Track Day Preparation Checklist for Tuned Cars

Taking a tuned car to a track day is one of the best ways to see what it can do, but the track punishes cars in ways that road driving does not. The extra heat, sustained high RPM and hard braking mean you need to prepare before you go and check the car after.

Before the track day

Do these checks at least a week before the event. Do not turn up on the day and hope everything is fine.

Engine bay

Coolant level and condition: Check the reservoir. The coolant should be at the correct level hot and cold, and it should be the correct colour, not rusty or sludgy. If it is over two years old, consider a flush and refill before the track day.

Oil level and condition: Pull the dipstick. The oil should be golden, not black. If it is due for a change, do it before the track day. Bring a spare litre to the event.

Boost hoses and clamps: Inspect the charge pipes, intake hoses and vacuum lines. Look for cracks, splits or loose clamps. A boost leak at speed will cause a loss of power and potentially a check engine light.

Spark plugs: If the plugs are overdue, replace them. Misfires under throttle at the track are embarrassing and potentially damaging.

Brakes

Pad thickness: At least 3 mm remaining on each pad. If you are closer to 2 mm, change them before the event. Track pads wear fast.

Disc condition: Check for deep scoring, cracks or excessive runout. Replace if needed.

Brake fluid: Should be flushed every 12 to 18 months. Old fluid absorbs moisture and boils at lower temperatures, causing pedal fade. Flush with DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 fluid before the event.

Steel-braided lines: If you have them, check that the mounting points are secure.

Tyres and wheels

Tyre tread: Minimum 2 mm on the front, 1.5 mm on the rear. Check the whole circumference, not just the outer edge.

Tyre age: Even with tread remaining, tyres over five years old have degraded rubber. Replace if the date code is past the five-year mark.

Wheel condition: Check for cracks, bends or loose lug nuts. Torque them to spec before the event.

Pressures: Cold pressures should be set to the track specification, typically 2 to 2.5 bar depending on the car. Do not use road pressures.

Fluids and consumables

Fuel: Fill with 98 RON premium. A full tank avoids fuel starvation under hard cornering and keeps the system cool.

Battery: Clean the terminals and ensure a secure connection. A weak battery can cause ECU reset under high load.

During the track day

First few laps: Take it easy. Let the engine, tyres and brakes come up to temperature. Do not jump straight to qualifying pace.

Watch the gauges: Monitor oil pressure and temperature. If the oil temperature climbs past 120 degrees, back off. If the coolant temperature climbs, bring it in.

Water and brake cleaner: Bring a spray bottle and clean the brakes between sessions to remove pad material and dust.

Rest periods: Let the car cool between sessions. Do not do back-to-back 20-minute sessions.

After the track day

Do not just drive home and forget about it. The car needs attention.

Immediate inspection

Tyres: Check for unusual wear, chunks or bubbles. Take photos for reference.

Brakes: Check pad thickness and look for glaze on the discs. If the pads are worn past 2 mm, replace them.

Underbody: Look for damage to the undertray, diffuser or splitter.

Oil condition: Check the dipstick. If the oil has gone dark or smells burnt, plan an oil change.

Within a few days

Oil change: Change the oil and filter. Track use breaks down the oil faster than road use.

Brake fluid flush: If you did multiple sessions, flush the brake fluid. It will have absorbed heat and moisture.

Coolant check: Top up if needed. Look for any signs of leaks.

Inspect the wheels: Re‑torque the lug nuts after the first drive home. Wheel nuts can relax after heat cycles.

The cost of preparation

Budget for these items before a track day.

• Front brake pads: $150 to $300 for track pads
• Brake fluid flush: $80 to $120
• Oil and filter change: $150 to $180
• Tyre inspection: free with a visual check
• Coolant flush if needed: $150 to $200

Compared to a brake failure, an oil starvation event or a blown engine, this preparation is cheap.

Sherzad Pro-Tip: Do these checks at least a week before the event. Turning up on the day hoping everything is fine is how you break things.

How we can help

We can prepare your car before a track day with a full inspection, fresh fluids and track‑specific recommendations. We will give you a checklist of what to check and what to bring.

We can also do a post‑track inspection if you are unsure what kind of condition the car is in after the event.

Book a Health Check before your next track day and we will make sure the car is ready.