Big question..see details?

Question

I am trying to prep my vehicle for a long drive from Pittsburgh, PA to North Carolina. I have a 2000 Chevy Tracker that I just bought a couple months ago. its in fairly good shape. Is there anything I should get done to my vehicle prior to driving it this distance? This is my first vehicle.

I just recently got an oil change(including transmission fluid) and a tire rotation. Would anyone recommend something else?

Serious answers please

Answer 1

It sounds like you have had some PM done (preventive maintenance) that should have covered the basics but you should double check the following since erros are common in most shops:

1. Tire pressure should be at the recommended level listed on the door jam or the highest number listed on the side of the tire.

2. Check the oil level to make sure it was not under filled or over filled. And check your washer fluid bottle to make sure it is full to the top. Lots of bugs on the roads.

3. Especially check the transmision fluid level (engine has to be running) to make sure it was not under filled which is a common fault when this servie is performed.

4. Have the engine coolant (antifreeze) level checked to make sure there is adequate antifreeze in the system and that the level (quantity/volume) is not too low.

5. Make certain that your spare tire is at the maximum pressure listed on the side of the spare. This pressure is typically much higher than the regular tires, like 50-60 PSI. Even the "posh" (hyperexpensive) car dealerships neglect to check the spare tire pressure and then when you need it you discover that you have two useless tires.

6. Bring a couple of gallons of drinkable water with you and some ice. I've seen people stuck, unexpectedly, on the Interstates for hours when an accident or road repair shuts things down and they have no means of hydrating themselves and can become heat casualties especially since the air-conditioning does not work as well or at all if you are at a dead stop in 90-100 degree weather. You can use some of the water and hand out some to your destitute fellow travelers and maybe even have some to top off an over-heating radiator.

You can use a gallon of washer fluid in 1,000 miles and drink as much water, too. You might bring an extra bottle of oil with you and check the oil level every time you stop to fill up or at your half way point.

Bring emergency phone numbers and or scout out numbers in locations you will be passing enroute so you have someone to call if you need help.

Do not allow just anyone to assist you. Make your stops in public rest areas. Always lock your doors. Bring some pepper spray or a big shotgun. Stay with your car until help arrives. Drink water liberally. I like those blue ice packs that you can throw in your cooler full of water and ice and you can tuck them between your legs if you begin to get too hot if stuck in traffic or waiting for help to arrive.

OK, I think that's it. Sprinkle some Holy Water on the car and give it the infamous Pope's Blessing (sign of the cross).

Good Luck!

Answer 2

Make sure all your fluids are topped off, oil, coolant, washer fluid, brake fluid, etc. Have your brakes checked, if you don't already have an emergency kit then get one, make sure you have a working flashlight, check to make sure your spare is in good condition too

Answer 3

Have your mechanic perform the next big maintenance that the car is due for. Something that looks at fuel injectors, breaks, and timing chain.