So you’ve signed up for a track day. Congratulations — you’ve just entered the world where “just one more lap” is a lifestyle, and brake pads are considered a seasonal expense.

But here’s the thing: prepping your car for a track day doesn’t have to drain your bank account. You can be fast, safe, and have fun without selling a kidney on Facebook Marketplace.

1. Tires: Your First and Best Investment

No, you don’t need $1,500 race slicks. But you do need tires that aren’t older than your Netflix account.

• Check tread depth.
• Look for cracks.
• Make sure they’re all the same type — mixing winter tires with summers is not “grip strategy,” it’s chaos.

Pro tip: Pump them up a little higher than normal for track use, then adjust during the day as they heat up.

2. Brakes: Stopping is Underrated

Everyone obsesses over going faster, but stopping faster is what keeps your car in one piece.

• Fresh brake fluid is cheap insurance — old fluid boils and then you have “brake fade,” which is code for “hello, gravel trap.”
• If your pads are thin now, they’ll be invisible by the end of the day. Replace them.

3. Fluids: The Car’s Lifeblood

Engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid — check them all. If it looks like a cappuccino, smells like burnt toast, or you can’t remember when you last changed it, fix it before you hit the track.

4. The “Don’t Forget” Checklist

Pack these and you’ll thank yourself later:

• Torque wrench (for wheel nuts)
• Tire pressure gauge
• A few basic tools
• Water and snacks (for you, not the car)
• Tape for numbers, or if you’re creative, “aero mods”

5. Budget-Friendly Upgrades

If you want a little extra performance without going broke:

• Brake pads — performance street pads are a sweet spot for cost vs. grip.
• Performance fluid — oil and brake fluid upgrades can handle the heat better.
• Driver mods — aka spending money on coaching instead of parts.

Final Thought

Track days are about fun first, speed second, and repairs never. Show up with a car that’s safe, reliable, and ready, and you’ll spend the day chasing lap times instead of chasing loose bolts.

And remember: nothing ruins your budget faster than crashing on the first lap because you “forgot” to check the tires.