What to Pay Attention to When Taking a Long Trip in a 15-Year-Old Car?
3 Answers
Precautions for long trips in an old car: 1. Perform maintenance: Before hitting the highway, it's best to conduct a routine vehicle maintenance. Check the brake sensitivity, various fluids, battery, lights, chassis, and tire pressure to ensure everything is in order before setting off. 2. Check tire pressure: Before driving, avoid inflating the tires too much. Generally, it's best to keep the tire pressure below 2.5. Overinflated tires are more prone to bursting on bumpy roads or roads with many small stones. Since the components of an old car are relatively aged, it's advisable to carry a portable air pump to check the tire pressure anytime. 3. Avoid speeding: The most important point is not to speed. Speeding on the highway is very dangerous, and the risk factor is much higher for old cars than for new ones. The responsiveness of an old car isn't as quick as a new one, so high speeds can place excessive load on the components, potentially leading to failures.
Driving a 15-year-old car on a long trip requires full attention! Before setting off, I make sure to change all the fluids: engine oil, oil filter, and transmission fluid must be done properly, while brake fluid and coolant are crucial for safety. The chassis must be lifted for inspection—if the suspension bushings or ball joints are cracked, the bumps at high speed can be terrifying. If the tire tread depth is below 3mm, replace them immediately, and don’t forget to check the spare tire’s pressure. Overheating is the biggest fear on long trips, so I stop at rest areas every two hours to let the engine cool down and check for any tire bulges. Also, test the wiper blades and lights beforehand—older cars tend to have loose wiring connections, so packing some electrical tape is handy for emergencies. Oh, and always carry two bottles of coolant and engine oil—better safe than sorry!
As someone who frequently takes road trips in older cars, focus on three key aspects: safety systems, power systems, and emergency plans. Brake pads must be replaced if their thickness is below 5mm, and the handbrake travel should be adjusted tighter, especially if you're driving on mountain roads. Inspect the generator belt carefully for cracks—if it breaks, the entire car will lose power. Carry a fuse kit and jumper cables, as older car circuits can be temperamental. If the window seals are aged and causing wind leaks, apply seal conditioner in advance. I always keep a repair manual in the glovebox to troubleshoot fault codes. On highways, listen for unusual noises—chassis bolts may loosen after thousands of miles. Mount the phone holder on the vent to avoid overheating from direct sunlight. During rest stops, don’t just scroll on your phone—pop the hood and check for any burnt smells!
