before going on a road trip?
11-20-11, 08:21 PM
#1
before going on a road trip?
What should I really think about doing? I'm driving from houston to branson MO it is about 650 miles one way. Is there anything I can do to get some better mpgs on the trip and to help my car run cooler the whole way. Thanks for any help.....
11-20-11, 08:57 PM
#2
Oh God. There went the flood gates, brace yourselves.
But seriously, a tool kit, some oil, and I like to have an emergency kit with stuff like first aid, flares, etc. Check the car over really good for things like soft hoses, worn belts, worn spark plugs, and if the coolant's over 3 years old, change it. Check the operation of everything like all the lights, and most people could probably benefit from changing the wiper blades.
You're about to get a bazillion more opinions. Keep in mind that if you take everyone's advice, you're going to need a trailer to carry it all.
But seriously, a tool kit, some oil, and I like to have an emergency kit with stuff like first aid, flares, etc. Check the car over really good for things like soft hoses, worn belts, worn spark plugs, and if the coolant's over 3 years old, change it. Check the operation of everything like all the lights, and most people could probably benefit from changing the wiper blades.
You're about to get a bazillion more opinions. Keep in mind that if you take everyone's advice, you're going to need a trailer to carry it all.
11-20-11, 09:13 PM
#3
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AGreen you forgot to mention all the basic tune-up stuff like oil, plugs, wires, etc. depending on how long it's been, wouldn't want to attempt that on oil that's close to needing changed, and especially if it's going to be a round trip as the OP only mentioned one way distance.
I'm gearing up for a round trip from Southeast IA to somewhere in WA and I'm for sure over anticipating anything I can think of.
I'm gearing up for a round trip from Southeast IA to somewhere in WA and I'm for sure over anticipating anything I can think of.
11-20-11, 09:14 PM
#4
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Back in August I moved from Staunton, IL to Bellevue, WA. (2,147 or so miles)...
I rewired the fuel pump, installed all new shocks and springs, new Ford Taurus alternator, oil change + oil filter, checked transmission and differential fluid, checked brake and clutch fluid, checked battery terminals and ALL necessary wiring, set the idle and TPS, checked brake pads, inspected brake rotors, inspected exhaust, and filled tires to the recommended pressure.
On the road, I had a tire blow in Wyoming. (The old tires had cracks.) - Luckily, I had all of my tools, a jack, and jack stands with me. The next exit I bought all four brand new tires and extra oil. The rest of the trip was smooth boosting!
I rewired the fuel pump, installed all new shocks and springs, new Ford Taurus alternator, oil change + oil filter, checked transmission and differential fluid, checked brake and clutch fluid, checked battery terminals and ALL necessary wiring, set the idle and TPS, checked brake pads, inspected brake rotors, inspected exhaust, and filled tires to the recommended pressure.
On the road, I had a tire blow in Wyoming. (The old tires had cracks.) - Luckily, I had all of my tools, a jack, and jack stands with me. The next exit I bought all four brand new tires and extra oil. The rest of the trip was smooth boosting!
11-20-11, 09:20 PM
#7
under 1000 miles and all of this: plugs, wires, o2 sensor, fuel filter diff fluid and redline tranny fluid. ive got 2000 miles on my current oil i was thinking id change it when i got back. it will be a round trip. do you think that will be to horrible oil? i have omp delete and just run premix
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11-20-11, 09:21 PM
#8
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For better mpg:
- Wash and wax the car before the trip.
- Don't carry unnecessary weight.
- Unless you are uncomfortable, drive with the windows up and the a/c off. The vent and heater don't hurt the gas mileage, but driving with the a/c on or with the windows down does hurt gas mileage.
- Accelerate gradually rather than quickly, and cruise in 5th gear at 55mph.
- After the tires are up to normal operating temperature, stop at a gas station and make sure each tire has the optimal pressure.
- Use gasoline with no ethanol, or as little as possible.
- If you visit a fast food restaurant, park the car rather than going through the drive-through.
What is wrong with the cooling system?
- Wash and wax the car before the trip.
- Don't carry unnecessary weight.
- Unless you are uncomfortable, drive with the windows up and the a/c off. The vent and heater don't hurt the gas mileage, but driving with the a/c on or with the windows down does hurt gas mileage.
- Accelerate gradually rather than quickly, and cruise in 5th gear at 55mph.
- After the tires are up to normal operating temperature, stop at a gas station and make sure each tire has the optimal pressure.
- Use gasoline with no ethanol, or as little as possible.
- If you visit a fast food restaurant, park the car rather than going through the drive-through.
What is wrong with the cooling system?
11-20-11, 09:27 PM
#10
For better mpg:
- Wash and wax the car before the trip.
- Don't carry unnecessary weight.
- Unless you are uncomfortable, drive with the windows up and the a/c off. The vent and heater don't hurt the gas mileage, but driving with the a/c on or with the windows down does hurt gas mileage.
- Accelerate gradually rather than quickly, and cruise in 5th gear at 55mph.
- After the tires are up to normal operating temperature, stop at a gas station and make sure each tire has the optimal pressure.
- Use gasoline with no ethanol, or as little as possible.
- If you visit a fast food restaurant, park the car rather than going through the drive-through.
What is wrong with the cooling system?
- Wash and wax the car before the trip.
- Don't carry unnecessary weight.
- Unless you are uncomfortable, drive with the windows up and the a/c off. The vent and heater don't hurt the gas mileage, but driving with the a/c on or with the windows down does hurt gas mileage.
- Accelerate gradually rather than quickly, and cruise in 5th gear at 55mph.
- After the tires are up to normal operating temperature, stop at a gas station and make sure each tire has the optimal pressure.
- Use gasoline with no ethanol, or as little as possible.
- If you visit a fast food restaurant, park the car rather than going through the drive-through.
What is wrong with the cooling system?
11-20-11, 09:41 PM
#11
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No, just use regular octane unless your engine is old and has severe deposits, or is overboosted, and therefore needs higher octane to keep from pinging. If your engine doesn't need higher octane gas, then you are just wasting your money if you buy it.
Ethanol is ****, and may be added to all octane grades. Your car is rated for up to 10% (E10), but the less ethanol the better the gas mileage. The fuel pump will hopefully have a sticker on it indicating the ethanol content of the gas.
11-21-11, 11:26 AM
#14
My FC makes biannual trips of @3k miles.
Here's what I do to prepare:
-check air in tires
-top up fuel
-set alarm
-drive
Highway driving is the easiest task you ask of your car.
Your S5 vert is more of a grand tourer than sportscar anyway, it thrives on the highway.
If it runs well in stop-n-go traffic, she'll be fine on a long trip.
Unfortunately, I can't think of any specific tips to increase mileage or cooling.
Basically, the car is what it is...nothing minor is going to make much difference either way.
Here's what I do to prepare:
-check air in tires
-top up fuel
-set alarm
-drive
Highway driving is the easiest task you ask of your car.
Your S5 vert is more of a grand tourer than sportscar anyway, it thrives on the highway.
If it runs well in stop-n-go traffic, she'll be fine on a long trip.
Unfortunately, I can't think of any specific tips to increase mileage or cooling.
Basically, the car is what it is...nothing minor is going to make much difference either way.
11-21-11, 12:53 PM
#16
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yes highway cruising is the easiest thing you can do, but since its too far to push home, there's a short checklist. this assumes you're up to date on the maintenance schedule.
1. tires. are they good? old/bald/cracked tires are ok around town, but a long trip is just asking for a flat.
2. tire pressure, you should have some. mazda wants 32psi which is on the low side, so you should do at least 32psi, probably hot, if not more
3. cooling system. check for leaks, look for old/bad/swollen hoses. there should be some coolant in the overflow.
4. belts. these should all look good, and not be too loose. if you have a questionable belt, bring a spare or change it now.
5. clean the windows, inside and out. wipers?
6. there should be some oil in it, doesn't have to be new.
7. fix any rattles. if its an s5 the shifter boots too. rattles and the hot air from under the car will drive you nuts! a good stereo is nice too
8. if you're really feeling energetic, you can check the wheel bearings, and suspension for worn/loose stuff. aligning the car with less toe in helps the handling, and should also help mileage.
9. enjoy! i've done the 1000mile sevenstock round trip (and the shorter 500 mile track days) in a bunch of different Rx7's and they have all been really trouble free... there was that one time i blew a fist sized hole in the 3 rotors IC pipe @140mph, but this is actually really easy to avoid...
1. tires. are they good? old/bald/cracked tires are ok around town, but a long trip is just asking for a flat.
2. tire pressure, you should have some. mazda wants 32psi which is on the low side, so you should do at least 32psi, probably hot, if not more
3. cooling system. check for leaks, look for old/bad/swollen hoses. there should be some coolant in the overflow.
4. belts. these should all look good, and not be too loose. if you have a questionable belt, bring a spare or change it now.
5. clean the windows, inside and out. wipers?
6. there should be some oil in it, doesn't have to be new.
7. fix any rattles. if its an s5 the shifter boots too. rattles and the hot air from under the car will drive you nuts! a good stereo is nice too
8. if you're really feeling energetic, you can check the wheel bearings, and suspension for worn/loose stuff. aligning the car with less toe in helps the handling, and should also help mileage.
9. enjoy! i've done the 1000mile sevenstock round trip (and the shorter 500 mile track days) in a bunch of different Rx7's and they have all been really trouble free... there was that one time i blew a fist sized hole in the 3 rotors IC pipe @140mph, but this is actually really easy to avoid...
11-21-11, 12:55 PM
#17
usually before a long road trip i be sure there is a full tank of gas in the car.
for anything else, you should have been covering things up to date anyways as your car should always be ready to pack up and do a 600 mile drive. the owner's manual has a maintenance checklist in it.
for anything else, you should have been covering things up to date anyways as your car should always be ready to pack up and do a 600 mile drive. the owner's manual has a maintenance checklist in it.
Last edited by RotaryEvolution; 11-21-11 at 12:58 PM.
11-21-11, 04:04 PM
#18
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usually before a long road trip i be sure there is a full tank of gas in the car.
for anything else, you should have been covering things up to date anyways as your car should always be ready to pack up and do a 600 mile drive. the owner's manual has a maintenance checklist in it.
for anything else, you should have been covering things up to date anyways as your car should always be ready to pack up and do a 600 mile drive. the owner's manual has a maintenance checklist in it.
11-22-11, 07:59 PM
#22
I've gotten 25mpg in my TII, but that was all highway gas station to gas station at 75mph, holding it in an odd spot where the fuel leaned out a bit. Typically on long trips it'll get 19-20mpg. I usually carry some basic stuff including a few wrenches and screwdrivers. Good for any vehicle really.
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