For most of us, going on a road trip means enjoying a much deserved break from the daily grind. Being able to take time away from your job or daily routine and enjoy some time on the open road can be a great stress reliever. But on the other hand, if you’re worried that your decades old vehicle wont make the drive, it can be more of a stress inducer.
So the question that most of us ask ourselves is, “Will my car make it on a road trip?”
Generally speaking, most cars are not too old for road trips. If your vehicle is in good running condition and up to date on state inspection you should have no trouble taking it on an extended drive. However, there are some exceptions. If you are constantly working on your vehicle or are having to replace lots of parts, you may want to reconsider taking it for a long drive.
In this article we’re going to share with you some tips and tricks for taking your old car on a long road trip. We’re also going to show you how to prepare an old/high mileage car for a long trip. If you’d like to know more about how to do this, keep reading to learn more!
How Old is too Old?
When it comes to taking a long road trip, or any trip for that matter, we all want to feel confident that our vehicles will make the drive. With that being said, just because a vehicle is old doesn’t mean its not reliable. There are lots of vehicles on the road today that were on the road 20 years ago or longer.
The main thing to be concerned about with older vehicles is how well they’ve been maintained. Has the oil been changed regularly? When was the last time it had a tune up? Does it have current inspection (if applicable in your state)? These are questions you should be asking any time you consider taking an older vehicle on a long trip.
If an older vehicle has been properly maintained at normal service intervals, it shouldn’t have any more issues on a road trip than a newer vehicle would. The key to keeping an old vehicle on the road is proper maintenance. Most vehicle owner manuals will show what maintenance needs to be done and when. As long as you can verify that the vehicle has been serviced properly, the chances of having any issue with it should be minimal.
Should I be Concerned About Mileage?
Another concern that most of us have with older vehicles is the mileage. Because mileage is an indicator of how long a vehicle will last before needing major repairs, it should be of more concern than the age of the vehicle itself.
Most major components of a vehicle, such as the engine and transmission, have their lifespan estimated by mileage. Other parts that are essential for the vehicle to operate, such as the water pump and timing belt, should also be replaced at certain mileage intervals.
With that being said, if you’re high mileage vehicle has had all the recommended services and repair work done, it should do just fine on a long road trip. Just keep in mind that everything breaks down at some point. So although you may have just had your vehicle serviced, that does not guarantee that it will last for years to come or even another week. If you have any concerns at all, you could always pay for a rental car for your road trip.
Tips for Preparing an Old/High Mileage Car for a Long Trip
Before attempting to take an old/high mileage vehicle on a road trip, there are a few preparations that you should make. Here’s a road trip checklist of things to consider prior to embarking on your journey.
1) Check Your Oil – Most older vehicles burn or leak oil to some degree. Be sure to check your oil prior to leaving the house to make sure its not too low. Having your vehicle run out of oil while driving can cause extreme engine damage and could result in having to replace it.
2) Check Your Tires – Tires that have been sitting for long periods of time or that have lots of miles on them may need to be replaced. If your tires are dry rotted or have low tread you should replace them immediately. This includes your spare tire as well.
3) Give Your Car a Tune Up– A tune up usually consists of replacing the components of your vehicle that are responsible for keeping it driving smoothly. These parts consist of oil, oil filter, spark plugs & wires, air filter, etc. Never neglect to replace these parts when needed, especially in an older vehicle.
4) Pack a Fire Extinguisher– Keeping a fire extinguisher in your vehicle is a good idea regardless of age or mileage. In the event of a small interior fire, you may be able to put it out without incident. However, if there is a fire under your hood, exit the vehicle promptly and call 911. Never attempt to fight a fire when there is a risk of a gas explosion.
5) Check Your Seatbelts– As mentioned earlier, everything breaks down over time. And although seatbelts are made to help save lives in the event of an accident, they can also be detrimental if not functioning properly. Check to make sure your seatbelts lock and release properly.
6) Pack a Roadside Emergency Kit– A roadside emergency kit is a must have for any vehicle. Most of them include jumper cables, flashlights, first aid supplies, and other items you may need in the event of an emergency. Be sure to have one in your vehicle at all times.
7) Check Coolant Levels– The coolant in your vehicle is what keeps your engine from overheating. Older vehicles can often develop leaks in the radiator which means your vehicle may be operating on insufficient coolant. If your vehicle overheats it could mean serious repair work will be needed. Avoid these costly repairs by checking your coolant levels.
8) Clean Your Vehicle– A dirty vehicle can be a real distraction while driving. Make sure you clean the inside and outside of your vehicle before you take it on a road trip. Dirty windows and trash in the floor can be dangerous in the right conditions and should be addressed immediately.
9) Top off All Fluids– We already spoke about changing the oil and checking your coolant levels, but there are other fluids that should be checked as well. Have your mechanic top off all of your vehicles fluids including windshield wiper fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid.
10) One Last Check– Be sure to give your vehicle one last once over. Check to make sure your horn, emergency lights, signals, heat & AC, etc, are all working properly. Because we’re preparing an old car for a road trip, we can never be too careful.
In Conclusion
Just because your vehicle is older or has high mileage doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take it on a road trip. By using the tips mentioned above, you should be able to take your road trip in confidence. I hope by now you have a little more faith in your vehicle and its ability to get you where you want to go. Just be sure keep your vehicle properly maintained and you should be good to go! Thanks for reading!