So the thing that made me think of this is our upcoming 2600 mile round trip vacation to disneyworld. We are gonna leave at about 5 o clock PM and drive all night and day till we get there 23-24 hours later. Going to be switching drivers every 5-6 hours likely. Anyway, I was wondering what you do for maintenance on your car before long trips, if any. This upcoming trip finally made my mom force my dad to get the transmission fluid in the expedition changed (After 58K miles). I'm trying to get him to change the Diff fluid too, but I doubt he is going to do it, he thinks it isn't necessary. Oil only have 1600 miles on it from the last change. I was going to make it a 6k run, but with all these highway miles I might just extend it to 7500. (Oil is Motorcraft Semi-Syn 5W-20 and NAPA Gold filter). Figure change air filter, transmission fluid and filter, check tire pressure... And that should really be it.
Pre-trip maintenance thread
- Thread starter Nick R
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Rotate and balance if its near time, wipers, windshield fluid, quick look at all belts and hoses, enjoy the drive.
You're going to be on I95 most of the time, so all that highway mileage should be easy on the oil things. Definitely get an alignment check, tire rotation/balance. There are tons of shops along the way if there's an issue.
Glad you didnt change the oil - many folks do this and they end up with MORE wear due to the highly active detergent pack in a fresh sump. Engines will show the lowest wear metals when sump is 2/3 spent.
Originally Posted By: rudolphna
So the thing that made me think of this is our upcoming 2600 mile round trip vacation to disneyworld. We are gonna leave at about 5 o clock PM and drive all night and day till we get there 23-24 hours later. Going to be switching drivers every 5-6 hours likely. Anyway, I was wondering what you do for maintenance on your car before long trips, if any. This upcoming trip finally made my mom force my dad to get the transmission fluid in the expedition changed (After 58K miles). I'm trying to get him to change the Diff fluid too, but I doubt he is going to do it, he thinks it isn't necessary. Oil only have 1600 miles on it from the last change. I was going to make it a 6k run, but with all these highway miles I might just extend it to 7500. (Oil is Motorcraft Semi-Syn 5W-20 and NAPA Gold filter). Figure change air filter, transmission fluid and filter, check tire pressure... And that should really be it.
I think you'll be fine, check fluids, brakes, tires, wipers, etc, the usual things. My only fear about changing fluids like ATF or the differential a day or so before the trip, is the possibility of a leak. Those I would do a week or so before just to be sure. JMO
So the thing that made me think of this is our upcoming 2600 mile round trip vacation to disneyworld. We are gonna leave at about 5 o clock PM and drive all night and day till we get there 23-24 hours later. Going to be switching drivers every 5-6 hours likely. Anyway, I was wondering what you do for maintenance on your car before long trips, if any. This upcoming trip finally made my mom force my dad to get the transmission fluid in the expedition changed (After 58K miles). I'm trying to get him to change the Diff fluid too, but I doubt he is going to do it, he thinks it isn't necessary. Oil only have 1600 miles on it from the last change. I was going to make it a 6k run, but with all these highway miles I might just extend it to 7500. (Oil is Motorcraft Semi-Syn 5W-20 and NAPA Gold filter). Figure change air filter, transmission fluid and filter, check tire pressure... And that should really be it.
I think you'll be fine, check fluids, brakes, tires, wipers, etc, the usual things. My only fear about changing fluids like ATF or the differential a day or so before the trip, is the possibility of a leak. Those I would do a week or so before just to be sure. JMO
Oh we don't leave till Thursday Feb 11th, so I'm sure it won't be a problem.
Wipers and extra windshield fluid. Check the spare. I suspect the east coast to be full of potholes with all the added cold weather up and down the coast.
Top off all fluids, do any changes that would go beyond your normal intervals during the trip (sounds like that's not a problem in your case). Check EVERYTHING made of rubber- tires, belts, hoses, suspension bushings. Inspect for any leaks. Check remaining brake material life. I have an inexpensive OBD scanner so I always check for any "pending" codes that might indicate a sensor getting flaky. And I take the scanner with me... it can make diagnosing a problem on the road REALLY easy.
In addition to the above suggestions, I really like to have my car or truck clean inside and out, esp the glass. Take a couple of plastic bags with you, to hold garbage between gas stops.
Keep an eye on your tire pressure as you change climates. The pressure will rise as you get into warmer areas and decrease on the way back. Check after you've stopped for a while, as tire pressures are specified when cold.
Also, bring a good jacket. Central FL has been in a cold snap.
Also, bring a good jacket. Central FL has been in a cold snap.
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Glad you didnt change the oil - many folks do this and they end up with MORE wear due to the highly active detergent pack in a fresh sump. Engines will show the lowest wear metals when sump is 2/3 spent.
This is just completely WRONG. Change the oil.
Glad you didnt change the oil - many folks do this and they end up with MORE wear due to the highly active detergent pack in a fresh sump. Engines will show the lowest wear metals when sump is 2/3 spent.
This is just completely WRONG. Change the oil.
When I drive to Florida (almost every year) I do the following:
1. Balance all 4 tires & inflate 2psi over
2. lube/oil/filter
3. check air filter
4. top off fluids
5. inspect serpentine belts
6. check driveline for leaks while having the tires balanced.
7. add 1/2 bottle of techron to first tank of fuel.
What I take with me:
1. 1/2" breaker bar & lug socket
2. 2 cans fix a flat
3. tire repair kit
4. small tool box
5. pack of road flares
6. cell phone car charger
7. small first aid kit
8. tape a $100 bill inside the fuse box cover.
1. Balance all 4 tires & inflate 2psi over
2. lube/oil/filter
3. check air filter
4. top off fluids
5. inspect serpentine belts
6. check driveline for leaks while having the tires balanced.
7. add 1/2 bottle of techron to first tank of fuel.
What I take with me:
1. 1/2" breaker bar & lug socket
2. 2 cans fix a flat
3. tire repair kit
4. small tool box
5. pack of road flares
6. cell phone car charger
7. small first aid kit
8. tape a $100 bill inside the fuse box cover.
Originally Posted By: duaneb9729
In addition to the above suggestions, I really like to have my car or truck clean inside and out, esp the glass. Take a couple of plastic bags with you, to hold garbage between gas stops.
+100000000
I hate driving a dirty car, and would not want to spend 24 hours sitting in one. Clean glass is imperative, as are good quality wiper blades and a full tank of washer fluid.
Long distance highway driving is easy on cars and hard on people. If you do most of the mechanical checks mentioned here, you should not have a problem unless something strange happens.
I can't tell you how many times I've jumped into a pickup truck pulling a trailer with little more than a cursory check of tires and oil. I clean the windshield if needed and that's it for the next 2000+ miles.
Don't forget your cell phone and charger, your insurance card, and a little cash, just in case. Maybe program your insurance agents phone number into your phone. Also check the state's you'll be driving thru and see if they have a toll free number to call for road conditions.
In addition to the above suggestions, I really like to have my car or truck clean inside and out, esp the glass. Take a couple of plastic bags with you, to hold garbage between gas stops.
+100000000
I hate driving a dirty car, and would not want to spend 24 hours sitting in one. Clean glass is imperative, as are good quality wiper blades and a full tank of washer fluid.
Long distance highway driving is easy on cars and hard on people. If you do most of the mechanical checks mentioned here, you should not have a problem unless something strange happens.
I can't tell you how many times I've jumped into a pickup truck pulling a trailer with little more than a cursory check of tires and oil. I clean the windshield if needed and that's it for the next 2000+ miles.
Don't forget your cell phone and charger, your insurance card, and a little cash, just in case. Maybe program your insurance agents phone number into your phone. Also check the state's you'll be driving thru and see if they have a toll free number to call for road conditions.
Kestas
Staff member
One tip passed on to me was to bring the title of the car. If the car was in an unfortunate crash far from home and needed to be totaled, having the title in hand would make the paperwork much smoother. I hide it somewhere, like under the carpet, in case the car got stolen.
Originally Posted By: PT1
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Glad you didnt change the oil - many folks do this and they end up with MORE wear due to the highly active detergent pack in a fresh sump. Engines will show the lowest wear metals when sump is 2/3 spent.
This is just completely WRONG. Change the oil.
I have a BIL who has the "don't-change-it-because-an-old-oil-filter-filters-the-best" attitude. Funny how his machinery and cars don't last long at all.
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Glad you didnt change the oil - many folks do this and they end up with MORE wear due to the highly active detergent pack in a fresh sump. Engines will show the lowest wear metals when sump is 2/3 spent.
This is just completely WRONG. Change the oil.
I have a BIL who has the "don't-change-it-because-an-old-oil-filter-filters-the-best" attitude. Funny how his machinery and cars don't last long at all.
Originally Posted By: PT1
When I drive to Florida (almost every year) I do the following:
1. Balance all 4 tires & inflate 2psi over
2. lube/oil/filter
3. check air filter
4. top off fluids
5. inspect serpentine belts
6. check driveline for leaks while having the tires balanced.
7. add 1/2 bottle of techron to first tank of fuel.
What I take with me:
1. 1/2" breaker bar & lug socket
2. 2 cans fix a flat
3. tire repair kit
4. small tool box
5. pack of road flares
6. cell phone car charger
7. small first aid kit
8. tape a $100 bill inside the fuse box cover.
PT1....very good. I couldn't agree more. I've made several trips from the west coast to the east this list is a good one. And yes....change the darn oil. Bring an extra quart or two as well.
When I drive to Florida (almost every year) I do the following:
1. Balance all 4 tires & inflate 2psi over
2. lube/oil/filter
3. check air filter
4. top off fluids
5. inspect serpentine belts
6. check driveline for leaks while having the tires balanced.
7. add 1/2 bottle of techron to first tank of fuel.
What I take with me:
1. 1/2" breaker bar & lug socket
2. 2 cans fix a flat
3. tire repair kit
4. small tool box
5. pack of road flares
6. cell phone car charger
7. small first aid kit
8. tape a $100 bill inside the fuse box cover.
PT1....very good. I couldn't agree more. I've made several trips from the west coast to the east this list is a good one. And yes....change the darn oil. Bring an extra quart or two as well.
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Glad you didnt change the oil - many folks do this and they end up with MORE wear due to the highly active detergent pack in a fresh sump. Engines will show the lowest wear metals when sump is 2/3 spent.
Well there is your problem Arco! You've changed the oil in your Yaris like what, 150 times in the last year because of "perceived" problems with every oil you've used???????
Now you've done gone and worn the engine out!
Glad you didnt change the oil - many folks do this and they end up with MORE wear due to the highly active detergent pack in a fresh sump. Engines will show the lowest wear metals when sump is 2/3 spent.
Well there is your problem Arco! You've changed the oil in your Yaris like what, 150 times in the last year because of "perceived" problems with every oil you've used???????
Now you've done gone and worn the engine out!
Originally Posted By: Drew99GT
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Glad you didnt change the oil - many folks do this and they end up with MORE wear due to the highly active detergent pack in a fresh sump. Engines will show the lowest wear metals when sump is 2/3 spent.
Well there is your problem Arco! You've changed the oil in your Yaris like what, 150 times in the last year because of "perceived" problems with every oil you've used???????
Now you've done gone and worn the engine out!
ROFLMAO!!!
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Glad you didnt change the oil - many folks do this and they end up with MORE wear due to the highly active detergent pack in a fresh sump. Engines will show the lowest wear metals when sump is 2/3 spent.
Well there is your problem Arco! You've changed the oil in your Yaris like what, 150 times in the last year because of "perceived" problems with every oil you've used???????
Now you've done gone and worn the engine out!
ROFLMAO!!!
Originally Posted By: Kestas
One tip passed on to me was to bring the title of the car. If the car was in an unfortunate crash far from home and needed to be totaled, having the title in hand would make the paperwork much smoother. I hide it somewhere, like under the carpet, in case the car got stolen.
If someone steals the car and finds the title they could very easily re-title the car to themselves and you would be hard pressed to do anything about it. All they would need is a dishonest notary to notarize your fake signature.
One tip passed on to me was to bring the title of the car. If the car was in an unfortunate crash far from home and needed to be totaled, having the title in hand would make the paperwork much smoother. I hide it somewhere, like under the carpet, in case the car got stolen.
If someone steals the car and finds the title they could very easily re-title the car to themselves and you would be hard pressed to do anything about it. All they would need is a dishonest notary to notarize your fake signature.
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