Two Guys Rally

Things To Check After A Rallycross
[ September 17th, 2008 ] By: Charles Smith Posted in » Tips and Tricks

Rallycross is tough on your car, and right after the racing you should check some things to make sure your car wont die on the way home. Here they are:

• Check Your Airfilter - Dust in an engine will kill it and fast. Check to make sure your air filter isnt clogged or compromised. If it is compromised, you should check the inside of your intake system and engine.
• Check Your Suspension - Something you should have done before the rallycross because now you have something to compare it to visually. Make sure your suspension arms aren’t bent and all the bolts all still there. Even with a suspension failure you might not notice it in the heat of racing. I once ripped a rear wheel off of a VW and we thought we only had a flat.
• Check Your Oil - Let your hot car sit for 10 minutes post race and check your oil. Make sure your oil is at a good level. If the oil is gone check your oil pan. You might have a puncture and leaking oil.
• Check Your Tire Pressure - Just like with your suspension, you might not notice low pressures or flats. Its easier to change your tire surrounded by rally crossers with all sorts of tools, rather than on the side of a highway.
• Listen to Your Car On The Way Back - New sounds in your car could indicate something gone awry. So listen, your car will tell you things if you listen to it.

What do you do after a rallycross? Making checklists and bringing them with you will help you if you get nervous at races (I do to begin with). They allow you to focus on something other than whats racing through your mind. So keep your car well kept, it will repay you by not breaking as often.