When you are
planning on taking your special vehicle on a major journey, it is highly recommended that
you first take a 150 mile "shakedown" drive. Southern California HET Chapter
Is Your Car Ready for the Trip?
When you are
planning on taking your special vehicle on a major journey, it is highly recommended that
you first take a 150 mile "shakedown" drive.
This is especially true if your vehicle does not get regular use. As you know, fuel sitting in the tank for long periods tends to gum-up, causing fuel pumps, filters and carburetors to stop functioning.
Check your tires, don't forget the spare, and do
you have a working jack? What about the cooling system? You do not want
radiator leaks or overheating problems along the way, and has some hot weather and long
grades. Also, is there corrosion on the battery posts?
Do you have a Survival Kit? It should include a spare fan belt, and perhaps a spare
water pump or other "harder to procure" or "known to be vulnerable"
parts. It may save you from having to "sit out" for a day along the way.
Also include extra fluids; brake and transmission plus whatever oil is right for you.
And then there's tools, a first-aid kit and emergency lights.
Be sure to include an A-B-C fire extinguisher.
It's cheap insurance.
Now you will be better ready for that trip in your special vehicle..........
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Revised: May 13, 2007