Tune up before kinda long drive?

[LiquidOC]

Should I change the oil and everything before taking about a 500 mile trip (both ways is 500, so, 1000 total.) I just changed the spark plugs, but it's getting close to the oil change (about 1000 miles away) But I was wondering if I should do anything besides making sure all my fluids are full and good, other than that, I am at a loss. Please help a n00b for his first long trip with a DSM. Thanks.

 

[dave99gst]

nope thats it -- top all the fluids -- bring jumper cables some tools etc.
change the oil when you get back - im sure its mostly hiway that you will be driving so if you go over it aint no thang.

 

[Defiant]

So long as it's running well now, just go. Get a kitty litter jug from someone, rinse it out and fill it with water, carry it behind the passenger seat. If you don't need it, you might be the best friend of someone else on the road.

A cigarette-lighter air compressor and a pack of tire plugs with the installation tool can also be a nuisance-diverter. A $20 mini floor jack works lots better than the factory thing. A pack of clean rags, and a roll of Viva paper towels, and some hand cleaner. Two extra quarts of oil. If you need more than a 50-piece Craftsman kit, you're too screwed to fix on the road. They make nice ones that come in a vinyl pouch that'll fit under a seat. Two flashlights if you're going in the dark.

More CDs, and maybe a Books On Tape or two. Beef jerky, mini-donuts and milk can be grabbed at any stop. A bag of hard candy. And a bag or box to toss wrappers in. A dgital camera, and remember it if you run across or have a crash.

If you're considering an auto club, go ONLY with AAA. Believe someone who deals with all of them for a living, they suck a whole lot less than ANY of the others.

Don't panic about the oil change. An extra thousand miles, especially under running conditions, won't matter at all.

You have oil pressure, gasoline and temperature gauges. Don't let a minute pass without looking at them twice. A radar dector is always a good idea, but just as important is to NOTICE any small towns- you're their primary source of city income, and they don't play fair in collecting it. Drive slower than you need to when around them, you're in a sports car. Watch out for goofy cell phone laws and other tricks.

500 miles is a really good day trip distance. Far enough to be far, but not so far that it's a strain. Watch out for the cops, watch out for the idiots, and give truckers and bikers any break you can.

 

[LiquidOC]

Thanks for the advice guys, but I have no idea how I would be able to plug my tires, let alone where the hell that stupid factory jack can push up my car without bending the frame (I tried it once....just for shits and giggles, and I couldn't find the right spot, even with my owner's manual sitting next to me.) So, if I get a flat, I'll just call someone to come fix it Oh, and is State Farm ok to have as an insurance company? I get a lot of breaks from them in price since my mom's been with them for so long, so I can't really go to a different one.

 

[Defiant]

State Farm towing is reimbursement, so carry a credit card. You'll have to pay the hook on-scene.

 

[92GSXman]

Also stop at a local mini mart or something and check the air in your tires unless you have an air compressor at your house. I usually put between 32 & 35 psi in my tires but that's really up to you.

 

[LiquidOC]

I experimented with several tire pressures when I got the car, the tires say 44 psi Max, and 40 seems to handle the best, so that's what I have in there now. I guess I'll be praying that I don't have to use my credit card then .

 

[Defiant]

Nah, you'll be fine. Just stay sharp.

 

[Coup D E'Tat]

I'm somewhat happy this thread came about. I'm taking my car on vacation at the end of July (to Ocean City, MD from Pittsburgh) and this gives me a little more confidence.

How do the AWD guys do on highways? 3k RPM at 60ish MPH is annoying.

 

[boostaddictgsx]

Highways suck, I'm at or around 3500 rpm at like 70-75 mph, i think it would be better with a manual.

 

[Coup D E'Tat]

I think it'd be better if I had a 6th gear

 

[boostaddictgsx]

I think a shop could make a lot of $$$ if they could fab a 6 speed tranny. hint hint

or you could get a different 5th gear

 

[LiquidOC]

Highways suck, I'm at or around 3500 rpm at like 70-75 mph, i think it would be better with a manual.

OK, it's not better with a manual, I'm in fifth gear going the same MPH, at around the same RPM, the only solution is to get the taller fifth gear from RRE, or Buscher or something. I'm fine with coasting at 3.5 grand or so, but I would appreciate a lower RPM, but that's what you get for choosing a powerful AWD car

 

[Defiant]

Highways suck, I'm at or around 3500 rpm at like 70-75 mph, i think it would be better with a manual.

70-75? Good god, man, I'm not pulling into a parking space.

It smooths back out at 4K.