The wife and I are planning a long road 1000+ mile road trip for next month. We haven't decided whether to take the smaller, but efficient Civic, or the larger, more comfortable Impreza yet, but I was wondering what do you recommend to prepare the car for such a long trip? Both cars had oil changes ~500 miles ago. I know to the other check fluids too... but what else? Thanks!
Air filter, tire wear, tire pressures, wiper blades, lights, regular maintenance... I try to give the car a good waxing before a road trip too. Especially when I head South to visit the folks. Makes the bug splatter easier to clean up. I usually end up rainxing the windshield too.
Honestly, people get too freaked out about road trips. If you are good about keeping up with maintenance, just hop in and go. Commuting is harder on your car anyway.
Take a digital tire pressure gauge along with you (don't trust the gauges built into gas station air hoses). Check your oil at the start of each day if you drove a long distance the day before. Clean all the windows and mirrors inside and out (Rain-X the side mirrors too). Take along a quart of oil, duct tape, strong wire and some zip ties (various sizes). If you can find it, I would consider some temporary, spray-on, clear bra product. Makes getting rid of the bugs so much easier. Whatever you do, don't wait until the end of the trip to wash them all off at once. GPS, unless you are familiar with where you are traveling. And ditto the above regarding wiper blades, spare tire pressure (make sure the jack & wrench are there if you have never used them before) and don't worry if you are up to date on regular maintenance. Have a safe trip and enjoy.
I just got back from a 5000 mile road trip in a rental car. To be honest as long as you are up on your maintenance schedule you should not have a problem in either car. Having some decent all season tires would be nice incase of rain and to reduce road noise but other than that just pay attention to the car and if something seems wrong check it out.
whichever car gets the most gas mileage and if it has cruise control...and all of the above... oh and food! im usually fine with just beef jerkey, a sub(those big ones from rainbow or walmart), or pop and chips...
Personally on a long road trip I would prefer stopping less for gas than having the more fun car, but at the same time if I were heading to more mountainous parts of our country a bit more power is kind of nice. I don't think you can go wrong as far as comfort or drivability with your choices. I have driven to Montana a few times now (With a Toyota echo and a Subaru RS), and didn't do anything past my normal maintenance and a fluid and tire pressure check. Make sure you have music though!
Unfortunately we are just driving down through Iowa, and Illinois, so not to much to look at or mountains to climb. However, we are leaning towards the Subaru as we may be bringing our Lab. She travels well, but that means we will be stopping every few hours for breaks and whatnot. I have a started a checklist of the above recommendations. I definitely agree with the digital tire gauges. They are really nice, I got one as a car-warming gift and was like, 'This is lame,' but it has been the best ever. As far as music we are going to have her iPod and my Phone available to hookup to the AUX port. Finally, for food, I really enjoy Jerky as well. Low mess, it lasts a long time, and the protein is really filling. Thanks everyone for your suggestions!
If u have locking lugnuts, verify that u know where the key is! I cant tell you how may road trips are ruined cus people have gotten a flat and havent been able to put there spare on! Other than that, looks like everything is pretty well covered above (especially the wax and rainex before u leave, great advise, def helps with post road trip clean up)... Have a good trip!
driving lights pointed towards the ditches if you are going on 2 lane hwy. at night don't become part of the mn subaru deer vs car club. good luck, be safe
Well we have decided to take the Subi since we are bringing our Black Lab... Anyone ever used anything like this? http://www.kurgo.com/products/azl.html
We have a one-size-fits-most adjustable pet barrier at Lexus for under $70. Its actually pretty nice! I work tomorrow, so that means $$$Discount$$$ lol
