Appropriately change the engine oil for track events. Before and after track events, drain the engine oil and replace the engine oil filter.
Regularly check the engine oil level during the event. Maintain the engine oil level at or near the max mark on the engine oil dipstick. See
Checking the Engine Oil Level.
Operating at High Speeds and Track Days
WARNING:
Before driving at high speeds, adjust the tire pressures to the recommended tire inflation pressures which are on the tire information label on the driver side B-pillar. Failure to follow this instruction could result in the loss of control of your vehicle, personal injury or death. |
Before operating your vehicle at high speeds:
- Verify your tires have the correct pressures.
- Inspect wheels and tires for wear and damage. Replace any damaged wheels and tires.
- Check and set lug nut torque. See
Wheel Nuts.
- Verify fluid levels for oil, coolant, brake and hydraulic fluid.
- Change the oil and filter prior to use on the track.
After operating your vehicle at high speeds or track day driving, do the following:
- Set the tire pressure to the proper specification.
- Check and set the lug nut torque. See
Wheel Nuts.
- Check all fluid levels.
- Check the front and rear wheel bearings for abnormal wear.
- Inspect brake caliper dust boots for abnormal wear.
Drive Modes and Track Apps
If you are operating your vehicle on a drag strip, use the drag strip selectable drive mode in addition to using line lock and launch control to provide a specific setup tuned for the quickest straight line elapsed times.
If you are operating your vehicle on a road course, use the sport or track selectable drive mode to provide a specific setup tuned for optimal shift and suspension setup that is tuned towards handling prowess on closed course surfaces. See
Drive Mode Control.
See
My Mustang.
Recovery Towing
Track Use Maintenance Intervals
Follow these maintenance intervals for when you use your vehicle on a track or in a high speed event.
| Interval
| Vehicle Use and Example
|
|---|
| One track weekend or approximately 4 hours of track use.
| Change the engine oil and filter.
|
| Every
500 mi (800 km). 1
| Change the rear axle fluid.
|
1Change the fluid every 500 mi (800 km) or when a message appears in the instrument cluster display stating that the axle fluid is over temperature.
Timing Chain
If you use your vehicle extensively at a race track or at high rpm, it is possible to exceed the service life of the engine timing chain.A wrench indicator illuminates when it is time for you to replace your chain. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Catch Can
If you plan to track your vehicle and it did not come with an oil catch can, we recommend that you purchase the catch can kit though your authorized dealer or Ford Performance Parts Catalog.
Installation instructions are included with the catch can.
The catch can has a self-draining feature and does not require any maintenance.
Brake Burnishing
Properly burnish the brakes prior to heavy track use. Excessive brake noise may occur after the track burnish or track use. Perform this procedure in a safe manner on dry pavement, and in compliance with all local and state ordinances and laws regarding motor vehicle operation.
How to Burnish the Brakes
Initial low temperature bedding:
- If your brakes already have
200 mi (322 km) or more of city driving, skip this step and go directly to the high temperature bedding cycle procedure. Otherwise, perform at least 30 stops from
50 mph (80 km/h) at 1/3 g deceleration with
1 mi (1.2 km) spacing between stops. A deceleration gauge can be accessed through the Track Apps menu in your touchscreen.
High temperature bedding cycle:
- Beginning with cool brakes, perform 15 consecutive stops back to back, accelerating at 3/4 throttle to
80 mph (128 km/h) and braking to
20 mph (32 km/h) at 1.0 g deceleration. The brakes may emit an odor or smoke during this part of the procedure.
Cool down:
- Cool the brakes down by driving one or two laps,
5 mi (8 km), at
60 mph (96 km/h) with minimal to no brake usage.
Recovery low temperature bedding:
- Perform at least 30 stops from
50 mph (80 km/h) at 1/3 g deceleration with
0.7 mi (1.2 km) spacing between stops. A deceleration gauge can be accessed through the Track Apps menu in your touchscreen.