going back to cali cali cali!!!

[denverlicious]

im finally coming back after almost 10 years of living in chicago..im leaving back to my homeland!! oh yea!..can someone please give me some advice on how to prep my car for the long drive there? thanks...

denver

[jayhudson]

If you haven't driven in CA for the past 10 years, be prepared for some bumpy roads. I can't believe how bad the roads are compared to when I was living there.

Welcome back to the left coast.

Jay

[denverlicious]

well i mean what should i do to prepare my car for the long drive? cause i know that it will be hell on my engine

[Mantic]

Highway miles are the least stressful on your engine. Just change your oil and make sure everything it topped off.. tire pressure, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid if you use it, etc....

[Balthazarr]

Oil change if not done recently.
Filter as well if you like.
Ck coolant level and tire pressure, wiper fluid level, clean windows. :laugh

I think a long steady trip is easier on the car than stop and go in town.

[denverlicious]

does anyone know where i can get a temporary bra for my car? cause i dont want bugs f'ing up my paint you know what i mean?

[F Dogg]

Just change all fluids in your car and make sure to do a good visual check up of everything. Make sure your tires have enough tread.

and maybe try some clear 3m?

[WTFPENGUIN]

atleast tape up your headlights

[Mistermotorist]

I have found that checking all hoses is a good idea. Make certain that you have the spare mounted, balanced and at the proper pressure. A good wax job is helpful - there are lots of bugs and hitting a big ass grasshopper @ 100 mph in Nevada can cause paint damage. I always make certain that I have a good, accurate tire pressure gauge because you will want to monitor the tire pressure after you have gone a couple hundred miles - the summer temps and constant friction of long distance travel can raise the tire pressure higher than recommended level. I usually renew my Rainex before a trip. Have AAA card just in case. Finally, do not transport minors across state line for unlawful purpose!

[phillyB///M3]

does anyone know where i can get a temporary bra for my car? cause i dont want bugs f'ing up my paint you know what i mean?
yah I would recomend protecting your front bumper somehow... you dont want your front bumper all chipped up like mine was when I took a trip to NorCal. :(

[MVEED3]

Use some of the blue 3M painter's tape to protect the front-end. It's cheap, temporary, and you'll look like you just came from the track.

Just to add to the other maintenance responses, I'd look into changing the belts if they're frayed or cracking. If you have over 70k on your original cooling components, change those out too. I'm talking about the radiator, waterpump, thermostat housing, and a BMW coolant flush.


Allen

[themadhatter]

I'm with Allen - great post there. :)

-Ron

[ubelm3]

Use the Blue nonstick painters tape to protect your bumber and front lip on your hood. Works well and protects the parts perfectly.