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First time driving this much I am moving to a new city, and would like to drive my car the 1,400 miles along I-80.
It's an 11 year old Toyota Corolla with 132,000 miles, never had major issues.
2 months ago
Had an oil change and have less than 1,500 miles left before needing my next oil change.
I have about 1,7000 miles left before needing a tire rotation.
5 months ago
Got a manufacturer's maintenance check (replaced the serpentine belt, cabin filter, cleaned battery terminal and flushed the throttle)
In 2015
The mechanic said my rear brake pads were at 30%. The other pads are new.
The trip is broken over 2 days, with 700-900 miles the second day. I'll be on the freeway most of the time, going 60-80mph.
Should I get a pre-trip maintenance check or just go?
I have Triple AAA insurance with towing and disabled car service.
Last edited by wolverine2144; 01-16-2017 at 08:18 PM..
Reason: Added car mileage
Any particular concern you have that it may have trouble?
I would not have much concern with an 11 year old car that is running well, and has been receiving it's required maintenance right along. There is always some risk of an issue of course and an inspection could turn up a ripped CV boot or something or other, but chances are if all seems well then you will be ok.
How many miles total on the car? When does the manufacturer recommend the timing belt be changed?
Oh, I forgot to include that info. I have 132,000 miles on the Toyota.
I believe my mechanic said it has a timing chain that doesn't ever need replacing. A timing belt is not listed in my manufacturer's book. Just lists an inspection of parts for 135,000 miles (axles, ball joints, etc.)
I edited my original post to include the mileage now
Any particular concern you have that it may have trouble?
I would not have much concern with an 11 year old car that is running well, and has been receiving it's required maintenance right along. There is always some risk of an issue of course and an inspection could turn up a ripped CV boot or something or other, but chances are if all seems well then you will be ok.
Okay, thanks for taking the time to post a response! I've always been on top of maintenance and don't have a real concern, except maybe the "brake pads at 30%" in 2015. I don't know much about cars or have experience with long road trips.
Ok. Well, a checkup never hurts anything. Costs a couple bucks but if it gives you peace of mind it may be worth it. Doesn't sound like you should be more at risk for anything other than having an older, moderate mileage car. Maybe having it looked over is a good idea, since you do not have much familiarity with the mechanical workings.
Okay, thanks for taking the time to post a response! I've always been on top of maintenance and don't have a real concern, except maybe the "brake pads at 30%" in 2015. I don't know much about cars or have experience with long road trips.
The things that you should probably have them check.. And, I agree with the above two that it makes sense to have it done, just the basics.. Check/top off fluids, which probably isn't needed since it was (in theory) done at the last oil change.. Inspect the radiator hoses, inspect the serpentine belt. Those 2 right there are the things that are probably most likely to happen that you could prevent.
A good shop, you could probably drive up, pop the hood, they'd look at the belt and hoses and if they're fine, not even charge you.. Because that's literally a 2 minute thing to do. If you trust whoever has done your oil changes so far as topping off fluids.
Anything else.. Look.. Crap happens. That's why you have the AAA.
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I am moving to a new city, and would like to drive my car the 1,400 miles along I-80.
but I've always been reading advice on threads here preparing for my move, so I decided to join.
