Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I'm planning to drive from California to Texas at the end of the month, roughly 1,800 miles. Looking for any advice as I start to get ready. I'll do the drive over 3 days / 2 nights. My main concern is the heat and the risk of overheating since temperatures can reach over 100F around this time.
Had the tires changed about 5,000 miles ago, oil change around 2,000 miles ago. Also topped off the engine coolant during the oil change. Any other preventive measures I should take before heading off?
Of course, nobody knows what you are driving, what decade it was built in, how many (hundreds of thousands of) miles it has, or anything other than you changed the tires and topped the coolant. So yeah, go for it. What could go wrong?
I took my 2006 SAAB with 110,000 miles from Austin-LA-Seattle and back just 2 weeks ago. I cruised through West Texas doing 85, AC on and my car didn't bat an eye. Unless your car is a POS, I wouldn't worry about it. Be careful through Sutton County if you are taking the 10- do 80 mph (the speed limit)- it is a speed trap.
It sounds like you've got the preventative maintenance taken care of, so I would focus on emergency preparedness. Since you're going from California to Texas, you'll likely be crossing some deserts. You need to make sure you have plenty of water on hand in case you break down. Maybe an umbrella to shade yourself from the sun as well. A car charger for your cell phone so you can call 911 in an emergency. Perhaps even a handheld CB radio in case you break down in an area with no cell coverage.
Going to 100 degree heat. Where in CA are you; I am in northern LA county and it has been 100+ over the last week.
The only thing that concerns me is when you said they topped off the coolant; Are you loosing any, if so I will have it checked. If it is the regular few drops that they top off then you are fine.
And yes, take car of yourself, hydrate, take breaks and stretch esp your legs so you don't get clots. Plan for restroom stops. Cell phone and AAA membership is a good backup.
Ahh Texas... Better have some music to take with you because that drive is boorrring and flat But most of the national monuments are in that area so thatd be cool to plan according to some of it.
You should be good though. I would check the tire pressure since theyre on the newer side.
If you didnt do the maintenance yourself, its wise to check the fluids yourself anyways just to verify with your own eyes.
and yes watch out for police. Its amazing how you can be driving normally down the highway, and you look down to see youre doing 100 mph. Cars these days are just very stable and quiet.
There are a few long uphill stretches that recommend turning off the AC. If you encounter one this might not be a bad idea. But with just a car (no tow) a problem is unlikely.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
But most of the national monuments are in that area so thatd be cool to plan according to some of it.
