I am pretty new to Hondas and pretty new to honda tech as well so I just had a few questions on my vehicle. If their is another thread of this nature please post a link so I dont have to waste anyones time or clog up the board.

I want to make a roughly 450 mile road trip (450 there 450 back) from Pittsburg PA to Poughkeepsie NY. I wanted to know what I should do to/replace on my vehicle to ensure a easy and hassle free trip. The car runs great, no issues or rough idles, drives fine. I drive 30 miles a day 5 days a week for work alone, and if Im running errands or anything of that sort I add miles onto it.

Car is as follows:
1988 Honda Civic hatch base model
1.5l 4spd manual transmisson
Passed inspection and emissions 11/12 with no problem whatsoever (needed two new front tires and a $20 dollar exhaust downpipe).
Car had brakes replaced 3/12
Car currently has 177,120 miles on it

On top of that, the previous owner used to drive it from Pittsburgh PA to Erie PA 5 days a week. Thats 127 miles there and 127 miles back. He said the car ran fine and had no issues.

Some things I was recommended to do before the trip (this July so I have plenty of time) is:
Replaces hoses
Replace belts
Oil change
Flush/replace radiator
Check brakes
Check thermostat
Check tires
Check timing belt

Also I will bring it to my mechanic and have him give it a look over before I head off.

I was wondering if any of you had tips or pointers or previous experiences with taking an EF on a road trip and if their are any do's or donts, and if there are things cruicial I need to replaces before the trip. I do have 24/7 roadside assistance and will have cash set aside in case something happens on the road but I want to do all the preventitive maitnence I can before I leave. Thank you for your help!

TL;DR - Taking 88 EF hatch on 450 mile trip (450 there 450 back), what to do to to get it ready?

 

As long as you maintain a vechicle you can drive 30-450 miles makes no difference. I'm sure you will be just fine.

 

Do a simple tune up…also make sure your alternator, battery, and hoses are good just simple checks

 

when i drove from LA to SF regularly, i'd simply jump in the car and go.

 

your driving a honda so there are no worries as long as you maintain it. your car could go from pa to cal and back no problem thts just fact they will run forever.

 

Thanks everyone for the replies!