How to Prepare Brakes for Track Use

Brakes are one of the most critical systems on any track-driven car. While factory braking systems are designed to cope with normal road use, track driving places far greater demands on every component. Repeated high-speed deceleration, sustained heat, and minimal cooling time quickly expose weaknesses in standard setups.

Proper brake preparation is essential for safety, consistency, and driver confidence. This guide explains what to check, what to upgrade, and why each step matters.

---

Why Track Driving Is So Demanding on Brakes

On the road, braking events are typically short and intermittent. On track, brakes are subjected to:

• Repeated heavy braking from high speed

• Sustained high operating temperatures

• Reduced cooling between braking zones

• Increased pedal pressure over long sessions

Without preparation, this can lead to brake fade, inconsistent pedal feel, vibration, or in extreme cases, loss of braking performance.

---

Step 1: Inspect Your Existing Brake Components

Before upgrading anything, start with a full inspection.

Brake Pads

Check for:

• Remaining friction material

• Uneven wear across the pad surface

• Cracking, glazing, or excessive heat damage

Road-biased pads often struggle once temperatures rise, resulting in fade and inconsistent bite.

Brake Discs

Inspect for:

• Excessive wear lips

• Surface cracking (especially around drilled holes)

• Heat spotting or blueing

Light surface marks are normal after hard use, but visible cracking is not suitable for track driving.

Brake Lines

Standard rubber brake hoses can expand under heat and pressure, reducing pedal feel. Any signs of age, cracking, or swelling should be addressed before a track day.

---

Step 2: Choose the Correct Brake Pads for Track Use

Selecting the right pad compound is one of the most important decisions for track driving.

Fast Road & Light Track Use

Compounds such as DS2500 from Ferodo are popular for mixed road and occasional track use. They offer good cold performance with improved heat resistance over OEM pads, making them suitable for drivers who still use their car daily.

Track Day & Endurance Use

For more demanding track conditions, motorsport-grade compounds are recommended:

• Pagid RS1 – strong initial bite and consistent performance

• Pagid RSL29 – endurance-focused compound known for stability, longevity, and predictable pedal feel

• EBC RP1 – high-friction race pad designed for sustained high temperatures

These pads are designed to operate at significantly higher temperatures than road pads and maintain consistent performance lap after lap.

Be aware that dedicated track pads may:

• Produce more dust

• Generate more noise

• Require heat to perform optimally

---

Step 3: Change Brake Fluid (Essential for Track Safety)

Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, lowering its boiling point. On track, fluid temperatures rise rapidly, and old fluid can boil, resulting in a long or spongy pedal.

Before any track event:

• Flush the system completely

• Use a high boiling point fluid such as Motul RBF 660 from Motul

• Ensure all air is removed from the system

Fluid boiling is one of the most common causes of brake issues on track and one of the easiest problems to prevent.

---

Step 4: Upgrade to Braided Brake Lines

Braided stainless steel brake lines, such as those from HEL Performance, reduce hose expansion under pressure and heat.

Benefits include:

• Firmer and more consistent pedal feel

• Improved braking modulation

• Increased durability for repeated track use

While not mandatory, braided lines are a highly recommended upgrade for regular track drivers.

---

Step 5: Manage Brake Cooling and Heat

Brake cooling plays a major role in controlling temperatures and extending component life.

Consider:

• Ensuring factory brake ducts are unobstructed

• Removing unnecessary backing plates where appropriate

• Allowing proper cool-down laps

Avoid stopping immediately after a hot session and holding the brake pedal, as this can lead to uneven pad deposits on the discs.

---

Step 6: Bed in Brake Pads Correctly

Correct bedding-in is essential for both performance and longevity.

A proper bedding process:

• Transfers an even layer of pad material onto the disc

• Improves bite and consistency

• Reduces vibration and judder

Always follow the pad manufacturer’s recommended bedding procedure and allow adequate cooling time before pushing hard.

---

Step 7: Post-Track Checks

After each track day:

• Inspect pads and discs for wear or cracking

• Check fluid level and pedal feel

• Look for signs of fluid leaks or overheating

Regular post-track inspections help identify issues early and maintain safe braking performance.

---

Common Track Brake Issues and Causes

Brake fade
Often caused by pads exceeding their operating temperature or brake fluid boiling.

Long or soft pedal
Typically fluid-related, due to moisture content or air in the system.

Vibration under braking
Commonly uneven pad deposits rather than warped discs.

Understanding these symptoms helps address the root cause rather than replacing parts unnecessarily.

---

Final Thoughts

Effective brake preparation is about more than stopping power — it’s about consistency, confidence, and control throughout a track session.

Whether you’re running fast road pads like DS2500 or endurance compounds such as Pagid RSL29, pairing the correct pads with high-temperature fluid and quality brake lines makes a measurable difference on circuit.