Upgrade Motorsport Track Day Checklist: Why Brake Upgrades Are Essential for Track Days
- Grant Lockhead
- Mar 23
- 3 min read
Why Brake Upgrades Are Essential for Track Days
A track day allows drivers to explore the full potential of their cars in a controlled environment. While many enthusiasts focus on increasing power and improving handling, braking performance is often overlooked. However, upgrading your brakes is one of the most important modifications you can make for both safety and performance. Here is why brake upgrades are essential for track days and what improvements you should consider.
The Importance of Upgraded Brakes
1. Preventing Brake Fade
Brake fade occurs when the braking system overheats, leading to a loss of stopping power. Standard road-going brakes are designed for occasional heavy braking, but on a track, repeated hard braking generates extreme heat. Without proper upgrades, the brake fluid can boil, and the pads may lose their effectiveness, making it harder to slow the car.
2. Improved Stopping Power
High-performance brakes provide better stopping power, reducing braking distances. This is crucial when approaching tight corners at high speed. Upgraded brakes allow you to brake later and with greater confidence, helping to improve overall lap times.
3. Increased Durability and Longevity
Standard brakes wear out quickly under the demands of track driving. High-performance brake components are built to withstand extreme conditions, reducing wear and extending the lifespan of pads and discs. This means fewer replacements and more consistent performance throughout the day.
4. Enhanced Driver Confidence
Knowing that your car can stop efficiently improves confidence behind the wheel. You can focus on pushing your car to its limits without worrying about whether the brakes will fail under pressure.
Essential Brake Upgrades for Track Days
1. High-Performance Brake Pads
Brake pads play a crucial role in stopping the car. Standard pads are designed for everyday driving and may struggle with heat dissipation. Upgrading to track-focused brake pads provides better bite, improved friction, and greater resistance to high temperatures.
2. Vented and Slotted Brake Discs
Standard brake discs can overheat quickly on track. Upgrading to vented or slotted discs improves heat dissipation, reducing the risk of brake fade. Slotted discs help remove debris and gases from the pad surface, ensuring consistent braking performance.
3. High-Temperature Brake Fluid
Brake fluid absorbs heat, and under extreme conditions, it can boil, causing a spongy pedal feel and reduced braking power. Using high-temperature racing brake fluid helps maintain performance and prevents brake fade during prolonged track sessions.
4. Braided Stainless Steel Brake Lines
Standard rubber brake lines can expand under heat and pressure, leading to a softer pedal feel. Braided stainless steel brake lines provide a firmer, more responsive brake pedal, ensuring precise braking control.
5. Brake Cooling Ducts
For serious track drivers, brake cooling ducts help direct airflow to the brakes, keeping temperatures lower and improving overall performance.
6. Brake Bias/Balance Pedal Assembly Upgrade
If you want to take your track day car to the next level then installing a way of controlling the brake force from front to rear is essential. This will enable more confidence, control and harder braking into corners allowing faster exits. Upgrade Motorsport offer a range of products to achieve this brake bias upgrade.
Upgrade - Brake Bias Adjustment https://www.upgrademotorsport.co.uk/upgrade-motorsport-brake-bias-adjustment
Upgrade - Master Cylinders https://www.upgrademotorsport.co.uk/upgrade-motorsport-master-cylinders
Upgrade Master Cylinder Kits https://www.upgrademotorsport.co.uk/motorsport-master-cylinder-kits
Final Checks Before a Track Day
Inspect Brake Pads and Discs – Ensure they have sufficient material remaining.
Flush and Replace Brake Fluid – Use a high-temperature fluid to avoid brake fade.
Test Brake Pedal Feel – A firm pedal indicates a well-maintained braking system.
By upgrading your brakes, you ensure better safety, increased performance, and a more enjoyable track experience. Investing in proper braking components allows you to push your car harder while maintaining full control.
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