I'm planning a trip with my girlfriend from this coast to the other. Question is do I take it in my 94 integra with 175000km, or would it be better to buy a beater EF or something and sell when I get there. How much wear would this trip put on my car? The distance is approx 3800 miles.

 

Make sure oil is fresh, coolant topped off and give the car a rest every couple hours. As long as your in good mechanical shape you should be fine.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 97hb &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Make sure oil is fresh, coolant topped off and give the car a rest every couple hours. As long as your in good mechanical shape you should be fine.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Addition to that, check your tires. Make sure you got a spare in the trunk. Check your headlights and taillights to ensure that they're on. Don't blast the AC so much. Have some tools with you just in case. Extra quarts of oil and coolant won't hurt either. Have a safe trip!

 

Ive done a coast to coast trip from NC to CA and back and I can tell you it isnt a joke. Luckily we drove my buddy's 2000 Si which was still pretty new at the time but yes change fresh oil, make sure you got a donut tire,if not 2 tires(scew the little spare tire), set of tool, change your basic items that will deal with any overheating problems, radiator, thermostat, timing belt, water pump, new brake pads, new braking or headlight bulbs. We got pulled over 3-4 times during this long trip when my buddy still had his stupid altezza lights and harass by cops becuase of probaly different license plate. Rest a lot cuase you will need it, dont over drive yourself and switch drivers every 4-5 hours. At night, sleep in some motel or so and get good night rest and shower rather then sleeping in some rest area. Dont sleep behind the wheel! Other then that I hope you have a safe trip, anyone who hasnt done it yet , it will be a trip to remember. Ive done it once and back and will never do it again. Expedia only!

 

I have done it a few times. Before you leave make sure you do a full tune-up, have you changed the timing belt?? If not do that. Is the radiator stock or has it been replaced??

If you have aftermarket wheels you might want to think about putting some stocks back on. There will be areas that the only tire place you can find is a wal-mart, good luck finding some 215/40 17's there.

As far as the drive it is long. I have done it is as little as 5 days, but i have also done it in about 7. There where many times i wish I could of stoped, but I just did not have the time. Pull the map out and really look at where you want to go and what you want to see. Try to plan you over night stops in bigger cities. You will see small towns on the map, but trust me that does not allways mean you will find a place to stay there. There is a main highway that cuts right throug Ohio, and it is all tolls, so make sure you carry cash, and a bunch of change. The toll ways have service areas with gas and food, but once you are off these toll ways it sometimes becomes a long drive to the next gas and food. Dont let your tank get that low. I have had to drive over 5 miles off the highway to find gas. As soon as I hit 1/4 tank i was on the look for gas. Rest stops are your friend, get out and strach the legs for a couple of minuites, it really makes a big difference. You are luickey as you have you GF with you. I was allways alone so the drive became very long for me.

Be safe, have fun, keep your eyes open. There are some really interesting things in this place we call the USA!!!!!

 

i make cross-country road trips in my DA quite often. no worries as long as the car is in mechanically good condition. the easiest miles on a car are when you're cruising at 70-80 mph. you buy a beater EF and you may end up stranded on the side of the road...beater does not make a good cross-country car at all.

 

id say take the integra because there might be some hills and put those Blue tape thingys on ur headlights during the day because it looks kool..lol j/p but it also helps from cracking from flying rocks