Preparation for a 2,000 mile road trip
05-03-2012, 11:42 AM
#1
Preparation for a 2,000 mile road trip
I will be going on vacation at the end of the month and in total will be doing about 2,000 miles of driving not including the driving that I do while I'm down there. I would like to go through everything on the car and make sure that it's in pristine condition so that I have nothing to worry about. If anyone could shoot me some pointers or things that I should check out before I go, that would be awesome. The car has 135k miles on it right now.
Here's what I was thinking:
-oil life is @30% right now. I'll be changing the oil to Redline synthetic and tossing in a Royal Purple filter.
-Tranny fluid is due for another 1x3 change with 2 Type-f and 1 lightweight type-f. Pressure switches I will probably hold off on until after the trip
-Brake fluid needs to be flushed
-Coolant needs to be flushed.
-Tires are brand new, good in that department.
-I'll be doing a full detail before I go.
-Brakes/rotors appear to be in good condition
Anything else that I'm missing?
Here's what I was thinking:
-oil life is @30% right now. I'll be changing the oil to Redline synthetic and tossing in a Royal Purple filter.
-Tranny fluid is due for another 1x3 change with 2 Type-f and 1 lightweight type-f. Pressure switches I will probably hold off on until after the trip
-Brake fluid needs to be flushed
-Coolant needs to be flushed.
-Tires are brand new, good in that department.
-I'll be doing a full detail before I go.
-Brakes/rotors appear to be in good condition
Anything else that I'm missing?
05-03-2012, 11:45 AM
#2
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Seems like you got it all covered OP. That's all I'd look for before a long trip. Maybe double check tire pressure?
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05-03-2012, 11:45 AM
#4
the overexplainer
depending where you're driving, you might want to protect the front end with painter's tape (and if you dont mind the look).
Bug splatter can very well mar the finish on your front end, which would make the whole wash/detail a wasted effort. Bug splatter is probably 2nd only to bird poo in terms of potential damage. Driving just 1000 miles from LA to SF and back i had a ton of bugs.
Bug splatter can very well mar the finish on your front end, which would make the whole wash/detail a wasted effort. Bug splatter is probably 2nd only to bird poo in terms of potential damage. Driving just 1000 miles from LA to SF and back i had a ton of bugs.
Last edited by ez12a; 05-03-2012 at 11:48 AM.
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05-03-2012, 11:52 AM
#6
depending where you're driving, you might want to protect the front end with painter's tape (and if you dont mind the look).
Bug splatter can very well mar the finish on your front end, which would make the whole wash/detail a wasted effort. Bug splatter is probably 2nd only to bird poo in terms of potential damage. Driving just 1000 miles from LA to SF and back i had a ton of bugs.
Bug splatter can very well mar the finish on your front end, which would make the whole wash/detail a wasted effort. Bug splatter is probably 2nd only to bird poo in terms of potential damage. Driving just 1000 miles from LA to SF and back i had a ton of bugs.
05-03-2012, 11:55 AM
#7
the overexplainer
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05-03-2012, 11:58 AM
#8
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I'd say you're okay against bugs if you're going to wipe it down every fill up. Just use the windshield sponge thing 
05-03-2012, 12:29 PM
#12
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That is something you do need!
05-03-2012, 01:09 PM
#13
Yeah, don't want to be in 90 degree weather without AC.
As for fluids, what fluids are recommended for brake fluid, engine coolant, and power steering fluid? The threads in the 3G TL garage are all outdated and mostly applicable to 04-06 TLs which might be different since I have an 07 TL with the 3.5 vs the 3.2. I know the engines are the same, just different stroke.
So what fluids are recommended for brake fluid, engine coolant, and power steering fluild?
As for fluids, what fluids are recommended for brake fluid, engine coolant, and power steering fluid? The threads in the 3G TL garage are all outdated and mostly applicable to 04-06 TLs which might be different since I have an 07 TL with the 3.5 vs the 3.2. I know the engines are the same, just different stroke.
So what fluids are recommended for brake fluid, engine coolant, and power steering fluild?
05-03-2012, 01:12 PM
#14
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1. motul 5.1 brake fluid (get 3 500ML bottles if you're doing an entire bleed...can only buy it online)
2. honda type II engine coolant (honda dealership)
3. amsoil synthetic PSF (get a turkey baster and empty the PS res, then refill with amsoil...can only buy it online)
don't use the turkey baster for cooking afterwards.
2. honda type II engine coolant (honda dealership)
3. amsoil synthetic PSF (get a turkey baster and empty the PS res, then refill with amsoil...can only buy it online)
don't use the turkey baster for cooking afterwards.
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05-03-2012, 01:15 PM
#15
1. motul 5.1 brake fluid (get 3 500ML bottles if you're doing an entire bleed...can only buy it online)
2. honda type II engine coolant (honda dealership)
3. amsoil synthetic PSF (get a turkey baster and empty the PS res, then refill with amsoil...can only buy it online)
don't use the turkey baster for cooking afterwards.
2. honda type II engine coolant (honda dealership)
3. amsoil synthetic PSF (get a turkey baster and empty the PS res, then refill with amsoil...can only buy it online)
don't use the turkey baster for cooking afterwards.
05-03-2012, 01:17 PM
#16
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^bc that's gross.
05-03-2012, 01:18 PM
#17
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you'll have power steering fluid flavored turkey!
05-03-2012, 01:56 PM
#19
Yeah, don't want to be in 90 degree weather without AC.
As for fluids, what fluids are recommended for brake fluid, engine coolant, and power steering fluid? The threads in the 3G TL garage are all outdated and mostly applicable to 04-06 TLs which might be different since I have an 07 TL with the 3.5 vs the 3.2. I know the engines are the same, just different stroke.
So what fluids are recommended for brake fluid, engine coolant, and power steering fluild?
As for fluids, what fluids are recommended for brake fluid, engine coolant, and power steering fluid? The threads in the 3G TL garage are all outdated and mostly applicable to 04-06 TLs which might be different since I have an 07 TL with the 3.5 vs the 3.2. I know the engines are the same, just different stroke.
So what fluids are recommended for brake fluid, engine coolant, and power steering fluild?
your car isnt special.
its the same.
all those past threads apply to yours.
05-03-2012, 02:05 PM
#20
Burning Brakes
depending where you're driving, you might want to protect the front end with painter's tape (and if you dont mind the look).
Bug splatter can very well mar the finish on your front end, which would make the whole wash/detail a wasted effort. Bug splatter is probably 2nd only to bird poo in terms of potential damage. Driving just 1000 miles from LA to SF and back i had a ton of bugs.
Bug splatter can very well mar the finish on your front end, which would make the whole wash/detail a wasted effort. Bug splatter is probably 2nd only to bird poo in terms of potential damage. Driving just 1000 miles from LA to SF and back i had a ton of bugs.
I of course always clean and detail her car and asked her to save up for a clear bra since she does lots of highway driving, she made an appointment a week after her visit. Now her whole front hood and bumper are protected.
Wish I had the money to do mine, but it already has tons of rock chips, no bugs. So will leave like that and plan to get it repainted.
05-03-2012, 02:08 PM
#21
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05-03-2012, 02:27 PM
#24
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All in good fun 
haha
haha
05-03-2012, 02:57 PM
#27
Racer
05-03-2012, 03:00 PM
#28
Has the timing belt been replaced? Check the spare tire, especially pressure, and make sure everything you need to change a tire is in the car and working. Wheel lock key? Thinwall socket for aftermarket wheels?
05-03-2012, 04:13 PM
#29
Racer
It's just 2k... if you maintain your car regularly as scheduled, just go and enjoy.
This reminds me of people who take 5 bags of clothes for a 2 day trip.
This reminds me of people who take 5 bags of clothes for a 2 day trip.
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05-03-2012, 04:37 PM
#30
Suzuka Master
One alternate to the painters tape is black electrical tape .. just as much work to put on and your not limited to time before it becomes hard to get off ... 5 rolls for Walmart at $1 roll will cover the frontall area just like a bra.
I'm not sure on the Pam thing .. what happens if it rains ... will it run everywhere?
I do know that 4 Star Ultimate Paint Protection is great resisting bugs for the first couple of washes, Just a quick wipe with a M/F cloth and a QD and the bugs are off .. You could even reapply every second gas stop .. would take 5 min. on/off.
I'm not sure on the Pam thing .. what happens if it rains ... will it run everywhere?
I do know that 4 Star Ultimate Paint Protection is great resisting bugs for the first couple of washes, Just a quick wipe with a M/F cloth and a QD and the bugs are off .. You could even reapply every second gas stop .. would take 5 min. on/off.
05-03-2012, 05:05 PM
#32
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
That's a lot of prep for a trip. Painter's tape over the front or clear bra as was mentioned.
05-03-2012, 05:16 PM
#33
Racer
In addition to what's been said, a good cell phone and paid-up auto club dues wouldn't hurt. Or you can add towing onto an auto insurance policy for like $1/month. Probably won't need a tow, but obviously it can get expensive if you break down in the boonies...
05-03-2012, 05:22 PM
#34
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
Majofo packs heat when he's out and about. 
05-03-2012, 05:23 PM
#35
Senior Moderator
And don't forget your credit card! 
05-03-2012, 06:08 PM
#36
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
What are you doing over here Yummy? 
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05-03-2012, 08:34 PM
#38
1. motul 5.1 brake fluid (get 3 500ML bottles if you're doing an entire bleed...can only buy it online)
2. honda type II engine coolant (honda dealership)
3. amsoil synthetic PSF (get a turkey baster and empty the PS res, then refill with amsoil...can only buy it online)
don't use the turkey baster for cooking afterwards.
2. honda type II engine coolant (honda dealership)
3. amsoil synthetic PSF (get a turkey baster and empty the PS res, then refill with amsoil...can only buy it online)
don't use the turkey baster for cooking afterwards.
05-03-2012, 08:46 PM
#39
3 things always overlooked
-Tire pressure (that includes the spare tire)assuming the four wheel alignment was already done and the wheels balanced.
- Always have handy a tow truck phone number (AAA) just in case.
- Have some good music with you (2,000 miles with bad radio can definitely suck)
Most of all enjoy the trip,this cars can take the abuse.This will be a good time to learn more about your vehicle.Good stuff.
-Tire pressure (that includes the spare tire)assuming the four wheel alignment was already done and the wheels balanced.
- Always have handy a tow truck phone number (AAA) just in case.
- Have some good music with you (2,000 miles with bad radio can definitely suck)
Most of all enjoy the trip,this cars can take the abuse.This will be a good time to learn more about your vehicle.Good stuff.