Topic: Travel checklist....what needs/should be done BEFORE you leave??

[22angel]

Hello everyone.  Been a few months since I've been on here!  

I am making a cross-country trip (from western Manitoba to Nova Scotia) in August, and I'm trying to think of what all I should get done with my carbefore we leave.

Obviously, tires need to be all checked out, oil changed, liquids filled.  What am I missing?  I've never had to do this before so I don't know what needs to be done.

I also need new brakes.....oy.  This isn't going to be cheap is it??

[safristi]

Make sure all the hoses are in good shape....you still see those poor buggers steaming at the roadside in Mid_SUMMER MADNESS....and the spare tyre is inflated (hopefully a full sized one) also join CAA fer the maps,TRIPTIKS and motel and gas rebates and to help at the roadside should the fickle finger of fate point your way...Bon Voage...share some pics and don't bring any of those GIANT MOSKIES in yer car as ya drive thru my way...................... ...Ooops just saw yer other thread...YOU ARE SELLING THE CAR  ..!!!!!   in that case a nice pair of WALKING SHOES and a camel back water pak is in order..happy trails...

[airbalancer]

If you keep your car in good shape there is really not much to do.
See if your dealer has a summer special on checking the car over

[tpl]

new wiper blades to clear the bugs?   A spare headlight bulb?  make sure the jack works!

I agree about the hoses and check the belt(s) as well, maybe even fresh coolant if it has never been changed.

A/c ok?

[ktm525]

On a trip that long I would make sure that my next oil change interval will not come up before my trip is completed. If so  change the oil a few days before you leave so that you can make sure there are no leaks from the filter etc.

Oil: I tend to run oddball oil so I always take an extra litre. I also don't have to pay the outrageous prices that a gas station may charge.

Coolant: I carry a 1L (or a 4L in the truck) concentrated coolant as well. With so many different coolant chemistries it is hard to know what is what. Try finding a VW G12 coolant or Full synthetic  0W-40 VW approved oil at the local gas bar in Northern Ontario or rural Maritimes.

Hoses: Give the top and bottom hoses a look and squeeze. If they feel spongy and/or look worn then replace them before you go. Pay particular attention to the bottom rad hose.

Belts: Make sure they look ok and aren't worn. When I replace my belt I zip-tie the old one somewhere in the engine compartment as a backup. To replace modern serpentine belts only a large crescent wrench is required.

Tires: Don't forget the spare tire pressure. Confirm that you have a jack and lugnut wrench that fits the lugs on your car. I carry a can of Fix-A-flat. If I get a flat I try to fix it with the goop first. Much easier than trying to replace with the spare on the side of highway in the middle of the night etc.

With modern alloy rims I have found that the wheels tend to stick or "weld" themselves to the hub. In my garage I use a 5' length of 4*4 to smack the tire from the inside. I guess in a pinch you could always borrow a fencepost.

Key: Wire or use a magnetic carrier to place a key somewhere under your car. Nothing like losing your key (locking in car) in the middle of nowwhere.

If you think this is retentive you should see what I carry when  wander up to Northern Sask.
-2 spare tires
-extra 100L gas
-oil filter, 6L oil
-extra belts, hoses
-2 extra spark plugs
-air filter
-4L coolant
-come-along / winch
-solar battery charger
-extra headlight bulb
-fuses

Most of the above list has been created by experience.

[Brigitte]

A first aid kit is always good to have, as well as some road flares and a flashlight.  A CAA membership wouldn't hurt, either. 

[barrie1]

A roll of Black electrical tape is a good thing to carry for that hose that could split in the middle of nowhere as well. On the TransCanada highway if that is the route you are taking I would remember this one rule. When you hit half fuel tank Stop and fuel up as it can be many miles before you see the next station especially at night. Also carry a old rag for checking your own oil so that you don't get short sticked at some remote service station as well. Bug repellent may be handy as well as a good pair of work gloves and a 1st aid kit. 

[village]

Check and make sure your spare tire isn't flat... 

[22angel]

Wow, you guys are good once again! lol

Make sure all the hoses are in good shape....you still see those poor buggers steaming at the roadside in Mid_SUMMER MADNESS....and the spare tyre is inflated (hopefully a full sized one) also join CAA fer the maps,TRIPTIKS and motel and gas rebates and to help at the roadside should the fickle finger of fate point your way...Bon Voyage...share some pics and don't bring any of those GIANT MOSKIES in yer car as ya drive thru my way...................... ...Ooops just saw yer other thread...YOU ARE SELLING THE CAR ..!!!!! in that case a nice pair of WALKING SHOES and a camel back water pak is in order..happy trails...

Ok, my Mom (who is going with me, and my Dad, but he's in a different vehicle) is a member of CAA, so that's all good.  I'll try to get some pics online.....not sure when, but I'll try!!

Haha, I'm not going to sell it until after I get out there!

If you keep your car in good shape there is really not much to do.
See if your dealer has a summer special on checking the car over

I just go to an independant mechanic....

new wiper blades to clear the bugs? A/c ok?

I'll probably get new wipers....these ones I have are rather crappy.  But I have no money....so it will be later in the summer.

So far, so good for the A/C.

On a trip that long I would make sure that my next oil change interval will not come up before my trip is completed. If so change the oil a few days before you leave so that you can make sure there are no leaks from the filter etc.

Coolant: I carry a 1L (or a 4L in the truck) concentrated coolant as well. With so many different coolant chemistries it is hard to know what is what.

Belts: Make sure they look ok and aren't worn. When I replace my belt I zip-tie the old one somewhere in the engine compartment as a backup. To replace modern serpentine belts only a large crescent wrench is required.

Tires: Don't forget the spare tire pressure. Confirm that you have a jack and lugnut wrench that fits the lugs on your car. I carry a can of Fix-A-flat. If I get a flat I try to fix it with the goop first. Much easier than trying to replace with the spare on the side of highway in the middle of the night etc.

Key: Wire or use a magnetic carrier to place a key somewhere under your car. Nothing like losing your key (locking in car) in the middle of nowwhere.

Ok, I'm getting the oil changed tomorrow, so by the time I want to leave, it should be due for another one.  So I'll get it done before I leave, then should I get it done again after I get to my destination??

I'm only allowed to use the DEX-COOL coolant, as per the book. 

Tires I'm good for.  Just got 2 new ones, and there is a spare in the trunk (even if it is a dummy tire, but it would work!  And has worked!) and all the jack stuff for it (it all fits in there so neatly! )

I always carry 2 sets of keys with me since I locked myself out of my mom's car a few years back.  And locked myself out of my house(s) a few too many times to count.  Now I make sure that I always have a set of keys in my hand as I'm going out the door, and one in my purse.

Boy, if I were you taking all that stuff up north, I'd have no room for anything else! lol  Guess it's a good practice to get into, being prepared and all though.  And I agree that once you get up north, your places are few and far between eh?

A first aid kit is always good to have, as well as some road flares and a flashlight.

First aid kit....good idea!  Oh...mental note:  get a flashlight lol

A roll of Black electrical tape is a good thing to carry for that hose that could split in the middle of nowhere as well. On the TransCanada highway if that is the route you are taking I would remember this one rule. When you hit half fuel tank Stop and fuel up as it can be many miles before you see the next station especially at night. Also carry a old rag for checking your own oil so that you don't get short sticked at some remote service station as well. Bug repellent may be handy as well as a good pair of work gloves and a 1st aid kit.

Electrical tape I wouldn't have thought of.  I would have figured Duct Tape lol.....but that's just b/c my family is a huge fan of the stuff.  Anything needs fixed, use duct tape. 

Totally agree with you on filling up at half way.  I generally do fill up at half a tank, regardless of when or where I am b/c the bottom half always goes so much faster than the top half.

Bug spray would be a good thing!  I swear, I look like I have the chicken pox, and I'm about as itchy the chicken pox too!  (I don't...it's just all the mosquito bites!)

Is it a good idea to check the oil when it's hot???  I was always told to check it when it's cold.

We aren't actually going through Trans-Canada all the way.  We are going south to Fargo, ND (my brother and sister-in-law are there), over to Indiana, up to Toronto, and then once we hit the Trans-Canada, we'll stay on it.  You all are probably thinking "she's crazy to go that way" and I tend to agree, but my dad is picking up a trailer/camper from Indiana, and taking it someplace out that way (not sure where it's going to yet).   

Check and make sure your spare tire isn't flat...

Oohhh....flat spare tire....would not make me a happy camper!  lol  That would be terrible!!

[tpl]

when you get your new flashlight get one of those new LED ones... the Stanley one at can tire is good as it can standup on its tripod legs.

The fabulous thing about that sort of light is the 200 hour battery life turned ON and as they use Alkaline cells the 5 years in the trunk and still work!

[Bullet Blue]

Have some cold water with you in the car, and make sure you get lots of sleep before the long drive 

[mdxtasy]

Bring your in car cell phone charger.

[22angel]

Oooohhhh.....More good ideas! 

[safristi]

Have a super BIG PEE then hold it till I_GOOTA_PISH BEACH.........Nova Scotia.....

[dr_spock]

Food and water.  Tools.  First aid kit.  Sleeping bag.  Candles.  Bug spray if you're driving during mosquito and black fly season.

I wonder if parts of the TransCanada still don't have cell phone service. 

[G0dspd]

I wonder if parts of the TransCanada still don't have cell phone service.

He11 yeah! You need to get out more. 

[ktm525]

Don't forget to water the plants before you leave.

[dr_spock]

And have a neighbor keep an eye on your house and property.

I'm going the other way to Manitoba.   Maybe our paths will cross at a Tim Hortons.

[tenpenny]

We aren't actually going through Trans-Canada all the way.  We are going south to Fargo, ND (my brother and sister-in-law are there), over to Indiana, up to Toronto, and then once we hit the Trans-Canada, we'll stay on it.  You all are probably thinking "she's crazy to go that way" and I tend to agree, but my dad is picking up a trailer/camper from Indiana, and taking it someplace out that way (not sure where it's going to yet).   

Going that route you won't pick up the TransCanada until you hit Montreal, anyway.  From there, you'll have cell coverage the whole way, unless parts of Riiviere du Loup to Edmundston don't have it.  Remember one thing:  on Route 20 from Montreal to Riviere du Loup, the accepted speed is 120 to 140.  Please don't drive in the left lane at 119 with cruise control on.

In Ont, on the 401, there are relatively frequent service areas, which are grossly overcrowded and busy gas stations/fast food joints/some with nicer picnic areas.  In Quebec, they have very civilized rest stops, which are nice picnic areas with buildings that have washrooms, but the only food is from lunchwagon type trucks, like they use at construciton sites, and vending machines.  For gas etc, you have to exit at an interchange.   Don't forget to laugh when you drive through St-Louis-du-Ha-Ha.  Once you hit NB, on the 4 lane sections, which is most of the TCH now, the accepted speed is 120.  And in NB and NS, there are no "rest areas", but there are frequent service areas at the interchanges.  You will go through some slower 2 lane sections in NB, but that'll all be gone in 2007, and it's only 100-200 km of it anyway.  Depending on where you're headed in NS, don't forget to have $3.50 for the toll highway, and remember there are washrooms at the toll booth if you need them.

[curls]

Another thing I find handy to bring along is a ZipLoc freezer bag (the ones a bit larger than a sandwich bag), with some summer bug-wash washer fluid in it, and a sponge that has the "mesh" around it (available at the dollar store, walmart, etc... in the household cleaning isles).

Keep the sponge in the bag, and anytime you have a huge bugsplat on your windshield, the mesh on the sponge combined with the washer fluid will get it off in a second, without needing to stop at a rest stop to wash the entire windshield.  You can just do it on the side of the road, if necessary.

Also GREAT for headlights, too, as its a lot more accurate than a 12" squeegee.