Suggestions on items to check before road trip.

**jrbonds** · 04-19-2011, 10:04 AM

I'm heading to Las Cruces to visit my mom this up coming weekend. Its a 12 hour drive for me.

I changing the oil, fuel filter and balancing the tires, but is there something else I am missing/forgetting?

I have that stupid K&N air filter in it, how do I clean that thing cause its kind of black.

**Y2KArcticSS** · 04-19-2011, 10:15 AM

Originally Posted by jrbonds

I'm heading to Las Cruces to visit my mom this up coming weekend. Its a 12 hour drive for me.

I changing the oil, fuel filter and balancing the tires, but is there something else I am missing/forgetting?

I have that stupid K&N air filter in it, how do I clean that thing cause its kind of black.

Water, low pressure (I used a garden hose when I had mine), and a K&N cleaning kit. I think they are 10-12 bucks at the auto place.

***SMWS6TA*** · 04-19-2011, 11:47 AM

Better yet take it out and get a paper filter. Then get a can of MAF cleaner and clean the MAF. That K&N is gunking up your MAF and TB.

Also check coolant, break fluid and trany for A4, clutch master cylinder for M6. Do a walk around on lights, check them all.

**jrbonds** · 04-19-2011, 11:50 AM

Originally Posted by SMWS6TA

Better yet take it out and get a paper filter. Then get a can of MAF cleaner and clean the MAF. That K&N is gunking up your MAF and TB.

Also check coolant, break fluid and trany for A4, clutch master cylinder for M6. Do a walk around on lights, check them all.

So a paper filter is ok?

I changed all the lights 3 weeks ago, and the DRL's for the 2nd time in 6 weeks. I had to keep extras in the car lately.

This is a my first road trip in the TA, excited and nervous at the same time.

***SMWS6TA*** · 04-19-2011, 11:58 AM

DRL's are a very common problem.

Yes, I would strongly recommend getting rid of it. Some do swear by the K&N but it usually has more problems then its worth. I'm using WIX. There is a thread or two about which ones flow the best. I think Sarge wrote it.

**jrbonds** · 04-19-2011, 11:59 AM

Originally Posted by SMWS6TA

Better yet take it out and get a paper filter. Then get a can of MAF cleaner and clean the MAF. That K&N is gunking up your MAF and TB.

Also check coolant, break fluid and trany for A4, clutch master cylinder for M6. Do a walk around on lights, check them all.

Originally Posted by SMWS6TA

DRL's are a very common problem.

Yes, I would strongly recommend getting rid of it. Some do swear by the K&N but it usually has more problems then its worth. I'm using WIX. There is a thread or two about which ones flow the best. I think Sarge wrote it.

Ok, cool, thank you!

**Y2KArcticSS** · 04-19-2011, 12:02 PM

I got rid of my K&N for an Amsoil paper filter. Easier to deal with and no gunked MAF.

I went through a bunch of DRLs one year... make sure that whatever you get, they are the 'heavy duty' version. I usually get the Sylvania heavy duty's, they have lasted me well over a year now.

**Smittro** · 04-19-2011, 12:26 PM

Check your serp belt for cracking, or just get a new one before you leave..

**1slowbusa** · 04-19-2011, 03:13 PM

dont forget to check you spare tire pressure, also if you have keyed lug nuts make sure its in the car.

***SMWS6TA*** · 04-19-2011, 08:33 PM

a good jack, flash light also. I have a first aid kit in mine too.

**KMdef9** · 04-20-2011, 06:48 AM

Originally Posted by SMWS6TA

a good jack, flash light also. I have a first aid kit in mine too.

+ water and jacket.

If your close to the fluids needing changing, I would change them. Namely the oil and coolant.

I also agree on the belts/hoses being checked for cracks.

As far as the filter goes, buy a new paper one for this trip. I would only clean it if you have the cleaning products already. If you do have the cleaning stuff, still buy the paper, but clean and oil the filter before you leave so it has plenty of time to dry. IF your hearts set on keeping it.

As far as the DRL's, the sockets might need replacing, you can get them from the autoparts store if they're nice and burned up.

**WICKEDLS1** · 04-20-2011, 08:33 AM

take the K&N out and sell it. i switched to paper a long time ago and sole the k&n for 35 bucks on craigslist to some kid. and definately clean the throttle body. i did a few weeks ago and noticed a little better throttle response. also clean the TB while your at it.

**gnomee** · 04-21-2011, 06:04 PM

With a trip like that I'd take a look at tie rod ends, u-joints. Also don't forget windshield wipers, always forget about them until it's raining and you cant see sh**!

On any trip like that I usually just pay my mechanic $69.00 to put it on the lift and look it over real good. Its worth the piece of mind for me.

From the list of items here in the thread it looks like you'll be just fine if you check it all out and change the fluids.

**Ls1_385hp_T/A** · 04-21-2011, 06:57 PM

And don't forget to shower before you leave

**blackSS01** · 04-22-2011, 01:11 AM

Didn't read the replies but from my experience going across Country are this:

First aid kit
Blanket
Spare
Jack
Belt
Oil Change
Fuel filter
Tire Pressure

The best thing for you is being able to know the history of the vehicle you are driving and how it has been maintained/maintenance

Most important thing IMO would be the first aid kit because of this:

Doesn't matter if you're car makes it fine, somebody elses car may not or you may come across a accident (God forbid) and it (with proper training) may save a life.

Have a safe trip