How to ready the car for a long trip?

[Retrospekt]

Basically, I'm looking at taking a few long long trips this summer. One consisting of about 1,500 miles and the other up to 3,000. What should I do before departure to make sure everything goes smoothly? My TB is new and so are most of the engine seals. I would obviously change the oil and filter before the trip.

Anything else important?

Something else: I think I may have a bit of a spark knock. It sounds like my car is growling at me (not the awesome exhaust type growl) at about 2.5-3k rpm when it's about to shift up. Spark knock has been described as a loose marble type sound, which I guess may fit this description.

[hill8570]

Hmmm. Since you've replaced the timing belt, water pump, and most of the oil seals recently not a lot in that department.

Make sure the spare tire is inflated and the jack & tire iron are in place. Check all your tires. Make sure all fluids are topped up, especially the bug washer. Check credit limit on credit card, make sure sufficient for major repair . Maybe get a AAA membership or something else that will pay for a tow...getting towed when you're between Bumfuk and Snakenavel can get expensive. If you're heading south, test your A/C before you hit the road. Make sure you have enough tunes to keep yourself sane on the trip.

[TrailDust]

Here's a thread from the General Discussion forum that discusses what you're asking about.

[Retrospekt]

Thanks for the info guys!

I'm looking at taking the car to Wyoming to see Yellowstone. And I'm going to the Bonnaroo festival in Tennessee in this baby. Can't wait to see how bad the suspension will sag with all our crap in the car!

[zythr]

Make sure it can make it up any long hills that you may encounter on your trip.

[AlmightyCamry777]

-Coolant: Change the coolant if you havent done it in a while. I prefer to use un-diluted coolant, (i won't buy 50/50 i believe it makes the mix too diluted.) You will be driving in hot conditions so i'd make sure the new coolant is at least 50/50 to 70/30 percent coolant/water. Use distilled water for the rest of the mix if possible.

-Battery: If the battery is over 3 years old, have it tested and change if marginal. Make sure the cells are filled to make the bubble with distilled water (unsealed type of battery). Make sure the terminal clamps are clean, intact (not corroded away) and tight.

-Transmission fluid: I'd change the transmission fluid, or at least check the level and bring along a bottle of fluid. If a manual trans, i think it uses gear oil, so i'd change it. If the trans is an automatic, and its never been changed on this car ever, in that case, i'd leave it alone except to check the level (due to high mileage a change might do more harm then good).

-Fuel Filter: If its been 30,000 miles, or you don't remember when it was last changed, i'd change that now.

-air filter: check and change if dirty.