NY to CA drive?

Question

I am planning to drive from NY to CA san diego later this month on my Infiniti i30 1999 with 140 k no problems on the car except for the check engine light which is on , and i am planning to make a drive in 4 to 5 days , the problem is will be driving alone, the max i have driven alone is 1500 miles one way , do you guys think it is a good idea to do this trip since shipping and flying is too expensive also cannot sell and buy car since its too much of a hassle , please help me out with any suggestions and tips you can if i am driving?

Answer 1

If you feel the car is in good shape (and you know enough about cars to determine that), I think you can easily drive that distance.

if you plan to get an oil change, coolant change, etc before the trip, make sure you do it about a week in advance.  Some time bad maintenance work takes few days for it to show up.  My brother got his timing belt changed JUST before Boston to NYC trip.  It failed 1/2 way down.  That cost him unnecessary time and motel stay.

I've also driven about 1600 mile (NYC to chicago back back in 2 day).  I also driven from NYC to FL (Jacksonville) and back.  It was easy to do.  Don't wait till it gets too hot and don't wait till it start snowing either.

Take your time and see some sights while you are at it - have fun.  Get a GPS as it really helps with direction on new hwy.  It really relieves the stress knowing what road you are on and where is the next exit (how far the next exit).  But take a paper MAP as electronics always fail at the worst time (I had 1 map and 2 GPS).

Take a MP3 player with all your music as it really sucks when radio stations comes in and out.  But listen to the radio from time to time for traffic and weather.

Have somebody you can call to help you.   I was calling my friend and my wife and they were looking up weather info online for me.  And now, Google map (and iPhone) give you free traffic report.

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Carry some spare parts (like extra 4 qt of oil, plenty of water AND coolant, duct tapes, hand tools, jacks, spare tire AND air pump AND Fix-a-Flat).  Check your belt.  If you haven't done a tranny oil change (required every 30K), then do it now.

Good Luck...

Answer 2

just don't push it and have fun paying for gas also never drive when your slightly drowsy find a place to stay

Answer 3

Why not :-)

Before you leave:

- Change oil, get your breaks/tires checked and also the reason for engine light (to ensure nothing serious)

- Chart your route in advance, buy a GPS if you don't have one (they are cheap these days), GPS is a must

- Plan the places that you are going to stay in (motels etc)

- With the floods in Midwest, ensure that you are taking a safe route

- Get some good music CD's etc

- Ensure your spare tire is in good condition and you are carrying span's and jacks in boot, may be buy a cheap tire inflator ($8-20)

- Carry hazard signs (or flares) with you

- Carry plenty of water with you and also some blankets

- Carry some chocolates or other non perishable food.

- Charge your cell phone in full and may be carry a phone charger in car.

- Stay in touch with friends and family, keep informing them your whereabouts

- Don't pickup hitch hiker.....

I think that's enough..feels like I am dictating you things like a mom.... :-)

Have fun