About to drive cross country...

Hey all,

I'm going to drive my (new to me) '09 manual across the country in the next few weeks. So far I haven't had any issues at all with the truck but I'm wondering what things I should triple check for before heading out. The oil was recently changed and I need to fill up my coolant. Any other fluids I should change out, fill up before making a drive like that? I should preface that I'm not savvy when it comes to these things so even the mundane, obvious tips are welcomed!

Ted

 

Welcome aboard, Ted!

What does your truck have for mileage? You mentioned your coolant is low, have you noticed any leaks? Is the level in your radiator ok and just the overflow needs topping off?

 

Ah, yes, that would be helpful, 178k miles. I haven't seen any leaks under the truck or within the engine when I've looked. Looks like just the overflow needs topping off. It's at the line. Haven't had any overheating issues or anything of that nature. The longest drive I've done was 7-8 hours mid-day and didn't have issues then.

 

That's a pretty decent amount of miles - honestly if you're current on all the routine maintenance I'd just head out and let Toyota do its thing. Breakdowns are rare.

I never really subscribed to doing a bunch of maintenance to a vehicle right before a road trip - unless you're doing it yourself and are confident in your abilities....letting a shop change a bunch of fluids can actually invite problems on the road instead of helping avoid them.

My .02 is to top off any fluids that are low, set tire pressures and check your spare, etc. Beyond that I say go for it!

 

What are your driving plans ??

A nice easy 8 or 10 hours a day ??

A endurance run only stopping for fuel and grabbing Quicky Mart food and napping behind the wheel when needed to you arrive at your end goal??

 

Do you have the maintenance records on the truck?? Without knowing the maintenance on the truck you are pretty much in the dark. If you have the records then let us know what’s been done from 90,000 on.
If you don’t have the records and you’ve only had the truck for a short time here’s what I’d suggest. Check the date on the battery. If it’s older than 5 years get a new one. That’s cheap insurance. Take you truck to a shop for a brake inspection, they should inspect the shocks. Often over looked, if they are original then you need new ones. If you need brakes get them. Have the serpentine belt replaced. If your serpentine belt hasn’t been replaced in 178000 miles then it’s time. You may consider having the radiator hoses replaced and new coolant. Pull a spark plug or have a mechanic do so to see what shape they are in, if necessary replace with new ones. Have this all done some place where they have a competent mechanic and tell them you are going on a cross country trip and you want the mechanic the truck for any obvious potential problems. Check your spare tire and make sure it’s aired up. Sometimes they lose pressure over a couple years. Don’t want to have a flat in the middle of nowhere and find your spare is flat also.
In checking and replacing things error on the side of caution. If you have a mechanical problem or breakdown in say Dead Horse Wyoming, population 12, it’s going to be a major hassle, a major problem, a major expense and you are screwed. (No such place as Dead Horse,Wy. I just use it as an example)
If you have maintenance records then it makes it all easier.

 

Same. I fill up with gas and drive it. I might change the oil a little early depending on mileage and how far the trip is but thats about the extent of it.