NSRA Autocross 2026 BRRR, It’s Cold Outside!
By Kevin Webb NSRA Autocross Director autocross@nsra-usa.com kevin@hotrodcustomgarage.com
F or most of us, January is usually cold and there isn’t a lot of autocross activity going on so it’s the perfect time to look at your ride and make sure you’re ready for 2026. This month we’ll start our discussion with the basic fluids and how they may be impacted from a fun season of track fun. Fluids might seem obvious, but there might be a few you didn’t think about. Of course an oil and filter change is always a good idea but it’s not a bad idea to con- sider an engine oil supplement. A full season of autocross action can run the engine through higher temperatures than normal street driving or cruising. Transmission fluid: Whether it be an automatic or a manual, checking and possibly changing the transmission fluid can give you an idea what is going on inside. Any fluid supplement can mean smoother manual transmission shifts, or for automat- ics, better heat protection. Coolant/Antifreeze: Not only is the mixture and level of your car’s coolant/antifreeze important, it’s also a perfect time to look at the hoses and clamps. Any swelling or stress marks around clamps can mean an afternoon lost at the track. Checking the coolant is great, but if you find the vehicle temperature climbs too much after a couple of runs, this might be a good time for a coolant fan or radiator upgrade. Cooling fan technology has greatly improved over the years, and the right size fan/fans can really make a difference on the track and in traffic. Power Steering Fluid: This is usually an under- serviced fluid and if you notice a little noise after several runs around the cones, this can be caused by fluid cavitation (air in the fluid) which can affect steering performance. There are fluids designed for more extreme use. You’ll find it an easy change on most vehicles or if you need to change a hose or pump, the easiest way to bleed the system is with the front wheels off the ground. A few full turns with the engine running can safely bleed the sys- tem. After the vehicle sits for a few minutes recheck the fluid.
Brake Fluid: This would be the #1 fluid that gets missed. Remember all the heat you may have gener- ated in the rotors and calipers is also transferred into the fluid. Any discoloration is an indicator of aged fluid. A brake flush is a small investment to ensure the brakes work at top performance. As we all know, going fast on track can be fun, but the braking is what keeps us safe and under control. This is a good time to remove the wheels and check the pads for cracking, and the rotors for any heat damage. If you are upgrading the brakes at this time, braided stain- less feed lines are a good investment. Remember not to put a twist in the line, and make sure its length matches the original hose. Suspension: If you have access to a lift, check all the suspension components for wear. This is a good opportunity to check fasteners for proper torque. Check mounting areas around sway bar mounts for any stress or bolt damage. Tires/Wheels: This one seems simple, but you’d be surprised how many people miss this. Removing the assembly lets you inspect for any cracks, or abnor- mal tire wear. Also check the DOT code on the tire. The last four digits are the week and year the tire was made and anything over 10 years old should be replaced. This is also a good time to clean and polish the wheels (tip: once the wheels are clean, apply a ceramic coating to both sides of the wheel, you’ll be amazing how brake dust no longer sticks). Remember to re-install the wheels to the proper lug nut torque. Personal safety items like seat belt harnesses and helmets are dated and must be checked and recerti- fied each year. NSRA Autocross requires a helmet for both you and your passenger so make sure it fits well and hasn’t been damaged. As you get more involved with autocross you may find some other events require both helmets and belts to be within a certain date. Lastly if you have a question about your vehicle, and getting it ready for the 2026 season, e- mail us at autocross@nsra-usa.com. See you at the track in 2026!
18 JANUARY 2026
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