Will I be alright to take a long trip

STARSHINE96

MEMBER
2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
123,700 MILES

My vehicle runs super well. Very quiet. You can't even hear or feel the engine (unless you really focus on it, ) when idling or stopped until you press the gas.

This truck has 123,000 miles on it at the time I post this, good brakes, good tires, and has never, with myself or previous owners been more than 200 miles past due for an oil change, save for once last year, but still less than 500.

This is and has been a solid truck, but as I'm considering moving, I need to take a trip to see how it handles the drive.

I'll be going from central Wyoming to Houston in the summer. This truck has never been south of Denver, apparently. But I don't think it will have any issues with elevation after it adjusts.

However, I'm fully aware this is an older vehicle, probably with more miles than it should have by this point. It's well cared for, and runs like a dream, so, I'd like to keep it that way.

What are some tips I could get on this? What else should I check beyond fluids when I'm stopped along the way?
I have people in both states who are good with vehicles, if it needs oil changes, but should I stop in between if I hit the next change mark? Should I get an oil change just before I go, even if early? Should I not sweat it, from point A to point B, as long as the vehicle runs and sounds fine?

Any tips are appreciated greatly.

2 Replies

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good afternoon,

I would have the oil changed before you leave and have the truck looked over such as brakes, transmission and all the fluids.

As far as adjustments, none are needed as the computers will adapt as needed. There are sensors that measure atmospheric pressure and adjust fuel mapping accordingly.

Just have it checked before you leave.

Roy

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Sunday, December 30th, 2018 AT 1:43 PM

CJ MEDEVAC

MECHANIC
11,005 POSTS

In my opinion, the fluids are the life of the mechanicals on a vehicle.

I sometimes change them earlier than the maintenance schedule recommends (but I'm not OCD with it!)

There are things I am OCD with! Like I change my thermostat every spring, need it or not! I've owned nothing but Jeep CJs since I was allowed on the asphalt back in 1981, I have never had an overheating situation.

More modern vehicles seem to have more sensor related issues than the mechanical ones. Often the mechanicals go overlooked.

I presently have a 1977 CJ-5 and a 1946 Willys, both acquired in 1991. Both are now in tip top shape and I'd jump into either one and go anywhere I desire.

With mine, things can and do happen sometimes, 99% of the time I can handle them on the roadside (sometimes even able to aid another unprepared CJ feller). I keep wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, and other repair items on board. I also have a spare coil, mechanical fuel pump, and ignition module and more!

Things I did in the beginning when I tried to stay off of a tow trucks hook was to keep at least a gallon of drinking water which double dutied to be used in the radiator if needed.

A couple of quarts of oil and some brake fluid.

Some tire plugs and one or two of those really cheap (but effective) tiny cigarette lighter air compressors. I found that the compressors need to cool after a period of time or they will melt down and be useless (see their directions, don't push their limits!). My CJ-5 now has a train horn and an on-board air compressor to run it and accessories.

Keep a 5 lbs fire extinguisher with you, anything less is a fire teaser.

I might keep going on and on.

But lastly check and lube your universal joints. Replace them if they have play in the caps!

It was a pain, but long ago I had to remove a U-joint out of my front drive shaft to be used on the rear one. On the side of the road, with pliers, a hammer, and used my girlfriends tube of Vaseline-like lip gloss for a get-by lubricant.

I hope something in here might get you through without an issue!

The Medic

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