Brakes shudder when braking on ice (no snow tires) - normal?

[sip]

Today morning I started driving my 2009 Mazda on somewhat icy road. The car has no snow tires as I do not drive it in winter. The front breaks strongly shuddered every time I applied them. It felt like breaks are coming apart. It was so unnerving that I returned home and took van with Nokian tires and no ABS to work. There was no problem with the van.

I don't know whether the breaks are bad in my Mazda 3 or it is the normal operation. Could it be the break shudder I experienced was ABS kicking in when traction was lost?

In the event the front breaks are bad, and I have to replace pads and rotors, what is the best combination of pad and rotors to minimize the stopping distance? Should I go with all Mazda or Mazda rotors and Hawk pads or any other product?

Sorry for posting in the wrong section. Moderator, please put this under Breaks.

[Default User]

It's the ABS

Theyre pretty sensitive on the 3's
I sometimes feel it in the summer under hard braking

[mounir]

It's the ABS

Theyre pretty sensitive on the 3's
I sometimes feel it in the summer under hard braking

Couldn't have said it better myself.

[peterm15]

If you don't drive in winter why were you driving today? It is winter and has been for a couple months.

Either way. No winter tires+icy conditions= abs engaging ALOT.

[Rob23]

ABS

[krimsalt]

It's ABS - Absolute Bullcrap System

Another reason I disabled my ABS.

[Noisy Crow]

It's ABS - Absolute Bullcrap System

Another reason I disabled my ABS.

I take it you are an expert at threshold braking on wet/icy surfaces?

[rukus]

It's ABS - Absolute Bullcrap System

Another reason I disabled my ABS.

i find my 3 has an excellent threshold for the abs kicking in.
my highlander on the other hand, does not. it kicks in immediately.

[mounir]

I take it you are an expert at threshold braking on wet/icy surfaces?

[Impressive]

i find my 3 has an excellent threshold for the abs kicking in.
my highlander on the other hand, does not. it kicks in immediately.

I wouldn't quite go as far as saying it is excellent, as the system in these cars does tend to be more sensitive I find than some other cars in its class.
I guess this may also be something specific to each individual model and the way their system engages.

[schmat66]

i hate ABS

but brakes fyi

[Kessly Snipes]

It's ABS - Absolute Bullcrap System

Another reason I disabled my ABS.

On ice and slippery conditions it can be a life saver. I have a rental 3 right now until my car is ready for pick up and the roads were horrible on Sat night in Toronto. Accidents everywhere. Where I was going there are a ton of hill (they are all down hill). I am not 100% confident I would have gotten where I was going without ABS (steep hills with a lot of corners).

For performance they arent the best, but when you need them it is great to have. Although I do wish we could tune it. I always feel like I am damaging something when they kick in.

[bhrm]

It's ABS - Absolute Bullcrap System

Another reason I disabled my ABS.

Your car insurance company will love you.

[maz06]

If you lowered it and stiffed the suspension the ABS is even more sensitive on the 3. But like everyone else said it should be the ABS, just try it on non icy roads.

[ROB_MAZDA]

The purpose for ABS brakes is so you don't lose control if you need to brake fast and hard. So I wouldn't disable them. The shudder or vibration means they are working. Try softening up on the brake pedal when you come to a stop. That's what I do. However sometimes u gotta brake fast and the ABS kicks in, don't worry about that, it just means it's working. Good luck!