prep for another roadtrip

[T2urtle]

From Chicago to Toronto. Roughly +/-550 miles one way. Going to be there 24/36 hours and coming back. Family Emergency.

I've done the drive before about 3 years back. I did a drive to NYC last year. But now 2005 g35x has 86k and has issues every now and then. Replaced a camshaft and a crankshaft sensor. 2 front wheel bearings. Has a very minor coolant leak, i'll top it off before i do. But overall i feel 95% confident this car will have no issues.

Anything you guys do to prep the car before a 1100mile round trip for the weekend. I really wish i had a car that gets better then 24mpg pure highway cruising @70-75

I'm going to up the PSI in the tires a little just because i believe it can help. I'll confirm my spare tire is not flat and have all tools to change out a flat. Oil change was done last month.

 

[cabri]

Get a rental with unlimited mileage. Tell them you are going to Buffalo. That provides justification for going via Canada

 

[shortylickens]

I too have a road trip coming up.

DC to Niagara Falls. Vehicle is getting some minor work done right now. Before I get going I need to fill up my laptop with games and movies. Gramma doesnt have much in her house, and Canadian broadcast TV isnt great.

Also need to put the cooler in the car, and loads of water. What else?
Music on the CF card for my car. Maybe preload the trip into the computer, with some alternate paths.

 

[T2urtle]

rental might run me $150, gas savings if i can get 35 VS my 23 is only $65. Piece of mind could be worth $100. Not sure how legal it is for me to take it internationally without telling them.

I rather drive my car. I do enjoy the drive once in MI, normally going 80+

 

[GregGreen]

I really only do a couple things when going on a roadtrip, although I'm not the most handy, so you might still want to do more:
1. Check the tire pressures (including the spare, which you mentioned -- so many people forget the spare).
2. Check oil levels or get the oil changed a little prematurely if it is close to being needed.
3. Check other important fluids -- windshield washer, coolant, etc.
4. Check to make sure my basic toolkit is still in the car. I may not know what I'm doing, but I at least want to have the tools there to make it look like I do.
5. Clean the glass! Nothing worse than looking through some streaked glass while driving into the sun for hours.

EDIT: Added important #5!