In 2 weeks i'm taking the MAX on it's first road trip a little info

From: Speedway, IN
To: Sandusky, OH
Distance: 283 miles

what should I check on the MAX to make sure it could make the trip because i'm pretty sure it's never gone outside of my state before. I'm putting in some fresh oil and radiator coolant and new belts what else should I check for (spark plugs are ok!)? Also 283 miles could take it's toll on any car so should I expect it to heat up, and if so what's the best way to cool it down (let it sit in park for 10 minutes then turn it off?) cuz wouldn't suddenly turning a hot car off, crack the block? Any thoughts of wisdom apreciated.

-Dexter

 

283 miles is nothing for your max unless you never had regular check ups. Car would be cooler when your actually cruising along the highway than to have it just sit on the parking lot with the car running for 10 minutes. If you fill up your gas tank before you go, you really wouldn't need to stop anywhere except for taking a bathroom break or something.

I went on a 800 mile trip (1600 total) when the car was stock (NJ to Chicago) and all I did was oil change and balance tires before I left. I had the car off sitting in the parking lot while I took bathroom breaks and gas fill ups.

Make sure all your fluid level is up to recommendation and check tires for under or over inflation. Nothing much else for a short trip like that.

 

You'll be fine. Have fun at Cedar Point, if that's where you're going. I'm jealous!

 

i also thought Cedar Point! i was gonna go there from Minneapolis with some friends, but instead we road tripped out to Colorado to stay at some cabins. 300 miles is not that long at all, you should be fine. I think that there is someone on here who is a courier and drives 200-300+ miles a day! and that's probably a lot of city driving which is harder on the car than highway. and since you'll be almost highway, you should be fine, and probably get a really good tank of gas, mileage-wise! have fun

 

yeah it is cedar point

 

Cedar Point is awesome, my folks are there this week.

I'd have your tires rotated if you haven't done that in awhile.

I used to drive from Indianapolis, IN to Columbus, OH and back every weekend (180 miles each way), and I've driven my max to NC and back in the same day! (1063 miles! no sleep!), its also been to Myrtle Beach a few times, etc. etc. Change your oil and have a safe trip!

 

thats nothing at all. i make 200+ miles from nj to boston when i go visit my g/f. there's really nothing you need to check as stated before if your car is in good shape. if you need to check to make sure that your car can make a 283 miles trip, then that means you never took care of your car and that you shouldn't take your car because its is a POS!!. otherwise, just make sure that you have enough fluids, tranny, coolant, oil.

 

The max is gonna be perfectly fine on that trip. have fun man

 

I have been to Cedar Point, go on all the roller coasters!!!!! I went on top speed and that roller coaster goes 120MPH!!!

 

As long as your up to date on maintenence, I wouldnt be worried about anything.

I'm confident I'd get to Mexico and back without any problems with my Max.

 

You probably wouldn't make it back with your Maxima, not because of breakdowns, but because lack of cash to bribe the federales.

 

If your car is well maintained you have nothing to worry about. If it's doing anything unusual, making noises, etc, then you'd want to investigate them, but otherwise you'll be fine. I have 209,000 on my car and have no hesitation about taking it on a 300 mile trip. Two winters ago I did a series of 300 mile nonstop runs across Pennsylvania and she never gave me any problems, I even hit 34 mpg on the way home. Have a safe trip.

 

It sounds like a newly bought used car, if it is and you've never seen a mechanic, take it to get the belts checked. (or check them yourself) nothing like being unable to drive because your alternator belt has fallen off.

hrm, i should get mine checked too.

 

Hardly a road trip if you ask me, 283 would get you from where i live up to lake michigan, or at least pretty close. you need to travel at least 600 miles IMO for it to be a true road trip, but good luck and i hope you have fun along the way!!! oh yeah, dont ride shotgun on the Millennium Force at dusk or you will feel like your max's grille when you hit all those bugs!!!

 

it will be fine, have fun!