hey all. if you have read my other thread the other day you know my personal life is pretty screwed up. well its because what used to be a seeing her every day relationship is now a her living in Tennessee relationship. well, im not really sure how things are going to play out but if they do i think i might be making a 10 hour drive each way soon. while i have confidence in my car and my bran new tires/trans i was just wondering if you guys had any tips/checks i should do before i put my city car on the highway for ten hours straight. thanks alot.

id get a rental but noone will rent under 18.....

i usually top off the fluids, check the hoses, belt, set tires to 37 psi cold, check or clean air filter. then go do some stop and go driving about a half hour and go through the drive through someplace. that sort of slow speed stuff is harder on the cooling system than the interstate so if she does that alright chances are your good.

I pretrip weekly and before any trips over like 100 miles round. I check:

-all fluids, including wiper fluid. I also try to have a little extra of everything with me, especially wiper fluid (which I go through like gatorade lol) Also check to make sure nothing'* leaking.
-tires. Check pressure, check the sidewalls, check the treads for depth and any damage (nails, bubbles, etc)
-suspension. I check the shocks (just a bounce test there) and the front suspension by lifting the car and checking the wheels for play.
-lights. parking lights, lows, highs, reverse, brakes, all turn signals and hazards.
-horn.

I may be a little paranoid but I can pride myself in saying that since I started going through these checks weekly (or at least biweekly, it'* hard to motivate myself in the cold) I have not had a single breakdown or failure on the road.

All fluids, oil, trans, steering, brake, radiator, washer. Tire pressure, including spare. Toss a few basic tools in the trunk. Flashlight, large blanket, and cell phone charger. Even a tire patch kit and a can or two of tire inflater.

Idk where 37 PSI came from but you should keep the tires at stock. Check all your lights. I'm not a fan of tire inflator, but I do know pep boys does free tire repair. I'd keep a small kit in your car water, some snacks, a blanket, and flash light. Possibly a book to pass some time if you are stranded for a bit.

because ive found for the big cars 2 to 3 psi more will give me extra mpg and not uneven wear. ive probably done 8-10 sets of tires between 3 different cars that way.

i only run 35psi in the snow

all these guys above me are right...but once my dad took me and my friend went to savannah once...in the bonne. she had about 174k at the time. when we came back, a sensor went out. your car should do fine, but make sure to check for any major sensors after your home. Other than that though...the park avenue should glide across the highway with flying colors.

thanks for all the advice. she is pushing that i come this weekend. hopefully you guys will see a welcome to memphis sign with my car in the foreground next monday/tues lol.

good luck

Overall it'* not about luck. Motors/transmissions typically run better when started and run for a good long trip. There'* no start and go type of wear and tear going on. It'* all just cruisin along maintaining temp, speed, it'* a dream for an engine/trans.