrades

Ferodo DS2500 (FCP1641H)
Hel Stainless Steel braided brake lines
Motul DOT 3&4 (Article no: 102718) brake fluid
HR Hajesmatix racing SW ^NM

40km of alpine roads. Steep hillcimb section and descend. Heavy racing style braking.

RESULTS

Brakes didn’t overheat on way up and cca 5km descent. The return by same way, 5km uphill and 20km descent – brake rotors glow red/orange on way down (temperature cca 700deg Celsius).

Brake pads slightly faded (optimal temperature is 250-550deg Celsius), standard brake fluid didn’t boil.

After, I stopped all cooked up. Most likely a thin burnt layer on brake friction material.

20km later, cooler rotors and few “bed in” like procedures, all back to normal.

Of course, brake system is limited by winter steel rims, poor air flow (despite Skoda has got vents underneath). Balance of car is off thus most of braking is on front wheels (even if I braked slightly earlier to keep car balanced).

Once, I get sport suspension it will be different story and more challenges…

THOUGHTS

Alloy rims coming up soon; sport suspension is also coming up – it will increase balance of car and improve brake performance, which will lead into even more overheating problems.

Grooved disc would improve braking – I noticed slow build up of burnt layer on friction material. Grooving would clean it.