Car appreciation... the aesthetics, the engineering, etc

Quick question - my car just failed it's MOT because the front tyres inner tread was worn down to the cords. I've only done 5000 miles on these tyres - had them put on by a local garage, then had the front balljoints/bushings/shocks replaced by KwikFit (I know... sorry!). They re-did the tracking and obviously did a shitty job because now my (reasonably new) tyres are fucked. Also - I've got an MOT advisory as one of the shocks is misting oil and I've got play in the newish balljoint. Should I take this up with them?

It's a bit of a weird size for a bike, but might be more common on cars: does anyone have a deep 1 9/16" / 41mm socket I can borrow?

ooh. i might. let me have a look tonight. I know i have a 1 5/16". how deep? (!)

I'll measure tonight and get back to you but I would guess about 45mm. It needs to fit over an M10 axle so doesn't need to be the full width at the deepest part. Bonus points if it's 3/8" drive, if not can I borrow a suitable breaker bar/adapter for my 3/8" bar?
I've actually ordered one of the buggers but it won't arrive for when I need it (fail).

45mm will be close

Got the receipt from kwik fit?

Go back if you have.

Damn, measured it at 55mm...
However, the axle is bent and the bearings are fucked, so I can whack them out and then I only need about 10mm depth :)

Anyone a regular at track days?

Sounds like fun but I'm worried about wear and tear. Is it worth investing in a set of track wheels/tyres? I should probably go to one with my current set-up and see if I enjoy it first right?

what car?

B7 RS4

Personally, I change brake fluid for fresh, spare set of brake pads as I had a bad experience with a set of Lucas pads that melted like lipstick. Then adjust the tyre pressures on the day as tyres get hot and can increase in pressure.

I think @BRM goes to more than I do but yes, before you start shelling out cash on spare wheels and tyres just go try one out.

Make sure all your fluids are topped up, your car is generally in good condition, your brakes are tip top and your tyres have got plenty of life left (I'd say 50%+)

Didn't see updates before I posted, RS4?? You'll kill a set of tyres and brakes in one day.

Okay great. I guess one of my concerns is how much tyre and brake pad I would leave with compared to what I arrived with.... before 50%+ --> after ??

RS4? i have no idea, but i'd go with what is said above. I got through my greenstuff pads in four days. i change the fluid after two. tyres had hardly any wear, but i swithed to the yoko a048rs after two.

I'd imagine a car with 4(?)x the power and twice the weight would destroy tyres and pads.

i'd def go with lynx's post and change the pads and fluid, at least.

...or just go and try it.

A set of tyres + pads in a day makes the fun of a track day an expensive proposition

Your best bet is an evening day, that way if after 3 hours you've obliterated your tyres and brakes, you don't have another 5 hours to sit around not being able to go on track

Hence why I drive an MX5 where semi slick tyres cost £65/corner and I can buy Carbotech brake pads for under £150

Reminds me, there is am mk1 eunos near me for cheap...and there is one with a good roof but rusty sill and been sitting outside for a couple of years...

Hence why I drive an MX5 where semi slick tyres cost £65/corner and I can buy Carbotech brake pads for under £150

This bit of info stopped me turning my Volvo into something more suited to the track.

Track day is not a race.

But I need 300bhp and vented discs and, and, and!!!

First car track day I did was in a fiat 126, at a Ferrari owners club track day. It was wet and I had the track with a few other cars, many didn't come out of the pits.

CSB

Quite a few people had a go in the 126 and many came away laughing as it was amazing fun. Having a car that could oversteer and understeer at the same time. The car was shod with 135/80 r 12 tyres in a special tyre compound known as cheapest I could get.

The spec of the car was amazing, fully adjustable passenger seat...both forward and back, with lift to get in to the rear. Two inertia real seat belts and using formula 1 20w50 oil.