Long Distance Driving (regular checks, this and that)

**philip_pc** · 20-01-2009 03:22 PM

might be doing some long distance driving a bit later on. just want to know if you guys can recommend any other checks and maintainence things that i should be aware of before/after the drive:

the ones i know of mostly are:
- check tyre pressures, make sure they are right to get optimal fuel economy
- throttle response, use cruise ctrl when possible
- letting off the gas pedal as opposed to braking when possible (brake when you need to though)

can you guys think of any other tips to give me? is there any engine things i should check after the trip and stuff, also would engine oil need to be changed AS OFTEN on freeway? cause people say usually 5000k change, freeway would you say 7000k? cause your burning less fuel most of the time so less crap builds up in your engine.

**dsp26** · 20-01-2009 03:31 PM

i always carry a full set of cheap spark plugs and a bottle of octane booster for emergency...

a long long time ago once upon a time it was very hot, and i filled up at a dodgy petrol station...cylinder 1 pinged (or cyl4 can't remember the order on this car) and blew a spark plug.

- carry one of those $40 battery starter things that jump starts your car (you could be taking a little nap and forget your parkers and radio are on etc...
- carry a small amount of oil to top up as well as coolant.... these things myteriously disappear on long hot drives
- make sure your spare tyre is pumped up. most people will never check this until they get a blown tyre 3yrs+ later of owning the vehicle

**Lukey** · 20-01-2009 03:34 PM

check ur wheel nuts

**outatime** · 20-01-2009 03:44 PM

get fresh oil and put a car bra on

**chilli** · 20-01-2009 03:50 PM

Depending on the distance your traveling and the age (and km's) on your car.

If you have an older, i would carry some water and oil in the boot. And check your oil level and water level every few weeks.

I think its best to service every 5k. But for long distance driving every 7k with fully or semi synthetic would be fine (IMO).

Perhaps get a good wheel alignment if your driving long freeway driving. And check the pressure of your spare tyre incase you get a flat =p

**dsp26** · 20-01-2009 03:51 PM

^^matches are a good idea... lighters..not right now.... i've had 1 explode in my glove box and 1 explode in my face in my bosses mazda6 top compartment... he guttered his rims after that happened

peak summer here right now just in case you didn't know lol

**EK1.6LCIV** · 20-01-2009 04:20 PM

damn who sells EK4/preface lift car bras in OZ

good tips

I check the oil/coolant everytime I fill up at a service station

but on long trips, all of the lights, tyre presure, all fluid levels

**beeza** · 20-01-2009 04:36 PM

Road Trips ftw!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

**trism** · 20-01-2009 05:03 PM

before you go check all tyres for cracking/egging/damage and check pressures.

check coolant level and oil level make sure they are full

check spare tyre pressure.

then put a 1l botle of oil and a 2l bottle of water or coolant in the boot

during the trip as long as youve checked all that stuff you should be right

**outatime** · 20-01-2009 06:02 PM

Originally Posted by EK1.6LCIV

damn who sells EK4/preface lift car bras in OZ

http://www.carbra.com.au/ - they do custom made though but still looks good.. saw a type-r at the carwash with a bra. dude told me that site..

**Type R Positive** · 20-01-2009 06:31 PM

Fcuking hell? Where do you guys go?

You have a new car mate, it's all good. Just check that the washer bottle is topped up.
Take some window cleaner and a towel. Bugs.....

p.s. I live in the country, my 'short' drive is 200kms, my 'normal' drive is 500kms....