Advice for a long trip

[Tony.]

Over the Christmas holidays I will be taking the car on a fairly long trip (Sydney to Byron and back), and I was wondering whether anyone could suggest anything I should do to the car in preparation??

Its last service was in Aug and its next one isn't normally due til Feb next year but I think I may get it serviced before I go away as a precaution??

Any advice would be appreciated.
Cheers.

[Cursed CX8]

how many kms since the last service? if its stuff all then possibly just check the oil and coolant, top up if needed etc. I always carry radiator clumps and a knife for hacking radiator hose a set of fuses and a couple of headlight globes.
One thing i always find i use is a set of jumper-leads. On every trip there is always a stranded less in a hyundai to rescue

if its getting close to the service interval get it done, check the brakes etc.

[WJD634]

it should be fine just check trans, power steering fluids, oil, coolant and top up wats needed. take the trip easy and keep checking ya temp gauge. maybe stop off for a half hour every few hours to keep the temp down and most importantly give u a rest. I've driven mine from adelaide to melbourne and back with no problems, just keep essentials in the car and be sensible have a good trip matey!

[Longman]

I've driven my VT over 100,000kms in the last 5 years, mostly Canberra-Newcastle and return plus several trips around country NSW hauling a full trailer, not a single problem, not even a flat tyre. Just make sure your spare is good and pack a tool kit. Like the others said, check all your fluids and tyre pressure, check your belt tension and all your lights/turn signals (maybe pack a few spare bulbs) and take it easy and enjoy the trip. I hope you have cruise control.

[vxcalais_01]

Check you tyres, brakes and fluid. Do an oil and filter change, clean the air filter, especially for dusty roads etc. Most importantly check your coolant and hoses. Take a spare Radiator cap as well, small tools and strong tape (quick patch for hoses). Also pack a torch, small hydrant and some drinking water. Serious. Oneday when your cars a beast and you do track work, you will need the hydrant any way.

[pablo]

When you check the tires, put a few extra pounds in, I run my standard 15" stock tires at 34-35 lbs on a long trip, as recommended by the Bridgestone tire mob. Better economy with more even wear across the tread.
Also, take a chamois with a bottle of water to get rid of any bugs that you will have splattered on the screen.

Pablo