Nedd

I'll be going on a trip, 1500 miles round trip. Any advice on how to prepare my 96 2.5TL with 108k miles for this long trip will be very much appreciated!

Just a note; I visisted the 2G and 3G TL forums today and I was so dissapointed; it looks like the quality of the lataer day TLs is bad. I guess the 1G TL is the best in quality and reliability.

Ken1997TL

1st gen interiors are GREAT. They are durable and of high quality. The newer ones are much easier to recycle and are more environmentally friendly.. but the materials are inferior in my opinion.

The 1st gen TL also benefits from a SOLID transmission


As for a round trip.. I've done 3000 mile trips without issue. Make sure your oil has been changed, you have adequate tire pressure (32 psi for that highway driving) and your tires get rotated after your trip

slownlow32tl

I drive from OK to Los angeles twice a year and have no prob with the TL just keep changing the oil when you should and the change radiator hoses if needs be thats about it

ljmushock

A couple other things you may want to check:

Under the hood:---Drive belts (a belt snapping on the interstate could take a day off your trip)
---Coolant, Power steering, Brake, Trans, and Oil fluid levels (can't hurt to top everything off)
---Battery Terminals (make sure they are clean, and free of corrosion)

Exterior/Chassis:

---As he said, check tire pressure and tread life.
---Grease your ball joints, and other chasis components.
---Briefly scan the exhaust, axles, transmission, and engine block for any cracks/leaks

Interior:

---Make your leather nice and supple by adding some leather conditioner (this will add to the comfort of your ride)
---Make sure you have a lug wrench, locking nut socket, jack, and spare tire accesible in the trunk for an unexpected flat tire.
---Throw some cokes and a bag of chip in the glove compartment/trunk (you will thank yourself later on)
---Vaccum those floor mats! You will be able to kick your shoes off and drive barefoot without getting dirt and leaves stuck to the bottom of your foot!

Anywho, all this may seem tedious and time consuming, but it shouldn't take you but about 30-45 minutes. Would I or everyone else do all this for a 1500 mile road trip??? probably not, but you asked and you got it!!!!

-Happy driving, stay safe -ljmushock

meazz1

I just made a 1900 mile round trip last month with my Tl with 204k on it.
Before the trip, I changed oil, drained trany fluid and checked tire pressure.

Nedd

You guys are just awesome! Thanks so much for your input! I'll adhere to your suggestions