Road Trip Preparation

[Live]

So, I know you cam look up any old guide on how to prepare your car for a high mileage road trip, but it would be nice to see what you guys think I need to do to prepare for my trip. My trip is going to consist of at least 5,000 miles over the course of a month. I plan on prepping my car beforehand just to make sure I'm set to go.

My car is currently sitting at 22,540 miles on the odometer. My last oil change was at 15,000 miles, so I know it's coming due very soon. I bought this car used as well, so I'm not too terribly sure if any other maintenence was done prior to me buying it at 10,200 miles. Also keep in mind that I have a 6MT as well.

If anyone could help with a small guide, I would really appreciate it. Tried looking up something for road trips but was sadly let down. Thank you again!

[Annahra]

Pretty sure there are people on this forum who daily their cars 5000 mi a month. I would just get the oil changed and not worry about it unless you have something crazy going on. I regularly drove my old BRZ (and my Genesis, and my Jetta) 1600-1800 mi over a long weekend without issue.

[ML]

change oil, check air pressure, check spare, fill washer fluid/coolant/brake. check cabin filter, and intake filter. I would bring small bag of essential tools and 2 flashlights. power inverters, wifi. and don't forget sunglasses and snacks.

[humfrz]

Pack less clothes and take more money .....


humfrz

PS - if your car has an active sound tube ...... you might consider plugging it for a long haul ....makes the cabin quieter.

[gramicci101]

Take a bottle of decent window cleaner (Sonax, stoners, etc...), some quick detailer, and a stack of microfiber towels.

[Live]

Originally Posted by ML

And don't forget sunglasses and snacks.

What kind of young sports car driving guy would I be without shades and a snack?

Alright, but do keep in mind that there will be a lot of drifting happening when I get back home. Which is why I want my car to be prepared when I head out there.

[radroach]

I did a 4000 mile trip last year. There are a few things I wish I had done + a few things that I did right that I'd suggest.

1) Bring a tire inflator kit. Your tire pressure will vary as you go from sea level to 5000 feet elevation.

2) Don't carry useless, heavy items. I brought a cot on my trip so that I could nap at rest stops along the way. Also brought a skateboard which I also didn't ride as much as I thought I would. Ended up being an extra burden loading down my car.

3) Do bring a bucket with your wash mitt, car wash soap, drying towel, and maybe a spray wax to get the car shiny when you pull into cities. Also bug remover.

4) Avoid sandstorms in New Mexico. They aren't really sandstorms, but a lot of sand will get kicked up by the wind there and it will chew up your paint, which brings me to my next point:

5) Plasti-dip your front bumper. It will save your bumper from the inevitable bugs and rock chips.

6) Double check your gps. You don't want to end up going down a agriculture / service road full of potholes.

7) Check the weather. Don't drive through Oklahoma or Texas when it's storming.

8) Bring extra shoes, so that if you get your feet wet you can change and not have to drive with soggy feet.

9) Find a hotel at night in any reasonable looking town. Don't try and drive all night on no sleep and Red Bull. Very dangerous.

10) Do try to call hotels before showing up. You don't want to show up after driving 6 hours and be surprised that all the rooms are booked at midnight.

11) Not sure what state you're from, but be aware that when you get up in the Rocky Mountains you're going to feel a power loss in this NA car. My car didn't want to go much faster than 50 mph on the long uphill out of Denver, CO.

[ZionsWrath]

kick tires

throw bag in trunk

drive

No need to over think it, especially on a new car.

[Live]

Originally Posted by radroach

I did a 4000 mile trip last year. There are a few things I wish I had done + a few things that I did right that I'd suggest.

1) Bring a tire inflator kit. Your tire pressure will vary as you go from sea level to 5000 feet elevation.

2) Don't carry useless, heavy items. I brought a cot on my trip so that I could nap at rest stops along the way. Also brought a skateboard which I also didn't ride as much as I thought I would. Ended up being an extra burden loading down my car.

3) Do bring a bucket with your wash mitt, car wash soap, drying towel, and maybe a spray wax to get the car shiny when you pull into cities. Also bug remover.

4) Avoid sandstorms in New Mexico. They aren't really sandstorms, but a lot of sand will get kicked up by the wind there and it will chew up your paint, which brings me to my next point:

5) Plasti-dip your front bumper. It will save your bumper from the inevitable bugs and rock chips.

6) Double check your gps. You don't want to end up going down a agriculture / service road full of potholes.

7) Check the weather. Don't drive through Oklahoma or Texas when it's storming.

8) Bring extra shoes, so that if you get your feet wet you can change and not have to drive with soggy feet.

9) Find a hotel at night in any reasonable looking town. Don't try and drive all night on no sleep and Red Bull. Very dangerous.

10) Do try to call hotels before showing up. You don't want to show up after driving 6 hours and be surprised that all the rooms are booked at midnight.

11) Not sure what state you're from, but be aware that when you get up in the Rocky Mountains you're going to feel a power loss in this NA car. My car didn't want to go much faster than 50 mph on the long uphill out of Denver, CO.

All of that taken into account. I will have to remember all of that. Thanks for the help!

[ciro]

Originally Posted by radroach

11) Not sure what state you're from, but be aware that when you get up in the Rocky Mountains you're going to feel a power loss in this NA car. My car didn't want to go much faster than 50 mph on the long uphill out of Denver, CO.

You are sure right about the lack of power. I went to colorado springs this spring. But you really drove 50 mph in colorado and lived!!! Everyone drive at least 75-80 on what seems like every road.

Pikes Peak recommendation: Leave your luggage in the trunk adds extra weight in the rear for grip you already are slow as hell because of the altitude, drop back in to first gear if you can around the switchbacks around 25mph you will need the extra revs if your car is stock.

[radroach]

It was pretty funny going uphill, I dropped to 3rd gear and went pretty slow up the mountain, everybody else with V6's or turbos went past me. Then after 20 minutes met the top of the mountain, gave a shout with 2 revs of my engine and flew down the mountain and passed everybody.