Do you think my car would make a 6 hour drive from North Carolina to Alabama?

Question

I own a 1997 Saturn SL, its runs fine, it gets me around town well. but I've gone far away to college, and i want to go home,get my car and bring it down to Alabama. sense it is an old car what are some things I should do to give my car the best chance of making it on the six our drive. What major things should I check or change, how fast should i drive on the interstate, should take periodical breaks,? oil use, etc. . .??? thanks

Answer 1

Check the tires first of all. Make sure the tread is in good shape, no weathering on the sides of the tires, and that they are properly inflated. Next, get the oil changed, and that filter too. Unless it was just done. But at least check its level, to make sure its good. Next check your coolant, make sure there is some in there., and also check the other fluids to make sure they are topped off. Next check the belts, to see if they are in good shape. No missing chunks and such. These are the basics as I can think of. Have a safe drive. :)

Answer 2

A six hour drive is no big deal.
You should drive at or below the speed limit.
No special breaks are needed (bathroom, meal and gas fill-up breaks are fine)

Here are some things that you should check periodically from NAIOA.com and you should check before you make any long trip.

Check coolant, trans fluid, oil, tires and tire pressure.
Check air filter & replace if necessary
Check passenger compartment air filter if equipped.
Check power steering fluid
Check brake fluid
Inspect the engine accessory drive belt for cracks, fraying, and wear
Check spark plug wires for burns, cracks or other damage Ensure that the fit between the boots at the spark plugs & at the coils is snug.
Check windshield wipers and washer fluid level
Check for fluid leaks under car - water, oil, fuel, etc.
Check the restraint system (seat belt reminder light & all the belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors & anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts (child restraints.)
Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers
Check spare tire is securely stowed & inflated, checking jack equipment, check any covers or doors; oil jack screw after each use.

Other stuff to check annually:
Inspect the front & rear suspension & steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of wear or lack of lubrication. Check for shock absorbency, bushing durability, tightness of attaching bolts, visible damage, misalignment, excessive wear.

Answer 3

Make sure that you get an oil change before you hit the road, and check all of your fluids. Check your breaks, and tires and keep a spare tire, some fix-a-flat, and make sure you have a jack and an auto club. Also carry a credit card so if there is an emergency you can get it fixed and be on your way! Also make sure you have plenty of windshield washing fluid. Your gonna need that when the bugs splat against it. Go the speed limit. Cops out of town are a*s wholes!

Answer 4

They've covered about everything else. Drive at the speed limit or else stay in the right lane. Take breaks, maybe every 2 hours. They forgot to mention a cell phone to call for help if you do break down. There should be adequate coverage where you are operating. Do slow down to the posted construction zone speeds as the enforcement people are getting real fussy about that one, but slowing down doesn't mean coming to a crawl unless there are workers of equipment hanging out into your travel lane.

Answer 5

A Saturn? You'll be fine. Check the oil, tighten battery connections, make sure your differential or transmission fluid is good, and then drive. I drove from NC to NYC in a 1985 Caddy Eldorado with the crappy 4100 engine with 190k miles on it. Then I even drove back. One note... if you got cheap tires in terms of temperature, stop every hour and take a leak or something.

Answer 6

if your vehicle rather runs high-quality then you certainly don't have a project. have you ever finished the scheduled maintance? Have the tires checked, substitute the oil, verify the transmission fluid...fairly lots you're able to take the vehicle in and characteristic it looked at via somebody qualified. tell them you're taking a visit and could desire to make specific its waiting for the force. do not push your vehicle. Six hours isn't something rather. I drove my ninety 8 chevy from Cali to Texas and then from Texas to Maryland and in no way as quickly as had a project. So i might persist with the bypass of the site visitors around you. end once you like gas and to pass to the bathing room. different than that if each and every thing tests out you're able to be high-quality. relish the experience.

Answer 7

I have a 1994 Saturn SL2 with 160K miles on it and I love it, I have never had any problems with it and even though I need to get an automatic now I really do not want to get rid of it.
Have your regular mechanic look at it, make sure you have a roadside assistance plan and go for it. Good luck to you.

Answer 8

I think you have your answers here. I would add one thing. I have a '95 dodge Neon with 191000 miles on it. I have driven it to Arizona from Texas, and to Illinois from Texas. As long as I make sure she has an oil change and tire rotation before I head out, she still runs like a bat out of hell.

Answer 9

A 1997 Saturn...no problem. Just be sure to check out all your vitals before you leave...tires, gas, oil.

Answer 10

Your car will consume oil cuz its old, so change oil before you leave and bring a couple extra quarts, check your serpentine belt (not sure if you have more than one) but if its cracked, replace it. Change your fuel filter, and you should be good to go visit your old flame.