I am planning on doing some HPDE and AutoX events. I am just getting started and my MCS is a bit less than a year old.

Does this activity affect the warranty (if they can tell)? I've already done 2 HPDE and I am sure a seasoned mechanic could tell by looking at the edges of my front tires that I've been up to something.

I figure I'll have to change brake fluid before it would normally be due for a change. Can I use any fluid (of the proper rating) without voiding the warranty?

If I wear out the brakes faster than expected, will they be changed under warranty?

Any other items (besides tires) that I should be concerned about having higher than normal wear and warranty issues?

Thanks in advance

 

I feel like it would affect your warranty because it could constitute "extreme use or wear." I tried to "hide" it from my dealer before my warranty was up, but I'm sure they could have called me on it if they wanted to. Fact is that some dealerships endorse HPDE and are even sponsors, while others will be sticklers and deny warranty work due to the quickened wear. So weigh your options; what's more valuable to you - the warranty or the track time? I'd say most people end up with both.

As far as parts that will wear as a result of track use:
- tires
- brakes
- brake fluid should be changed regularly (before events)
- clutch (if you don't use proper technique)
- the engine (extended periods at high rpm, high oil temps)
- all parts of the suspension - bushings, springs, shocks, you name it
- this list keeps going, but I'm not too familiar with all of these technical aspects; I just know that everything that wears on the street will wear that much quicker on the track.

mb

 

All depends on the dealership doing the work. I've heard some being denied and others praised for racing. I think most Mini dealerships give out the praise, which is a good thing, but ask around for some dealerships to not buy from or to do service work. Don't give business to those who don't treat us right.

 

I'm with you, but the other side of the coin is don't ask the dealership for unreasonable work. I'd think that people that auto-x / HPDE should just understand that brake wear is not going to be a warranty item anymore. So, I'd suggest not even asking. Too many requests like that might turn a "good" dealership into a "not so good" one.

 

You could just do what I do: Change out your OEM pads and replace them with track day specific units (I use Hawk HP+ for HPDE only). It only takes a few minutes to swap and will keep your daily street pads in good shape much longer. The other added benefit is much much better stopping power and no fade over the course of the day. Yes it can be a PITA to continually change pads back and forth, but it is definitely worth it...It may also be beneficial to get a set of dedicated track wheels/tires to keep some of the tell-tale tire wear to a mininum.

I also agree with the others that talking to your dealership about your intentions is important. Find out if they allow/support/sponsor any track days (my dealership of choice is the title sposor for out regions SCCA AutoX series). If they do, then chances are they will be sympathetic to your track day desire.

 

Of the three dealerships i've dealt with in my area two of them are proponents of tracking the car. I'm not an autocrosser but the amount of wear i put on my car in 4 half hour sessions a day can't compare to 4 sixty second runs on an autocross.

Tires are your responsiblity no matter what you do to them . I track my car often and had full support of MINI when it came to the warranty. Here's a brief look.

new engine with less then 200 miles left on the warranty
new clutch a few months before that
new trannie a few months after that.


They know what I do to my car it's pretty obvious. They will check your ECU to see if you've money shifted but aside from that i've had full dealership support.