I plan to go on a 300mile/5hr road trip this summer and I was wondering what things should I have checked out on my car before I go, because I dont want any problems. Last time I took a trip my car ran fine then suddenly overheated AFTER I got to where I was going wich was about over 150miles away, I thought I was going to end up stuck. That problem was solved, all I needed to do was replace my bad radiator cap, I also got a full coolant flush when I got back, this was a year ago. The things I plan to have done; Mobil 1 5W-30 Oil Change, Transmission Fluid Change w/ crush washer, Top off Coolant, Tire Rotation/Pressure, Purolator Air Filter A25249. What else should I look into, any trouble spots in the tl while on the road? Overall my car runs very well as a daily driver, its a 99 w/ 150k miles

 

Oh I also got new front rotors and brakes, and rear brakes a few months ago already

 

Thats a short trip, if your car isnt acting up you should be ok. Check your tire pres. before you leave, make sure you're not leakin anything. Thats all i can think of.

 

Full tank of gas.

 

Custom turbo kit for the entrance ramp acceleration

 

Emergency kit , check spare tire pressure.

 

DONT change the trans fluid and then hit the road- or you will be calling the tow truck!!!

 

REALLY????, why, how is that? ! ?

 

Because it tends to result in total failure of the trans a week later!!
read the trans failure thread and many post are- I had the fluid changed last week and now it revs and doesnt want to shift- what do you think the flashing D5 and TCS lights mean? I am not in TCS mode!!!

Thats if its got the average miles on the original trans-

ignore me if you have a replacement trans and are on 15k changes just for fun

 

top off coolant? are you losing coolant from the overflow bottle- its pulling it below the lower mark? thats not good

run tires 2 psi above normal for extended high speed-freeway drive
300 miles is nothing I can do that in a day of fun run to Yosemite and back

 

SEAFOAM FOR SURE!!!

 

i dont believe in seafoaming

 

my coolant is above the lower mark but below the max mark, so i'm going to fill it to the max mark. also this car has been very well taken care of so i dont really expect to have any problems really

 

Why not?

 

some people do not understand that the modern engine is a crud factory - as every minute its creating unburned and partially burned fuel- hydrocarbons- water vapor and oil, some of that gets deposited along the walls of the oil gallies, the intake valves and piston tops and rings. Gas additives mandated by the govt clog fuel injectors and ruin the fine mist easily combusted air-fuel mix they were designed to make
You dont have to do it- but since everyone reports smoother running and generally better fuel useage and lower emissions- educated members love the stuff
And look at the dodge truck firum and hi performance boat forums-
guess what they use to keep the engine in top condition

If you dont want to use it that is your choice- but dont say it doesnt work when we all have proof it really does

 

Why? Its a cleaner. It helps remove deposits that you cant see. It never hurts to at least add it to to your gas.

Probably dont believe in aliens either do you

 

300 miles / 5 hours : Doesn't sound like much of a road trip to me... you should be fine with:
1. Checking fluids in the car (windshield, brake, power steering, etc.).
2. Check your windshield wipers
3. Brake rotors and pads
4. Coolant level
5. Cabin Air filter (5 hours is a long time to be breathing in crappy stale ass air)
6. Oil Change and gas it up

I would highly recommend Seafoam..... I did it and I saw gains immediately... The biggest one being the increase in mpg... I usually get the fuel indicator on around ~330-340 miles, I am at 370 and the needle is still a good ways from the empty line... this is repeated... not bad I think...

Good luck with the trip...