General Maintenance before a long trip?

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Dec 27, 2005 | 08:49 AM

kingkong5

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From: California

General Maintenance before a long trip?

I know almost zero, zilch, nothing about how a car works. Now, i do take it in for regular maintenance like oil changes and major mileage service (60,000 90,000, etc) but that's about it.

We're taking our GS400 to Las Vegas on Thursday, and I'm just wondering if there are certain things you should check/fill up before heading out on a long trip?

Dec 27, 2005 | 12:26 PM

steviej

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From: Scituate, MA

check or "top off" all fluid levels.
tranny, brake, PS, coolant, windshield washer fluid.

do an oil and filter change before you go if it is close to time, or have it done on the trip if you exceed your regular change interval.

most importantly, and everyone forgets this, check the air pressure in all your tires including you spare. Don't want to get a flat in the desert only to find out then, your spare it flat, too.

check the condition of your serpentine belts and replace if necessary. Some people recommend keeping a spare of each in the trunk.

Bring extra fluids (oil, tranny fluid, premixed coolant or water, ww fluid) in the trunk.

steviej

Last edited by steviej; Dec 27, 2005 at 12:30 PM.

Dec 27, 2005 | 04:14 PM

Frank T

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From: MN

Yep....

Fill the fluids.

Kick the tires and light the fires.

Frank

Dec 27, 2005 | 04:32 PM

kingkong5

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From: California

Thank you for your kind advice! I will top off the fluids tomorrow afternoon. Tomorrow morning, I'm going to go buy some fluids.

Dec 27, 2005 | 06:00 PM

VVT-i

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From: Georgia

Make sure you check the coolant in the radiator when it's cold and check the trans fluid while the car's at idle. Don't forget to read the Owner's manual before you're going crazy about topping off all the fluid. They're Minimum and Miximum mark along with Hot and Cold fluid level, so becareful don't over fill them. Have a save trip.

Jan 3, 2006 | 07:50 PM

Xevuhtess7

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From: Massachusetts

double check the manual for the types of fluids you're putting in. for example my car uses auto tranny fluid in the power steering, not regular power steering fluid.

Jan 4, 2006 | 02:35 PM

RA40

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From: California

Inspect the serpentine belt also. With the rain that has passed through, check the windshield wiper blades. Vegas can get pretty cool and we've had ice on the windshield some mornings. Tires definitely...make sure they are good and no punctures.

Your biggest worry is how much money to bring and not getting caught speeding through the Rancho Cucamonga area.