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The round trip is going to be something in the region of 2000 miles. Your
vehicle is going to do that over the course of probably four days, and
will be of course be driven for unusually long periods.
To just jump in and go is almost certainly a mistake!
The following advice
is only really relevant to the non-enthusiast - to driving nuts it will
be pretty obvious!
If you can have your vehicle properly serviced (eg: get someone other
than a dealership to look it over) then that is obviously ideal - especially
if you explain what you're about to undertake.
If not, then the usual
'every six thousand miles or before a long journey' type advice is about
right.
Take a good look at your tyres. Even newish tyres could have suffered
damage. You want plenty of tread across the entire width of the tyre,
and check the walls for damage. Make sure your spare is well up to scratch
and inflated to the right pressure.
Wheelbrace and jack: must be suitable for your car and in serviceable
condition. Check before disaster strikes that you know how to use them.
If your wheels have security locking nuts, ensure that you have the tools
required to undo them.
A second spare is a good idea if you can beg, borrow or perhaps pick one
up from a breaker's yard or borrow one from your friendly local garage.
If not, Tyreweld is a good idea just in case you get a slow one.
If your brakes have been at all spongy, if there have been any warning
lights or if you haven't checked them for ages - check them thoroughly
before the event! Kwik Fit type places will usually carry out a free check,
even if they can't spell. Make sure your brake fluid reservoir is topped
up, and take some fluid with you on the run.
When you're on the run, consider the temperature of your brakes.
Use the gears and engine braking wherever possible, look well ahead and
pace the car - don't drive on your brakes. It's very poor driving technique
which could cause problems on a run like this.
Check your oil and coolant levels, and top up as neccesary. If your vehicle
is apt to lose a little of either, bring a couple of pints with you. Check
your air intake filter and the tension and condition of the belts. This
only takes a couple of minutes, but could save you a lot of grief!
Take a good look at fuel and coolant hoses, and any breather pipes from
the crankcase or block. Just make sure they're all in good nick. If not,
have the offending item replaced. Breathing hoses can be easily cleaned
if they are structurally sound.
Have the exhaust system looked over, lubricate the accelerator linkage
and pedal pivot. Check the transmission fluid, and any diff or linkage
pots if you have them. Generally look things over and if anything appears
worn, chaffed or corroded, make sure of it before you leave.
A new air filter, petrol treatment suitable for your engine and a tune-up
will do wonders for a tired car.
Make sure all the lights are working! You may well need your foglamps
during the run, so make sure of those too. Ensure the battery terminals
are free from corrosion and that the lugs are on tightly, with good metal
to metal connection. Check any earthing points, make sure they are secure
and making good contact. Make sure the alternator is securely mounted,
and that the belt is nicely tensioned and in good condition Check your
headlamp alignment and your wiper blades. New blades are a good idea.
Halfords do a set of replacement bulbs for just about every vehicle.
It's well worth having one of these in your kit.
Take a good look over the car looking for leaks of any kind. Pay special
attention to the shock absorbers and hydraulic lines. Five minutes spent
lubricating locks and hinges is five minutes well-spent, and make sure
air intakes and vents are clear of debris.
Give the car a wash, and wax the leading edges and lower bodywork quite
heavily.
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