Time for the annual occurrence of this checklist. It's a PDF, download and print if you like. Oil – Close to 5K mark on current Oil? Go for an early change. Under Bonnet Check –Look for leaks, broken/worn engine mounts, worn plug wires Gearbox Oil – If near 2 years or 50K miles - Change Brakes – Check Rotors and Pads – Have at least 50% left Brake Fluid – If near 1 year or 25K miles – Change Coolant – MINI recommends every 4 years from build date for a change, every 2 years would not hurt. Tires – Tread level should be at least ½, check for uneven wear Wheels – Check Torque on lugs 83ft/lb 1st gen, 102ft/lb 2nd gen – Check often on site. See Chad at Detroit Tuned tent to use his torque wrench. Wipers – Replace blades if older – It could be quite wet at MOTD Lights – Check all lights to verify operation Battery – good condition, make sure is securely fastened Suspension – Check all bushings for wear, replace as needed Steering – Check for wear – replace anything questionable Exhaust – Secure with no leaks, check mounts Wheel Bearings – Check for excessive play Running The Dragon even at the posted limit taxes all the systems on our MINIs. 311 Turns in rapid succession will find the weaknesses if not attended to ahead of time. Please be sure to check you braking system well. Check list compiled with the assistance of Chad from Detroit Tuned.
Add: Check and tighten the "loose nut" behind the wheel - before each and every run. Driving skill: Known, and drive WITHIN that skill set. Aware: Attended MOTD prep course, knows dangers of these roads, checked weather and road conditions - and installed "rain tires" if it's going to be the least bit moist, and considered if it's too cold for Summer tires to work well. Yes, that's cost someone (not me) a Mini on a previous MOTD. Hydrated: Dehydration impairs judgement. ANY form of alcohol absolutely does NOT count as "hydration" to drive any roads near Fontana - or anywhere. Empty bladder / complete all non-driving body functions: Driving under "pressure" also impairs judgement. Prepare accordingly. The Dragon out and back can be 45 minutes to an hour (yes, even at "your" speed). Alert: Good condition, no chemicals which could impair judgement (including but not limited to: cold medicine, alcohol, high amounts of Caffeine, other alternate-reality substances) Distractions secure in car: This includes Significant Other(s), camera, radio, and anything that could impair driving in any way - including those prayer beads/shiny objects that you should NOT have hanging from your damn mirror. Note that passengers in the back seat can (ahem) "assist in rotation" (oversteer), causing you to back into the woods in an ungraceful and painful manner. Be aware. Very important: Check for Red Mist. This is a condition where the Driver feels overconfident, super-psyched, and thinks they can take on the world. Red Mist is what causes people to say things like "hold my beer and watch this". It generally immediately precedes a large, expensive, painful crashing sound, followed maybe an hour later by sirens (if you're conscious), and a long line of angry drivers waiting for your pitiful wreck to be hauled off the road. Drive well, my friends.
All good points! Your second item is huge. The dragon & all of the roads through the mountains are not a place to learn performance driving. Do that at a safer venue. Drive within your limits.... :yesnod:
Thanks Nathan for the check list, however Susi and I are already in Asheville, and Leon, there is no tightening the "loose nut". We are testing the roads here today and the weather is beautiful. Awesome BBQ, and the fishing is great. See you all in Fontana. Tripp
if not already mentioned...To all newcomers...DO NOT CROSS THE YELLOW LINES!!! Not a place to display your racing line acumen...