Essential Preparations Before Taking Your Car on Track
Want to take your car on track? Here’s everything you need to prepare, from brake upgrades to tire setup, ensuring safety and peak performance on track days!
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Taking your car on track is an exhilarating experience, but it requires proper track preparation to ensure safety, performance, and reliability. Whether you’re a first-time track day driver or a seasoned enthusiast, following these essential steps will help you get the most out of your car while keeping it in top condition.
Check & Upgrade Your Brakes – Stopping Power Matters
Your brakes are one of the most crucial components on a track day. Hard braking from high speeds generates extreme heat, which can cause brake fade or even failure if your system isn’t up to the task.
Brake Preparation Checklist:
- Performance Brake Pads – Upgrade to track-focused pads such as EBC Yellowstuff, Ferodo DS2500, or Pagid RS for better heat resistance.
- Braided Brake Lines – Reduce brake fade by improving pedal feel and preventing expansion under high pressure.
- Fresh Brake Fluid – Use a high-boiling-point fluid like Motul RBF600 or Castrol SRF to prevent brake fade.
- Check Brake Discs & Pads – Ensure your discs aren’t cracked or warped, and that your pads have plenty of life left.
Avoid using stock OEM pads on track, as they will overheat and lose effectiveness quickly.
Inspect & Upgrade Your Tires – Grip is Key
Your tires are the only thing connecting your car to the track, so having the right set is essential for grip, handling, and safety.
Best Track Day Tire Choices:
- Fast Road Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport – great for occasional track days.
- Semi-Slicks: Nankang AR-1, Toyo R888R, Yokohama A052 – offer better grip but wear faster.
- Full Slicks: Best for dedicated track cars but not road legal.
Tire Preparation Checklist:
- Check Tread Depth – Ensure at least 3mm tread for safety.
- Set the Right Tire Pressures – Lower than road settings to compensate for heat expansion (typically 28-32 PSI when hot).
- Inspect for Cracks or Bulges – Any damage can lead to a blowout at high speeds.
Bring a tire pressure gauge and check pressures after each session.
Fluids & Cooling System – Prevent Overheating
Your engine will be pushed harder on track than in normal road driving, making fluid condition and cooling efficiency crucial.
Essential Fluid Checks:
- Engine Oil – Use a high-performance oil like Motul 300V or Millers Nanodrive and ensure it’s at the correct level.
- Coolant System – Check for leaks, and consider adding Water Wetter or Evans Track Coolant for better cooling.
- Gearbox & Differential Oil – Essential for high-powered cars to prevent wear under track conditions.
If your car has an oil temperature gauge, avoid exceeding 120°C to prevent engine wear.
Suspension & Alignment – Improve Handling
Proper suspension setup is key to making your car feel planted and predictable on track.
What to Check:
- Check for Worn Bushes & Ball Joints – Any worn parts will affect handling and stability.
- Adjust Alignment for Performance – Adding negative camber (-1.5° to -2.5°) improves cornering grip.
- Lowering Springs or Coilovers – A lower center of gravity improves handling response.
If your car has adaptive dampers, set them to a firmer setting for better response.
Weight Reduction – Strip the Unnecessary
Reducing weight helps improve acceleration, braking, and handling.
Easy Ways to Reduce Weight:
- Remove Spare Wheel & Tools – Saves 10-15kg instantly.
- Take Out Rear Seats (If Possible) – Can reduce up to 20-30kg.
- Ditch Heavy Wheels – Lightweight alloys improve responsiveness.
If you’re serious about weight reduction, swap out stock seats for bucket seats with harnesses.
Safety Equipment – Essential for Your Protection
Safety should be a top priority, even if it’s just a casual track day.
Safety Gear Checklist:
- Helmet – A Snell-approved full-face helmet is recommended.
- Racing Gloves & Shoes – Improve grip and pedal feel.
- Tow Hook Installed – Essential for easy recovery if needed.
Some tracks require long sleeves and full-length trousers, so dress accordingly.
Final Pre-Track Checklist
- Fuel Up – Many tracks don’t have fuel stations, so arrive with a full tank.
- Secure Loose Items – Remove anything from the cabin that could fly around.
- Bring Tools & Spares – A basic toolkit, spare oil, and tire inflator can be lifesavers.
- Record Tire Pressures & Fluid Levels – Check them after each session.
Preparing your car properly ensures you maximize performance, stay safe, and have a great time on track. Whether it’s upgrading brakes, setting up suspension, or checking fluids, these steps will help you get the best experience without mechanical failures.
If you have any questions then feel free to reach out to our team on sales@modcentraluk.com or message us directly in Instagram.