Tips for old explorer on a long drive

[icu400]

Hello,

I'm about to embark on a fairly long trip with my 1995 Explorer XLT. I'm going to be driving about 1000 miles to my initial destination, staying there and driving locally for a few months, then driving 1000 miles back.

Basically I'm just concerned about how my car will handle the trip, and what I can do to help make sure it doesn't blow up on me on either leg of the trip.

I made the trip successfully last year, but so now the car has 157k miles on it.

I have had the oil changed recently, within the last 500 miles. I am also getting new tires since the current ones are basically done.

Any other tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.

- Conrad

 

[Tbars4]

...Just a few quick things come to mind...:scratch:

...Personally inspect all your fluids...Then change all your fluids...
Inspect all hoses, Belts, Idler pulley, and vacuum lines...
Change all filters including fuel filter...
Tires- Inspect and carry a spare that is as good or better than what the other 4 are..Have the air at 10% less than max. tire pressure on tire..
Alignment- Firestone has a lifetime alignment for $169 and is good at all Firestone stores
Brakes- Get them inspected for free
Battery - Pull it out and have it bench tested for free

..Get AAA for the unexpected emergencies and definitely get the package with the 200 mile towing..

 

[jlsparky7]

^ he pretty much summed it up.

Might want to grease your ball joints and bushings to keep annoying squeeks away.

 

[jad2411]

Check or replace the tstat, make sure you have your jack, some tools and an ipod or something :

 

[SkanlaxJMO]

have a friend walk beside it when its moving to listen for any squeaks...do what teh guys said, basic tune up, and get some good cd's.

 

[Texan01]

Yup do a basic tune up, toss a new belt in the back just for insurance, top off all fluids, check the wheel bearings and adjust if necessary. Do a visual inspection for any coolant, oil or power steering leaks.

If you have any doubts, take it on a quick 1-2 hour road trip to see if anything shows up under extended cruise. Highway driving is less stressful on a car than city driving.

You should average about 20-22mpg.

over the last couple years I've taken my '95 with 250k on the clock to Colorado from Dallas (a 2,000 mile round trip) and it does just fine.

 

[kyleyz762]

BUT most importantly, bring your ipod..

 

[NJMike]

Maybe I'm a little over cautious...

For a what could turn out to be a 2.5-3K mile trip, you are very likely to be traveling through some sparsely populated/wilderness areas with limited or no cellular service.

Personally, I would rent (or buy, if you travel like this a lot) a Sat-Phone for around $35 bucks a month, plus about $.99 a minute usage. They work everywhere from the middle of a desert to the middle of the ocean. If you breakdown in the middle of nowhere, you won't care that the nearest cell tower is an 80 mile walk away.

NJMike

 

[BrianDye]

But, bring your iPod