What Should I Check Before A Long Trip?

[dunndarryn]

Hi everyone,
So I've been considering taking a trip to Disney World for quite some time now, but I'm nervous because the miles on my LS are high (177k). I live 171 miles from Disney, and I would hate for something to go wrong in transit. So what should I check on my LS before making the journey or should I not? I know to check tires, oil, etc. but anything else?

I drive a total of 200 miles every week (40-45 miles a day) but obviously my car gets breaks because I go to work for 6 hours and then leave. So any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Sorry if this is a silly thread, but I just want to obtain the knowledge from those who have more of it than I do.

 

[nelliott500]

I would check the coolant level since these cars are known to have issues.

 

[Ranchero50]

As said above, coolant level and tire pressure. Otherwise just be observant about your car. Is it spotting the parking lot? Does it make odd noises and vibrate at speeds, cornering, braking? Does it smell funny?

It's cooler down there so I wouldn't sweat the run. Just take your time and plan ahead. AAA membership is cheap insurance?

Back in '91 I drove across the country in a '68 Fairlane knowing that each morning I'd have to adjust the points for another 500 mile run. Greatest trip of my life (so far).

A 400 mile round trip I wouldn't sweat.

 

[dunndarryn]

As said above, coolant level and tire pressure. Otherwise just be observant about your car. Is it spotting the parking lot? Does it make odd noises and vibrate at speeds, cornering, braking? Does it smell funny?

It's cooler down there so I wouldn't sweat the run. Just take your time and plan ahead. AAA membership is cheap insurance?

Back in '91 I drove across the country in a '68 Fairlane knowing that each morning I'd have to adjust the points for another 500 mile run. Greatest trip of my life (so far).

A 400 mile round trip I wouldn't sweat.

It leaks power steering very very slowly, I have to put in a tiny bit every couple weeks. It doesn't make any weird noises but I do get a little vibration at high speeds.

 

[nelliott500]

Vibration at high speeds would make me think wheel balancing. Not a big deal.

 

[Telco]

Don't forget the spare tire when you check the tires, that's the one nobody ever thinks to check. I periodically check tires on all the cars at my house, and when I added my LS to the checks I found that the spare was completely flat. It's also a good idea to carry a small compressor and a plugging kit.

I'd also check the lugnuts before leaving, and check tire tread and wear. If it's wearing funny, find out why before leaving as you don't want to find out halfway to your destination that there was a problem. You won't know any reliable mechanics there, the repair cost will be 5 times as much as it would be at home, and they'll try and milk you for everything they can since they won't have to worry about repeat business from you. If the tread is close to the worn out limit, I would go ahead and put a new set on.

New wiper blades. Very important, as you will be on unfamiliar roads and you don't want to be trying to drive on them with bad wipers if you get caught in the rain.

Light check. You don't want some law enforcement agency far from home an excuse to pull you over, then decide to do a drug search because you have out of state plates and your car's riding a bit low from the luggage. A bad light bulb is all the exuse they need, including the license plate bulb.

 

[mlara1129]

Here's one:
http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/showthread.php?t=82751

Theres a few more threads like this, can't find ATM

 

[dunndarryn]

Don't forget the spare tire when you check the tires, that's the one nobody ever thinks to check. I periodically check tires on all the cars at my house, and when I added my LS to the checks I found that the spare was completely flat. It's also a good idea to carry a small compressor and a plugging kit.

I'd also check the lugnuts before leaving, and check tire tread and wear. If it's wearing funny, find out why before leaving as you don't want to find out halfway to your destination that there was a problem. You won't know any reliable mechanics there, the repair cost will be 5 times as much as it would be at home, and they'll try and milk you for everything they can since they won't have to worry about repeat business from you. If the tread is close to the worn out limit, I would go ahead and put a new set on.

New wiper blades. Very important, as you will be on unfamiliar roads and you don't want to be trying to drive on them with bad wipers if you get caught in the rain.

Light check. You don't want some law enforcement agency far from home an excuse to pull you over, then decide to do a drug search because you have out of state plates and your car's riding a bit low from the luggage. A bad light bulb is all the exuse they need, including the license plate bulb.

I actually don't have a spare right now, but definitely will be getting one before I take any long trip. Also new tires, alignment, and balance are all on the top of my list. Thanks for all the tips everyone!

 

[LS4me]

Hi everyone,
So I've been considering taking a trip to Disney World for quite some time now, but I'm nervous because the miles on my LS are high (177k). I live 171 miles from Disney, and I would hate for something to go wrong in transit. So what should I check on my LS before making the journey or should I not? I know to check tires, oil, etc. but anything else?

I drive a total of 200 miles every week (40-45 miles a day) but obviously my car gets breaks because I go to work for 6 hours and then leave. So any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Sorry if this is a silly thread, but I just want to obtain the knowledge from those who have more of it than I do.

An approximately 400 mile trip is long? On va-ca we do 700+ per day! You are driving less than a weeks worth of driving in one day. If you aren't worried week to week don't worry about your short trip. In reality, it's easier for your engine to do a <200 mile freeway trip than a bunch of stop and go or short trips.

My (daughter's now) old LS has ~176K and I wouldn't hesitate to take it on a trip of any length. It's all about maintenance!

 

[msgtusmc]

You might pull front wheels & check ball joints & sway bar links. My wife complained about a similiar vibration last week. I had to replace all 4 sway bar links & found boots deteriorated on all ball joints, but joints tight, will replace next week. Might check for brake caliper sticking also. Removing calipher and applying anti sieze to the outer 3 metal tabs keeps breaks from grabbing. Thin coat, just make it look wet.