Tuneup

[mehul]

I got a 1995 Toyota Camry with 145000 miles logged on it. I am planning a 2000 mile road trip to Atlanta, GA from Austin, TX.

It is safe to say that a tuneup would be necessary prior to the trip. Any suggestions on those? How much do they cost and if I could do them myself (The only thing I have done with my car is change my oil and brake pads!!)!

Appreciate the help!

Mehul

[Lord_Anarchy]

Yup.. you can definitely do your own tuneup. Let's see.... 145K Fuel filter, spark plugs, spark plugs wires, air filter, PCV valve. You've already done the oil. Ummm.. other than that.. maybe a coolant flush? But, that's the basic gist of the tune-up. Very easy to do and you'll get to know your car that much more... Ohhhh... lemme give you a quick link so you can compare the tips of spark plugs to see what color they are.. You can get a quick peak any "potential" problems

[Lord_Anarchy]

http://xylem.syros.aegean.gr/~modest..._diagnoses.htm

oh yeah, check your timing belt..... at 145K.. check it... well.. you can't really just look at it and tell and well, I recommend that if you have the cash, get it changed because you don't want it snapping.

[mehul]

Thanks David! That is some sound advice. I will look into it deeper in the next few days (will actually work on the car this weekend). Any hangups and I will definetely post another question!

Thanks again!

[anarkia1ces]

I would replace spark plugs, cables, air filter and top off all fluids before the trip. Also, check your spare tire for enough air pressure and make sure it is in good condition as you might need it. This is often overlooked, but is important on long trips. I wouldn't touch the coolant at all if the car doesnt overheat. This you can do after the trip. Timing belt, if its in need of replacemente, that means your water pump too as these should always be changed at the same time. Mechanic may charge around $300 to change it. The rest you can do on your own fairly easy and quick. Just tighten the spark plugs at the specified torque! I recommend a torque wrench for this. It is usually 18-20ft/lb for the plugs. Have a safe trip

[Thetick247]

I strongly second anarkia1ces vbmenu_register("postmenu_810147", true); advice about changing the water pump when/if you do the timing belt. You've got to take all the belts off anyways to change the pump, no need to do it twice (or pay someone else to do it twice, 'cause most of the cost for a mechanic is due to time/labor not parts for this job). I learned that the hard way.

One other suggestion is when you replace the air-filter, spend the extra $$ and get a K&N filter. It's more expensive than a generic replacement, but it gave my wife's '99 Camry about a 10% boost in fuel efficiency. Also they are re-usable and can last you as long as you have the car (if properly cleaned). As long as you keep the car for more than a few months it will definitely pay for itself and you'll also (probably) notice a little better performance. Just my $.02

Good Luck.

[Knailgun]

the other thing to do...my advice is, check lugs and make sure you have never seize on them....changing them on a roadside is NO FUN if you can't get the wheel off, also make sure that tire pressure is good, long trips smack tires hard if over and under inflated