Pre-Trip Maintenance

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Nick R

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Me getting ready for my trip has me wondering. Before you go on a long drive (1500-2000 in my case) what sort of maintenance do you do on your vehicle- if any?

I'm getting new Tires, though that isn't because of the trip, they need replaced anyway, but i'm doing it now rather than in a month because of the trip. I've also picked up a jug of Motorcraft Syn Blend 5W-20 SN/GF-5, a Motorcraft FL-910S filter, and ordered a new Motorcraft Air Filter from Amazon, and a bottle of Chevron Techron.
 
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None really since I try to keep my ride long trip ready; I can never can tell when I might have to leave the country. I do the basic oil top off, and a walk around; I also make sure I have some extra oil and depending on the season, time o' day and area, maybe a sleeping bag.... lol. Check for my AAA card, license, reg and $$$

I shoot down to my parents often (1000 miles total trip) and I really don't do much preparation.
 
just my ideas. i started driving in 1965, and have done most of my car work, for most of that time. on the tires, be sure they are on the car at least one week be fore you leave, and check the pressure each day before you leave. my son had trouble with beauty rings cutting valve stems, check tires cold in the morning, and check everything under the hood to. i run tires 5 psi above recomended, but iam not sure its done me any good. an other thing that is just my idea, use marvel mystery oil in the gas. it only needs 4 oz in 10 gal of gas. just my idea
 
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With my sisters Focus which is 8 years older and 76k more than yours didn't do much before we headed out on the trip we're on! Aired up the tires and checked the fluids. The oil was changed but I wouldn't of messed with it till 10k. My dad's old school on oil changes. I did put 1/2 quart of MMO in one tank.. sure didn't like that the next day. Performed flawless in 1k we put on it so far. Going home Wednesday. We're really enjoying the trip in the Focus. Seats are much more comfortable than the Escapes and not to mention 32mpg versus 20mpg if we're lucky. The 2.0L SPI I love the love end grunt on hills sorta sluggish around town with the ac though not really a complaint. Looking forward to seeing the new station wagons coming out.. guess I got a bit off topic!
 
Check the fluid levels, change the oil if it genuinely needs it, pack a small tool kit (it is an older car, after all!), lay in a stock of my favorite gas additive, check the tires, ensure my hands-free gizmo is accessible, that my cell phone charger and GPS charger are handy, my MP3 player is charged, and that I didn't forget my toothbrush. I'd not hesitate on taking either car across country and back.

I also like to put in a full tank right before leaving in case of inclement weather or undue construction/traffic delays.
 
Take a good overall looks at fluid levels, belt conditions, tire condition etc. Tires should be good enough to finish the trip without making you nervous.

Before I leave I usually do any scheduled maintenance that will need to be done before I get home. Obviously if it's a 10k+ mile trip, then some on the road scheduled maintenance might be warranted. I did get an oil change on the trip when I drove round trip to Alaska, for instance.
 
None. Every vehicle I own is maintained in a manner that I wouldn't hesitate to get in and drive any distance at any time.
 
Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit
None. Every vehicle I own is maintained in a manner that I wouldn't hesitate to get in and drive any distance at any time.

X2. I'm always on top of maintenance stuff. I would check the tire pressure to be 100%$ sure and hit the road.
 
Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit
None. Every vehicle I own is maintained in a manner that I wouldn't hesitate to get in and drive any distance at any time.

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+1
 
+3 - I keep the car maintained by the book. I will take a quick look and see if anything will be coming due during the trip and replace that before departure, but generally, that's not required.

Night before, check all fluid levels, tire pressure, clean windshield inside and out, make sure my packing is complete. I will bring a QT of the oil that I am using in the car (in case). I find that a dirty windshield is fatiguing to look through, so I keep it clean and make sure the wiper blades are fresh...I am also a Rain-X fan...makes crummy weather much easier to deal with...

I am 1800 miles into a 2500 mile trip right now. The car has not used any oil, I've gone through a gallon of washer fluid and before the 700 mile drive tomorrow, I will check the tires again (cold, in the AM), check fluids, clean the windshield, buy a cup of my favorite joe and hit the road early...
 
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Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit
None. Every vehicle I own is maintained in a manner that I wouldn't hesitate to get in and drive any distance at any time.



Same here.
 
Mostly what everybody else said. I agree with morris about having tires (or for that matter any work) done a week before. That gives you a chance to "shake it out". Don't forget to check the spare tire pressure! Have a safe trip.
 
- Make sure the spare is in good shape and inflated properly.
- Buy a can of the instant tire leak fixer.
- Buy an extra gallon of wiper fluid.
- Happy motoring!
 
I may be inclined to do an oil change or something like that a bit early if Im going to cross over when I planned to do it, but besides that? not really.

Of course I will check the air in the tires/spare before going.
 
Originally Posted By: NateDN10
- Make sure the spare is in good shape and inflated properly.
- Buy a can of the instant tire leak fixer.
- Buy an extra gallon of wiper fluid.
- Happy motoring!


Yep. I had a brand new full size spare that went flat on me when I needed it most. It got tore up after 2 miles driving to a gas station to allow me to put air in my original tire.

By the way, FixAFlat cans are worthless in the cold.
 
I check fluids, belt, tire pressures and fill up the gas tank. I try to keep the Jeep in a condition where I could jump in and drive cross-country at pretty much any time, and trust it to get me there.
 
Originally Posted By: Nick R

I'm getting new Tires, though that isn't because of the trip, they need replaced anyway


Not to be nosy, but why the new tires so soon? 14,000 miles is nothing.
 
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