Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - New to car maintenance but wary of those mechanics places

DEI37 · 11-08-2003, 05:20 AM

What kind of car do you drive? For the most part, today's cars are pretty reliable that way. Just as a thought, you might want to change the plugs and wires anyway, just as preventative maintanence, but I definitely would not call it a must-do before the trip. However, DO check your belt/s, check ALL fluid levels, including transmission, radiator, power steering, & engine oil. Check tire pressures...these are absolutely critical to long tire life and increased fuel mileage. Not to mention handling. Other than that, I wouldn't worry to much, really. Be safe on your trip, and have fun!

P.S. To be honest, a 4.5 hour trip isn't something to really get worked up about. Three hundred miles isn't a stress to a motor at all, nor the operating parts. However, you DO still want the car in good operating condition, and doing the things I mentioned above will do just that.

Now, if you're going on a 3500 mile round trip...that's a biggie. Still not a stress to the car, but if you're not careful in prep, it could present a new batch of problems if you don't stop except to piss and for fuel, like me! A couple years ago, we ran to Denver...some 1200 miles from where we lived...in about 16 hours...and didn't stop but three times. Twice for gas, and one extra piss stop.

11-08-2003, 05:20 AM	#4 (permalink)
DEI37 Go faster! Location: Wisconsin	What kind of car do you drive? For the most part, today's cars are pretty reliable that way. Just as a thought, you might want to change the plugs and wires anyway, just as preventative maintanence, but I definitely would not call it a must-do before the trip. However, DO check your belt/s, check ALL fluid levels, including transmission, radiator, power steering, & engine oil. Check tire pressures...these are absolutely critical to long tire life and increased fuel mileage. Not to mention handling. Other than that, I wouldn't worry to much, really. Be safe on your trip, and have fun! P.S. To be honest, a 4.5 hour trip isn't something to really get worked up about. Three hundred miles isn't a stress to a motor at all, nor the operating parts. However, you DO still want the car in good operating condition, and doing the things I mentioned above will do just that. Now, if you're going on a 3500 mile round trip...that's a biggie. Still not a stress to the car, but if you're not careful in prep, it could present a new batch of problems if you don't stop except to piss and for fuel, like me! A couple years ago, we ran to Denver...some 1200 miles from where we lived...in about 16 hours...and didn't stop but three times. Twice for gas, and one extra piss stop. __________________ Generally speaking, if you were to get what you really deserve, you might be unpleasantly surprised.