nash

Hi, I'm new to maintaining cars, and I bought a used car ~20,000 miles ago. It's got ~114,000 miles on it now, and I'm going on a ~4.5 hr trip next weekend and have no choice but to drive this car. Although I don't think that there's anything wrong with this car, I'd like to make sure everything is in order before I start out on my trip.

So in general, what kinds of things should I check? I've been doing regular oil changes myself, but haven't taken it to a mechanic. I want to check my belts and spark plugs and what not, but I don't know what to look for or how to replace them even if I find something wrong. So I'm thinking of taking it to a Jiffy Lube or something to get it looked at professionally, but I'm afraid that they'll overcharge me or something.

So what kind of stuff should I look for and watch out for if/when I go?

TIA

Snakebyt

make sure and check water levels, oil, just encase take a couple gallons water and a couple quarts of oil so you will have them if you need them. As for hoses and belts, check the belts for cracking,tearing ect. make sure there are not any leaks coming from radiator hoses.
you might want to google for some pics of what worn ones look like.

if you need help replacing them, im sure the local auto parts store would be happy to help walk you thru it

WarWagon

The stuff to watch out for is their "upgrades" that they do without telling you. I.e charging for the ridiculously expensive synthetic oils, the expensive antifreeze, 5 dollar spark plugs, etc. If your car only has 114000 and the trip is mostly highway miles, I wouldnt be very worried about it.

DEI37

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.

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nash

I know the trip itself is not a big deal, but I feel that I've been putting off on a check up for a while now. It's a mid 90's Mitsubishi sedan (i.e. 95 galant). Cool, thanks a lot for the info, and any more suggestions are always welcome.

edit: also the battery hasn't been replaced, ever. It's still the same battery that came from the factory. And worries about that?

floonine

I think the question is how much money you spend. If you have the extra cash, get a new battery. Otherwise, I can't think of anything else to worry about that anyone else hasn't said. DEI37 is right about the tire pressure as well, its really important for long life, etc.

If you are worried about it, but still don't feel like the you looked at everything, all you have to do is "pretend" to have money coming in a "next pay check". That way you can have mechanics look at it, tell you what they think, and then you can repair it yourself, all the while letting them think that you are gonna come back and give them business.

example: Brakecheck looks at brakes for free, they told me what they thought the problems were, and I told them I would be back. Then, later that day, I looked at what they suggested and then fixed the problems myself. Of course, it also helps to know what you are looking for, but in my case I am too lazy to look at the entire car for maintenance, so I let them do the searching on their lifts.

Letting Brakecheck do my brakes: $150 marked down from $290
Changing the brakes myself: $20
Keeping the $130 in my wallet: Priceless

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Sion

"also the battery hasn't been replaced, ever. It's still the same battery that came from the factory. And worries about that?"


yes, absolutely. replace that battery before the weather turns cold in your area. you've got a battery that is at least 8 years old. anything after 6 is living on borrowed time. spend the $60 or so on a new one asap.

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Stare At The Sun

^ Oh so true, being stuck outside in ze cold weather blows.

If there is anything i've ever learned, its check the oil! It only takes a few seconds, and tire pressure is real important too, i'd keep up on that for sure. Just my .02, but i wouldnt speed to much, its just extra stress on the engine..if you're that worried about it..