Pre-trip Vehicle stuff

[jester911]

Just wondering if you vets out there have any special things done to your vehicles before the drive down. My van is used to being driven a few hours at most every day not 12-20 hours at a stretch. Might not be a problem just throwing it out there. I know an oil change and general once over by a mechanic but anything else I am missing.
And yes I know I should fill up the tank.

 

[Reese]

That's all we ever do. Plus make sure the tires are topped up.

 

[jester911]

Thanks. I do that one as well. Think I am set.

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[Alderbrook]

I'm in the same boat as you with my van. I'm a stay at home mom & the van gets used to run my son around in our small town. I remember the dealer saying that one of the fluids (transmission?) will get gummy if your vehicle isn't driven a lot, so I always make sure to mention that to them if we're going on a trip. I basically tell them we're going away & to double check everything. Once we had the serpentine belt changed because it was due. Other than that, nothing special.

 

[ccudmore]

Take the snow tires off.

 

[dis_guy]

Take the snow tires off.

Very good point. It's the temperature that kills snow tires, or so I've been told.

Consider one of the dealer's 80 point (or whatever kind yours has) inspection. They are often offered at a discount and are worth the peace of mind, in my opinion.

Have a safe trip.

 

[Ted in Halifax]

Check fluids ... top up if necessary ... check tire pressure. If you have a warranty - make sure you have a contact number! If traveling with kids ... pre pack a few surprise dollar store gifts .. wrapped up. (save these for the latter half of the drive).

Ted

 

[North7]

Make sure you belong to a roadside assistance group (ie CAA, Good Sam, Ford, GM etc) as a lot of towing companies will no longer respond unless contacted by one of these groups... unfortunately, they've been shafted in the payment process by too many individuals.

 

[VAN]

We've had basic servicing done prior to the trip (but not the week before, in case something is wrong). We would also take any unnecessary seats out of the minivan to make more room for stuff, etc. For us, we were only 4 people, so I took the two captains chairs out (plus we were towing our camper so it lightened the load and we got better gas mileage).

We always had the snacks in a location that was handy as well as a fully stocked cooler. Was great for those rest stops where you wanted to take a break and have a picnic lunch.

 

[dancin Disney style]

My DH works in the auto industry and he has one of his techs give our van a road trip inspection before we venture off on any long trip. They will check the fluids, belts, hoses and tires. If we haven't had the brakes done for a while they will look at that too...but that's done as a favour. If you are following the manufactures maintenance schedule you really won't need anything done.

Make sure you have a full size spare and that it's inflated properly.

We carry a can of puncture seal, a battery booster, and a large jug of water. Our van has a built in air compressor with a hose but if it didn't we would carry a pump. We also have a power inverter so that we can charge the cell phones if needed.

 

[Tower]

Make sure you have a full size spare and that it's inflated properly.

Agree whole-heartedly on this one. If it doesn't fit in the slot for those silly donuts, find another place to store it in the car. Not just the tire, but wheel as well.

 

[jester911]

WOW. You guys and gals certainly cover your bases. I think these ideas are great. The whole thing is gonna be a blur I know it.