road trip preperation.

[bksolara]

hey guys im driving to north carolina in two weeks, its my 1st road trip with my lara, ive recently replaced all 4 struts and strut mounts, im going to change my brakes as well, tune up and oil change the car...ive recently put in a brand new alternator and new battery, what else will i need to get her ready for this 9hr ride?

[ThatVietGuy]

Sufficient air in the tires and something to listen to.

[supersoldier]

Sounds good, What did you actually replace when you did the tune-up.

[bksolara]

didnt tune it up yet, just going to do the spark plugs because i have a k@n air filter and ngk blue plug set i heard there reusable...

[jimmm]

Fill up the tank with gas, but it probably won't be enough for the whole trip, so take some extra money. There will be plenty of places to stop along the way for more gas, food, and toilet needs, so don't worry about that. Don't drive too fast, rest when you are tired, and enjoy the ride. Sorry, Bob. I couldn't resist.

[TheGreenDutch]

make sure you give her a good test run after you have all the tune up stuff done. That way your not caught by surprise.

Also make sure your spare tire has air in it. Too many times that tire goes neglected and when you need it its flat. I keep an portable air compressor in my car along with a tire plug kit just in case. You should be fine tho especially if the lara has been good to you lately. Just have backup plans ready when you need. it.

[onefiend]

Make sure your coolant reservoir has coolant in it

I've seen more than a few times, cars that can't handle the change in elevation tend to overheat.

And get a AAA card if you don't already have one

[bksolara]

i apprciate all the help guys, you have been very informative

[jimmm]

On a side note (and maybe just for me and my OCD), what good is a car if it is not ALWAYS ready for the road? Car = Road. Get it? Why drive to empty before filling up if you know you are going to need gas anyway? I know it's a matter of economics sometimes, but when I noticed last night that I was half full I decided to fill it up again. It seems to last longer when it's full than when it's half full. Then I'm ready for any trip that might come up without having to take that time to gas up. It's also the same for all the other things that were suggested for the road trip. The car should always be in tune, have good belts, good tires, good coolant, good oil and fluids, and so forth. If they are always done, then I am always ready for a trip no matter what comes my way. At the least, I should always know what needs to be done and have a plan to do it before it does me. Truth be told, day to day, normal stop and go driving is harder on a car than a road trip. My philosophy with car has always been that if anything can go wrong, it will at the worst possible moment. Therefore, Gentlemen, start your engines, get ready, get set, and get going.

[bksolara]

thank you jimmm

[bksolara]

i just made it back from my trip i wanted to thank you guys again for all the advice my lara had no problems going or comming!!!

[jimmm]

Welcome back, and congratulations. "Before anything else, preparation is the key to success." - Alexander Graham Bell