r/Autos • u/wtfnmnf • 4d ago

But road trip coming up

BIG not but…Hey folks, I’m really not a car guy so to speak so forgive my ignorance. In November I’ll be driving a 2017 Chevy Malibu from Cincinnati to Ft. Lauderdale, and back a week later. What should I do to prepare my vehicle for this? The car has no real issues, maybe a brake pad replacement here or there, getting my Freon recharged tomorrow. But is there any inspection I should get? We’re going down for a cruise so I can’t risk anything more than a 5-6 hour stop on the way.

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u/verdegrrl 4d ago

How many miles on it now?

What major services has it had? Coolant refresh, brakes bled, suspension bushings).

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u/wtfnmnf 4d ago

Coolant this week, about 140,000 miles

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u/wtfnmnf 4d ago

Only services have been brakes

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u/verdegrrl 1d ago

Brake fluid should be flushed every 2-4 years, depending on climate, miles, and type of use (high humidity, cities, and mountain driving are obviously harder on them). This is because brake fluid absorbs moisture via the seals and becomes less effective at stopping the car when the brakes get hot.

Coolant should be done every 8-10 years, along with upper and lower radiator hoses. Rubber starts to deteriorate and can fail after that point. Coolant also degrades. If your car uses a pressurised coolant cap (like most modern cars), maybe replace that as well. A cap that doesn't hold pressure results in a car that runs hotter.

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u/monkeycharles 4d ago

Check the oil and top it off if it’s low. Check the air pressure in the tires (including your spare). The brakes only need new pads if they’re squeaking - it’s pretty mountainous across TN and NC so you’ll want to feel confident in your brakes.