Car Inspection before a long drive

gds52 · 12-28-2011, 03:09 PM

Hello Friends,m

I'm thinking of driving my 4 yr old 52k 328i C from NJ to Miami/Key West in Feb/Mar12. Is there anything I need to get inspected in my car before I start the trip, apart from wheel alignment and oil change?

I had done the same trip in my lancer few months back, but I knew about that car because I bought it new, BMW is used, so want to be little careful.

Thanks in advance.

GetSomeE92 · 12-28-2011, 05:38 PM

As with any car before a road trip, it is wise to check your tire pressure (if you don't already do that once a month) and coolant level as well.

hipnotic · 12-28-2011, 05:43 PM

also make sure you have a spare tire if you are using nonrft

ctuna · 12-28-2011, 05:48 PM

Air pressure and all measurable fluids.

Rick4345 · 12-28-2011, 09:06 PM

Wiper blades

Kolyan2k · 12-29-2011, 09:45 AM

I do fresh coat of rainx before long trips

gds52 · 12-29-2011, 03:24 PM

Thanks, i always make sure to check all the fluids, air pressure and tires.
I run RFTs, however, I also carry puncture kit with me.

"I do fresh coat of rainx before long trips"
Whats this, is it wipers or the rainx spray kind of thing for the windscreen?

evangelion139 · 12-29-2011, 08:57 PM

im on my way to East Lansing, MI from Jonesboro,AR, it's like 730 miles. I checked tire pressure, replaced a new battery to make sure my car could start up in cold weather there, and pretty much that's it

bsamoul · 12-30-2011, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gds52

Thanks, i always make sure to check all the fluids, air pressure and tires.
I run RFTs, however, I also carry puncture kit with me.

"I do fresh coat of rainx before long trips"
Whats this, is it wipers or the rainx spray kind of thing for the windscreen?

He's talking about this :

Depending on how your car burns oil, bringing a quart might not hurt.

Traveling1 · 12-30-2011, 10:19 AM

Years ago I read an article, in one of the car magazines, stating you should never get your car serviced right before taking a long trip.
The reason was that a large percentage of car that break downs on the highway are caused by the last person that worked on it.
If your car is scheduled for some periodic maintenance it is best to have it done a few weeks before you leave or wait until your trip is complete.

Tom K. · 12-30-2011, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gds52

Thanks, i always make sure to check all the fluids, air pressure and tires.
I run RFTs, however, I also carry puncture kit with me.

Sounds like you've got it covered. As I've done the MD to FL trip in both Bimmers and Beemers, it's really no strain on the car.

But with the 'vert, I'd make certain to carry plenty of sunblock.

Enjoy your trip.

Tom

gds52 · 12-30-2011, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Traveling1

Years ago I read an article, in one of the car magazines, stating you should never get your car serviced right before taking a long trip.
The reason was that a large percentage of car that break downs on the highway are caused by the last person that worked on it.
If your car is scheduled for some periodic maintenance it is best to have it done a few weeks before you leave or wait until your trip is complete.

Agreed.

12-28-2011, 03:09 PM	#1
gds52 Colonel 886 Rep 2,720 Posts Drives: BMW Z4M Coupe, BMW 328i E93 Co Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Car Inspection before a long drive Hello Friends,m I'm thinking of driving my 4 yr old 52k 328i C from NJ to Miami/Key West in Feb/Mar12. Is there anything I need to get inspected in my car before I start the trip, apart from wheel alignment and oil change? I had done the same trip in my lancer few months back, but I knew about that car because I bought it new, BMW is used, so want to be little careful. Thanks in advance.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

12-28-2011, 05:38 PM	#2
GetSomeE92 Major 36 Rep 1,176 Posts Drives: '09 Space Gray E92 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (7)	As with any car before a road trip, it is wise to check your tire pressure (if you don't already do that once a month) and coolant level as well.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-28-2011, 05:43 PM	#3
hipnotic Major General 149 Rep 6,604 Posts Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: So. Cal iTrader: (7) Garage List 2008 335i coupe [7.00]	also make sure you have a spare tire if you are using nonrft __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-28-2011, 05:48 PM	#4
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,104 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	Air preasure and all measurable fluids. Air pressure and all measurable fluids.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-28-2011, 09:06 PM	#5
Rick4345 Lieutenant Colonel 472 Rep 1,659 Posts Drives: 2022 WRX World Rally Blue Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Somewhere iTrader: (13) Garage List 2022 Subaru WRX GT [0.00]	these Wiper blades
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-29-2011, 09:45 AM	#6
Kolyan2k Major General 922 Rep 5,538 Posts Drives: 2006 S2000 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Boston iTrader: (1)	I do fresh coat of rainx before long trips
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-29-2011, 03:24 PM	#7
gds52 Colonel 886 Rep 2,720 Posts Drives: BMW Z4M Coupe, BMW 328i E93 Co Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Thanks, i always make sure to check all the fluids, air pressure and tires. I run RFTs, however, I also carry puncture kit with me. "I do fresh coat of rainx before long trips" Whats this, is it wipers or the rainx spray kind of thing for the windscreen?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-29-2011, 08:57 PM	#8
evangelion139 Dreaming for Manual Transmission E92M3 52 Rep 184 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 328i MT; 2010 E92 M3 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: East Lansing, MI iTrader: (0)	im on my way to East Lansing, MI from Jonesboro,AR, it's like 730 miles. I checked tire pressure, replaced a new battery to make sure my car could start up in cold weather there, and pretty much that's it __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-30-2011, 10:19 AM	#10
Traveling1 Private 7 Rep 82 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: SW Florida iTrader: (0)	Years ago I read an article, in one of the car magazines, stating you should never get your car serviced right before taking a long trip. The reason was that a large percentage of car that break downs on the highway are caused by the last person that worked on it. If your car is scheduled for some periodic maintenance it is best to have it done a few weeks before you leave or wait until your trip is complete.
	Appreciate 0 Quote