Driving to Florida, anything extra to do?

[Baigle]

Hello, just joined the forum.

I own a 2007 mazda3 2.0 manual with 220k on it.
I am planning on driving from Ottawa to the Florida Keys during the holidays to do some camping and watch a football game on the way, and I am slowly getting my car ready.

I have a couple non major things (brakes, window not working and a little rear suspension work) that I will be doing before going but wondering if I should be doing anything preventative before going.


I will be doing an oil change and recharge my air filter but besides that what else?

I have changed the spark plugs at 175k, and new battery at 210k.

Thanks

[jswift79]

radiator flush, and maybe transmission + engine flush

[Lmmorden]

New wipers.. Fill the washer fluid... Air the tires including spare... Check your all your lights ...

Tunage... You need good driving tunes.

[sarujo]

Is the alternator original? If yes, I would get the electrical system fully tested. Nothing worse than that going while south of the border...

If you are going to flush the coolant I would change the thermostat as well if it's original..

[unknown]

Travel health insurance, first aid kit, flashlight, batteries. Hmm lots of km maybe a bottle of motor oil in case u need to top up if ur car burns a tiny bit of oil? Have a safe trip!

[staax]

Long drives = heat, long drives in hotter climates = more heat haha.

I would definitely check the condition of your coolant and rad fan.

Also, that's about the mileage that wheel bearings tend to start failing - normally accompagnied by a groaning sound that changes depending on how quick you're going.

Also make sure that your battery and alternator are in good shape.

Throw a bottle of oil in the trunk and you're set.

I'm assuming that your tire pressure is good.

Have a safe trip!

[SonicBoy]

Any type of sour candy for when you start to get sleepy on the drive down.:chuckle

Basically what has been posted so far is good advice.

Do you have a good roaming data plan?

How about GPS to help you navigate any traffic jams and or construction?

Coins for if you hit any of the toll roads once you're down there?

Some glass treatment (Rain-X, Aquapel) for the windshield? Really rainy down there right now. Oh and good wipers.

If you have locking lug nuts, make sure the key is somewhere with you for the trip.

Have fun and good luck.

[SKYMP3]

Roadside Assistance (CAA, AAA or others)

[Fack_Dude]

Get a rental car.

[crasth]

Get a rental car.
Hahahahah lol

[stefanb]

You'll be fine...It's not even that far. Change the oil before you leave and change it when you get back...have fun!

[Kiewan]

Watch out for alligators. I remember as a kid on the way to Disney: my dad avoided one at a truck stop close to Orlando. They're a bit spikier than raccoons :P

[Timotee]

A fresh spare tire won't hurt. :)

[RustyMZ3]

Stick with the brand name gas on your trip. There is a lot of cheap gas (quality wise) down there and it will definitely affect gas mileage. Last trip to Orlando was in a car that was mainly city driven. Chose Shell Premium the whole trip just to get a good cleaning and it did help.