🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <1gtrg0tluobbuqpuhkm2oa428pkfn6oe02@4ax.com>, metroboyeh5@yahoo.com 
says...

>As far as checking your car; before leaving, I would replace the drive
>chain (not the drive *train*, but the drive chain or belt) and all
>belts and hoses, even if they don't need replacing. 

Drive chain/belt????  What car uses a drive chain or belt?  I think you 
may be thinking timing belt which can snap if not changed at the proper
intervals recommended by the car manufacturer.  If your car uses a timing
chain, don't worry about it.  They almost always last the life of the
motor.  

>Change the oil entirely before setting out.

As opposed to partial oil change?  Maybe you mean change both the oil and
filter, not just changing the oil as some people do.  

>Check the radiator; if it is not sound,
>*replace* it (not fix it, but *replace* it) before you go.

Neat trick I saw on mythbusters the other day.  If your radiator develops
a leak, you can put a raw egg in your radiator as a temporary get you to
a repair shop fix.  Pretty cool. 

>Check your
>alternator/generator (whichever); replace it if needed.  Replace the
>battery; start the trip with a fresh one, even if the old one did not
>need replacing.  I would also get new tires, make sure you have a
>spare, and all that is necessary to change a flat, that type of thing.
>A set of tools and a copy of "Automobile Repair For Dummies (the
>original Deanna Sclar book, not part of the series of "new" "For
>Dummies" books).

I think if you are familiar with your car and have been taking care of it,
you don't need to be so paranoid and unecessarily change all those parts. 
If you can't do it yourself, have a trusted mechanic give your car the 
once over.  Check all the major systems, cooling, charging, fuel delivery
and then have fun on your trip across country.  There is a lot to see and
it will make your trip more enjoyable if you pull off the interstate every
so often to see the local sights.
-----------------
Alex