Tools
While your car will typically perform as expected on the track, necessitating only minimal refueling and occasional minor checks, there are occasions when more extensive maintenance is necessary. Being prepared to handle such situations can make the difference between an enjoyable day at the track and a frustrating experience spent cursing in the paddock or, worse yet, having to head home. In the following sections, we'll highlight some essential tools, as well as some optional ones that can prove useful.
Tire Pressure Gauge
MUST HAVE
Monitoring your tire pressures throughout the day is critical, and cannot be overstated. We cover this in depth under the "Tires" section, so here will simply note that an accurate digital gauge is preferred to one you pick up at the gas station.
Torque Wrench
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Insuring that your wheels are securely fastened to your vehicle at the manufacturers recommended pounds-per-sq-ft before you head out on track and push your car to the limit is simply a smart thing to do. We recommend checking your wheels prior to EVERY session. It takes about 30 seconds to do, but is worth every one of them.
Pyrometer
OPTIONAL
As mentioned in our section on tires, a pyrometer is a game changer when trying to understand what is happening with regard to pressures, as well as to better understand your driving as a whole. There are two different types, an infrared model as well as a probe model. We recommend the probe, as it allows you to push into the tire surface providing for a more accurate measurement.
Hydraulic Jack
OPTIONAL
There may be times when a tire replacement is required, or as you advance, it may be that you swap out your street tires for track tires at the track. To do this you will need a jack. Depending on your car, a low profile jack may be required, so ensure you check your clearance before making a purchase. Don't forget to purchase jack stands as well!
Tire Inflator
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
As the weather changes throughout the day, combined with time between sessions, and most importantly when you leave the track, you will likely need to add air to your tires. Being prepared on this front will save a lot of headaches in the event there is no air available at the track. Get an inflator that will work with your 12V plug, so you don't need an outlet or have to rely on a battery to complete the job.
Pick Set
OPTIONAL
Although this could arguably be included in the basic tool set described below, it is worth calling out these super-valuable little picks, which can be used for a multitude of different tasks. We can't tell you how many times something has come up where a 90 degree pick was required!
Basic Tool Set
OPTIONAL
It is always smart to have some basic tools around, even if you don't need them. Having a screwdriver, pliers, wrenches, and a socket set for minor adjustments and repairs goes a long way to give you piece of mind in the event you need them.
NOTE: Toolkit pictured intended to provide a visual representation of the variety of types of tools you could consider.
First Aid Kit
OPTIONAL
You never know what can happen when you are around moving cars, tools, etc., getting in and out of your car, checking tires, torquing your wheels...things can happen. Having a first aid kit handy to handle any minor mishaps is a smart thing to have on hand.
