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What are your thoughts on a road trip

Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2017 6:36 pm
by mark a. chew
So here is the story, would love to have input... My '04 GXP is approaching 155,000 miles and I plan to travel to Myrtle Beach, or
Clearwater. I figure 14 hours from Indianapolis to Florida and 12 to South Carolina,
I replaced the front brakes and have new tires new plugs and air filter, I would replace the belt tensioners on both sides along with new belts.
Is it not realistic to take the car on that long of trip with the miles on it? the air works great, and my alternator is about a year old bought it
from NAPA, I want to drive it because ' getting there is half the fun', IF we had trouble I wouldn't want to my gf to say we should've drove
her car or my Sierra I know there are a lot of 'Unknowns' and anything can happen, but hoped for input here, anything else I should consider
if I take on a trip that far?

Re: What are your thoughts on a road trip

Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2017 6:50 pm
by CMNTMXR57
I wouldn't hesitate to take it.

Re: What are your thoughts on a road trip

Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2017 10:37 pm
by redfury
The only thing I would want to check is the condition of the battery.

Re: What are your thoughts on a road trip

Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2017 10:41 pm
by mark a. chew
Hey Thanks Lane! I think I will take it, after all I want to enjoy the drive there, and her Toyota just won't cut it. plus my
Bonneville has more room. I think we all know how a woman packs for a trip! Ha
I am going to finish the belt replacement and change the oil right before we leave.
I just love how this car drives. Ok that is a good idea, I will check the battery I believe what's in it is two or three years old.
Thanks for the advice and your inputs.

Re: What are your thoughts on a road trip

Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2017 11:31 pm
by CMNTMXR57
Oh gawd yes.... :) I swear I could go across the world with a carry-on for a month. She needs a truck with a trailer.

Re: What are your thoughts on a road trip

Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2017 1:05 am
by mark a. chew
You know I kinda laugh at the amount she packs but when I wanted or needed something, she has it. Lol

Re: What are your thoughts on a road trip

Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2017 10:37 am
by Kersh
It sounds like you've obviously kept on top of any issues you've seen as well as the regular maintenance issues.


DRIVE IT!!

Re: What are your thoughts on a road trip

Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2017 11:39 am
by nos4blood70
Do it! Cruising miles are easy on the car.

If you're an anxious person like I am... You can make your own old-car-side-of-the-road survival kit! Obviously, I have an L36 car but many things can still apply.

For road trips, I put my tool kit and my milk crate full of spare things into my trunk. Trans fluid, oil, brake fluid, and coolant! I also have a full set of coils, ignition control module, alternator, MAF sensor, coolant elbows, thermostat, jumper cables, fuses, and a few other misc things in there. Barring some catastrophic failure or bad luck, I can cover my ass on most mishaps. Haha!

Re: What are your thoughts on a road trip

Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2017 12:21 pm
by mark a. chew
Thanks nos4blood70 ! I have many spare things to take. and I always travel with spare/extra fluids, I take some travel
detailing items too. We need to be looking good. ha
I have never replaced any cooling pipes, I see no leaks or rust on them but figured the inside is where the problem would
arise. Should I look into them as well? again many thanks I'm open for others input, It has been said I might worry a bit too much, I think it is unfounded
most of the time.

Re: What are your thoughts on a road trip

Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2017 12:44 pm
by CMNTMXR57
You should never have to replace cooling pipes. Just hoses.

Re: What are your thoughts on a road trip

Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2017 1:25 pm
by mark a. chew
Ok thanks Lane, I guess that the worry wart in me, thinking.
What's your thought on these " Cadillac pills'' I 've heard about for the cooling system. would they be good
preventive measure ? Would my local GM or Cadillac dealership have them if I needed them?

Re: What are your thoughts on a road trip

Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2017 1:45 pm
by CMNTMXR57
Use them all the time. Highly recommend them if you have light leaks. I used them in the V. Used them in service all the time. I would recommend crushing them up when you put them in. It quickens their dissolve process.

Yes, any GM service department should have them. We all use(d) them.

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