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DragonMage · 03-04-2003, 03:27 PM

When I recently drove up to NJ from GA, I went to my local mechanic (a Midas shop - good guy) and had him check the brakes, coolant system and tires.

Yes, get an oil change before you go if you haven't had one in a while. And have them check ALL the fluids in the car - oil/radiator/brake. Also, have them take a look at the belts and radiator hoses.

Plus, take along a can or two of fix-a-flat...just in case...you really shouldn't travel long distances or higher speeds (over 55mph) on a spare unless it's a full-size spare.

As to the refreshments...I went up (a 14 hour drive) in one go on Mountain Dew, water, cigarettes and a pack of Ritz crackers, lol. You should have no trouble. *Do* set out from the area you know well at night. Easier to traverse the places you know in the dark. That way, as you continue on the trip, you have full daylight when you are in unfamiliar territory.

As to a map...I'll join in that MapQuest SUCKS! I got specific directions on the end of the trip from Hiram and general driving directions for the interim from him and a couple others who lived along the way. I bought myself a NEW Rand McNally road atlas to keep myself on the straight and narrow and to help clarify directions. I'd suggest the same to you.

The flashlight, water and windshield wiper fluid are all good ideas, but also keep some oil on hand, some stop leak for oil as well as the radiator (which, I believe someone already mentioned).

That's about all I can add. Have a good trip and be safe! [img]smile.gif[/img]

Edited to add: I found that, when traveling the interstates, there are rest stops EVERYwhere...when I got a bit confused as to how to get through the tolls, I stopped at the rest stop before them and they had a premade direction sheet telling me exactly which way to go, which tunnel to take, etc.

Also, keep an eye on your gas gage. At about 1/2 a tank, start looking for a good place to stop and fill up. You may use another 1/4 tank finding a gas station with easy access back to the interstate.

[ 03-04-2003, 03:31 PM: Message edited by: DragonMage ]

03-04-2003, 03:27 PM	#18
DragonMage 20th Level Warrior Join Date: September 6, 2001 Location: The lighter side of life, a.k.a. Newnan, Georgia Age: 56 Posts: 2,767	When I recently drove up to NJ from GA, I went to my local mechanic (a Midas shop - good guy) and had him check the brakes, coolant system and tires. Yes, get an oil change before you go if you haven't had one in a while. And have them check ALL the fluids in the car - oil/radiator/brake. Also, have them take a look at the belts and radiator hoses. Plus, take along a can or two of fix-a-flat...just in case...you really shouldn't travel long distances or higher speeds (over 55mph) on a spare unless it's a full-size spare. As to the refreshments...I went up (a 14 hour drive) in one go on Mountain Dew, water, cigarettes and a pack of Ritz crackers, lol. You should have no trouble. Do set out from the area you know well at night. Easier to traverse the places you know in the dark. That way, as you continue on the trip, you have full daylight when you are in unfamiliar territory. As to a map...I'll join in that MapQuest SUCKS! I got specific directions on the end of the trip from Hiram and general driving directions for the interim from him and a couple others who lived along the way. I bought myself a NEW Rand McNally road atlas to keep myself on the straight and narrow and to help clarify directions. I'd suggest the same to you. The flashlight, water and windshield wiper fluid are all good ideas, but also keep some oil on hand, some stop leak for oil as well as the radiator (which, I believe someone already mentioned). That's about all I can add. Have a good trip and be safe! [img]smile.gif[/img] Edited to add: I found that, when traveling the interstates, there are rest stops EVERYwhere...when I got a bit confused as to how to get through the tolls, I stopped at the rest stop before them and they had a premade direction sheet telling me exactly which way to go, which tunnel to take, etc. Also, keep an eye on your gas gage. At about 1/2 a tank, start looking for a good place to stop and fill up. You may use another 1/4 tank finding a gas station with easy access back to the interstate. [ 03-04-2003, 03:31 PM: Message edited by: DragonMage ] __________________ [img]\"http://home.earthlink.net/~moraine_sedai/_uimages/dragonmage.gif\" alt=\" - \" /> [img]\"ubb/noncgi/smiles/hero2.gif\" alt=\" - \" /> <br />Alureth...Dragon friend of Lady Breanna<br /><br />Co-Owner/Operator of the Evil Petting Zoo and devout member of the HADB clan.<br />Commander of the Dragon Fleet, IW Peacekeeping Force<br />Mother Hen of IW and Mage extraordinaire.<br /><br />Utterly in love with my soul mate, Hiram.