How to Prepare Your Car for a Canadian Track Day — The Complete Checklist
Track day preparation is the difference between a confident, enjoyable day on circuit and a stressful one. This checklist covers everything you should inspect, service, and upgrade before arriving at a Canadian HPDE event.
Priority 1: Safety-Critical (Non-Negotiable)
Brakes
- Upgrade to performance pads. Hawk HP Plus is the standard recommendation — works cold for the drive to the track, handles sustained hard braking without fade.
- Flush brake fluid. Fresh DOT 4 or DOT 5.1. Old fluid absorbs moisture and boils at lower temperatures.
- Inspect brake lines for cracking, especially on older cars.
- Check pad thickness. Minimum 4mm before a track day.
Tires
- Minimum 3mm tread depth on all four tires
- No cracking, sidewall bubbles, or visible damage
- Check tire age — rubber older than 6 years loses grip regardless of tread
Wheels and Wheel Fasteners
- Torque all wheels to spec before leaving home
- Re-torque after the first session
- Bring a torque wrench
Priority 2: Mechanical Readiness
- Fresh engine oil
- Check coolant level and condition
- Inspect all hoses for cracking
- If running KW or Bilstein coilovers, check that adjustment collars are locked
Priority 3: Track Day Prep
- Remove all floor mats and loose cabin items
- Tape over headlights and taillights (painter's tape)
- Re-torque wheels after session 1
What to Bring
- SA2015+ helmet (mandatory)
- Torque wrench and tire pressure gauge
- Extra brake fluid (same type as in your system)
- Basic tool kit and painter's tape
- Water, sunscreen, food
Get your car track-ready at MyPartsGuy.ca — all priced in CAD, no duties, fast shipping across Canada:
Hawk Brake Pads • Bilstein • KW Coilovers • Mishimoto Cooling • Shop by Car