Safest route from Tucson to San Francisco? (Phoenix: oil, discount)

[Link N. Parker]

Hello,

I will be taking a road trip to San Francisco, and will be driving from Tucson.

What I am wondering is, what is the safest route? Is it safer to take I-8 from Tucson to San Diego, or is it better to take I-10 all the way to Phoenix and then westwards over to LA?

The reason I ask this, is because on the map, it looks like I-8 goes thru some pretty deserted areas, without a lot of fuel stations, rest stops, etc. and wanted to get some input from Arizona locals as to what is best?

[rational1]

I-8 is, indeed, very deserted. You do get a chance to see a really big solar installation and you get the frisson of being really really close to Mexico.

Personally I don't see any problem with "safety." Remote means you want a reliable car and you need to watch your gas gauge.

Look for a route that spends as little time as possible on LA freeways. Avoid rush hour, which I think runs roughly from 6 AM to midnight.

[azdr0710]

what is your definition of "safety"?....plenty of gas stations?....or low traffic, few hills?....

both interstates are very safe to drive....plenty of gas stations - just fill up every couple hundred miles and walk around that often, too....take I-10 thru Phx as it's more direct....are you OK with how to go beyond the LA metro area?....

[Bummer]

Interesting request, Link . . .

Although a few years ago, my last trip to the San Francisco area was a trip to remember. First to Phoenix then up to Las Vegas via Hoover Dam, then North to Reno before heading West on I-80.

NOT the most direct nor the fastest but definitely lots of stuff to see and do as well as SAFE.

Good Luck.

[Link N. Parker]

Safety meaning, mostly, the ability to get fuel, food, and help (if needed).

I will be driving a car with about 21,00 miles on it, so I am not too concerned with the reliability, but since I will be taking this trip in October, I dont know what the heat will be like thru the I-8 corridor of AZ. I always see on TV the concept of people having to pull over and put water in their engine, LOL, doubt I will have to do that though.

I have heard to avoid LA freeways at all cost; I am looking at a map though and see that I can take I-10 to I-210 to I-5; is that the best way to avoid LA traffic?

[Link N. Parker]

Originally Posted by Bummer

Interesting request, Link . . .

Although a few years ago, my last trip to the San Francisco area was a trip to remember. First to Phoenix then up to Las Vegas via Hoover Dam, then North to Reno before heading West on I-80.

NOT the most direct nor the fastest but definitely lots of stuff to see and do as well as SAFE.

Good Luck.

This is a good idea!! Thanks for the idea Bummer, I will look into this route as a possibility.

[azdr0710]

you won't be able to avoid the built-up metro LA area, though you can avoid central LA...yes, I-10 to 210 in Redlands to I-5 is a good way, but there will be significant traffic as you go thru the many miles in the LA area from the Banning area all the way over Tejon Pass N of LA....you'll go thru many interchanges in the LA area, so pay attention!....

if you have a favorite mechanic, might want to take the car in for an oil change/lube/filter and ask them to check all the fluids, including the coolant system....can also go to always-reliable Discount Tire for a free tire check....you probably will NOT need to pull over and add water!

do you know where to go once north of the LA area and out in the Central Valley?

[wit-nit]

If you want to by pass the Los Angeles traffic situation you may want to go to Phoenix to Las Vegas over to Lancaster then to Bakersfield and up to San Francisco. It's about 2 hours difference in time and it still may be faster than going through bumper to bumper traffic throughout the LA area. I've driven it several times, an easy drive with some scenic views along the way.
MapQuest it, Tucson to SF via Las Vegas.

[Link N. Parker]

Originally Posted by wit-nit

If you want to by pass the Los Angeles traffic situation you may want to go to Phoenix to Las Vegas over to Lancaster then to Bakersfield and up to San Francisco. It's about 2 hours difference in time and it still may be faster than going through bumper to bumper traffic throughout the LA area. I've driven it several times, an easy drive with some scenic views along the way.
MapQuest it, Tucson to SF via Las Vegas.

Another great idea, thanks!

[Link N. Parker]

Originally Posted by azdr0710

you won't be able to avoid the built-up metro LA area, though you can avoid central LA...yes, I-10 to 210 in Redlands to I-5 is a good way, but there will be significant traffic as you go thru the many miles in the LA area from the Banning area all the way over Tejon Pass N of LA....you'll go thru many interchanges in the LA area, so pay attention!....

if you have a favorite mechanic, might want to take the car in for an oil change/lube/filter and ask them to check all the fluids, including the coolant system....can also go to always-reliable Discount Tire for a free tire check....you probably will NOT need to pull over and add water!

do you know where to go once north of the LA area and out in the Central Valley?

Well the car I have is still under the original factory warranty, so I will most likely take it in there and have them look at it before I head out.

Also - I am not sure about the route north of LA, other than looking at the map. If I do take this rout(and not the others that were suggested), what is there that I will need to know about?