Post by Deleted on Jun 4, 2018 21:23:47 GMT
I did it! I gave my notice at work, September 1st will be my last day, and September 3rd I'll start driving from New York to Los Angeles on my own! I'm pretty excited and nervous about doing it, as I've never done anything like this on my own before. My goal is to go to Baltimore first to visit a friend for 2 nights, and then I was going to improvise along. Want to visit Nashville to see Graceland, and Atlanta to see the Coca Cola factory tour. And then I wasn't sure. Maybe St. Louis or Kansas City? I'm probably going to stick with the South because the North would take longer, but I don't know how much to plan and how much to leave open. As much as I do love planning things out (not being sarcastic), something is telling me to be a free spirit and just let things happen on this one.
Anyone who did a long road trip before have any advice on going coast to coast?
Fluids, fluids and more fluids....oh and air.
Ok I have never driven coast to coast from East to West of USA but I have been around vehicles to know (it was once my job) that keep your fluids topped up at all times. If your car needs a service then do it before you leave. Don't spare the expense of buying cheap oil. Get the best that you can.
Always keep a watchful eye on the ol' fuel gauge and again, keep it to the top whenever you get chance.
Coolant is a biggy, especially when you are driving through hot territories. We were always told to do a 50:50 mix of coolant and water. Not sure what they recommend over in the USA but I'd be more likely to recommend a 60:40 or even towards a 70:30 mixture but I'd seek advise on that.
Water boiling off isn't going to keep the engine cool. Coolant doesn't boil off as easy, it also takes a lot to freeze it.
Lastly tyres. They are your contact to the ride. They are you feel as to the road conditions. Keep your eye on the tread and pressures. Again I don't know what the legal limit for tread is with you guys. Over here it is 1.6mm tread. Keep to the recommended pressures that are for the car and the tyres fitted. Make sure you don't have any slow punctures and have a decent spare and a jack along with a breaker bar with you in case you need to change a tyre.
Happy motoring! That type of trip sounds like it will be an awesome experience indeed!