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 I take periodioc breaks,? oil use, etc. . .??? thanks
2006-09-17 08:20:18 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
Umm...how about you got o a mechanic to make sure!!...you dont want to be left out in the middle of anywhere!...so yup yup do that best!
2006-09-17 08:22:59 · answer #1 · answered by Angel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your car really runs fine then you shouldn't have a problem. Have you done the scheduled maintance? Have the tires checked, change the oil, check the transmission fluid...Pretty much you should take the car in and have it looked at by someone qualified. Tell them you are taking a trip and want to make sure its ready for the drive. Don't push your car. Six hours isn't anything really. I drove my 98 chevy from Cali to Texas and then from Texas to Maryland and never once had a problem. So I would follow the flow of the traffic around you. Stop when you need gas and to go to the bathroom. Other than that if everything checks out you should be fine. Enjoy the ride.
2006-09-17 08:25:19 · answer #2 · answered by sukesgirl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well saturn does make a reliable car, but if your not sure here's a little check list for you
oil change, including filter
fuel filter
battery check
tires, make sure that you have decent tires without dry rot
wiperblades
brake fluid
transmission fluid
clutch fluid *if it's a five speed*
make sure it's not burning oil (blue smoke out the exhaust)
and if you can afford it new spark plugs and wires
then if you don't see any problems take it for a test drive on the interstate at about 65 for an hour or so if it does good then odds are you have a very good chance of making it where your goin
2006-09-17 08:26:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok start with the most inportant,get your oil changed and all your other fluids checked and topped off.(dont forget coolant)
check all you belts and hoses,if none of these have been changed you should probably change them anyway,since these are what get the most wear and tear.
get all your tires checked,replace any that need replacing,make sure your spare is inflated and you have your jack,keep about a gallon of water in the trunk,after your car sits in one spot for an hour of so look and see if any fluids are leaking by moving it and checking for spots,if so have it checked and make sure you can tell what color it is.
i know it sound overwhelming but it will give you peice of mind,my car is a 1991 and i would drive it to cali from nc(which is where i am from also) with no problem and i have almost 200,000 miles on it
2006-09-17 08:33:45 · answer #4 · answered by dragnoldmetal 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have your car serviced or do it yourself, there is no reason why it should not make the trip.
Make sure the tires are properly inflated and in good conditon. Check the oil in the crankcase and if you have an automatic transmission, make sure the oil level is correct.
Check the water level and make sure your cooling system is fully oprational. Drive the car for a while before you make the trip.
Then fill her up and away you go.
2006-09-17 08:31:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
first of all is your car in pretty good shape over all? does it have a lot of rattles? does it leak oil,coolent,transmission fluid,do you have to top off the brake fluid often? if you answered yes to any of these questions stop at a garage and have them check it out. what shape are your tires in do they have good tread on them or are they going bald ? those are just a start . now a check list before you start up your car. check the oil,and coolent, brake fluid. refer to owners manual and see if transmission should be warm or cold to check that fluid. next check tires all the way around even on the sides under the car make sure that the tread is not seperating from the rest of the tire. make sure your spare is good and that you have a car jack and tire iron. if you have done this you should be in pretty good shape to go on your trip!!!
2006-09-17 10:30:41 · answer #6 · answered by sdriver03 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in simple terms be constructive you get an oil exchange earlier you hit the line, and examine all your fluids. examine your breaks, and tires and keep a spare tire, some fix-a-flat, and ensure you have a jack and an vehicle club. additionally carry a credit card so if there is an emergency you will get it mounted and be on your way! additionally make certain you have an incredible type of windshield washing fluid. Your gonna want that as quickly as the bugs splat against it. go the fee decrease. law enforcement officers out of city are a*s wholes!
2016-10-15 02:33:07 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have been maintaining it like you should then why the heck not? No weird noises, leaks, vibrations, shifting problems? Anything that breaks down via chemical changes(like fluids), or rubber (like belts, hoses, tires) should ALWAYS be checked on a regular basis. Believe it or not, those maintenance schedules aren't just to sell you something.
Hit the road!
2006-09-17 08:51:50 · answer #8 · answered by mickeyg1958 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OIL CHANGE!!!! Your car will be fine! To be safe, don't use the air conditioning, it will save you gas and it will keep your car from working too hard. Have the tires checked and the breaks. All will be fine!
I have driven from ohio to new mexico 5 times and from ohio to texas 2 times all is good !!
2006-09-17 08:23:39 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rent a car. If you car breaks down it will cost you more than the rental. You could also get a smaller car and the money you save on gas will pay for the rental.
2006-09-17 08:28:47 · answer #10 · answered by jeff d 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1997 is not an old car take it in for a tune up and safety check if no problums drive it
2006-09-17 08:30:18 · answer #11 · answered by norsmen 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋