I'm moving from Phoenix, AZ to Knoxville, TN in December. I've searched some threads here about preparing for long trips, and I'd just like to go over it once more and get any other suggestions.

- Check all fluids.
- Have brakes changed, if necessary
- Flush the coolant system
- Change the oil before leaving(I'm changing again upon arrival)
- Get an alignment done. Have the tech check tierods and other steering mechanisms while he's under there.
- Carry an extra serpentine belt(?)

Any more suggestions?

Specific concerns for my car and this trip...

I currently run a low coolant/water ratio(probably 20/80), since this is a Phoenix car(where 60F during the day is considered way cold). Will 50/50 suffice for the cold route I'm taking(I40 in late December)? I've never driven in snow before, either, and my searches on here have resulted in many people talking about how bad these cars suck in snow. Will snow chains be a decent fix for this issue, should I run into major snowfall?

 

don't think you have the fender clearance for snow chains, ie they might hit the rear quarters, if the road is that bad I wouldn't drive on it. 50/50 is fine since it'll be good to -34 degrees.

 

The area I'm worried about the most is I-17 to I-40(Flagstaff, AZ, lots of snow)...I'm driving to Oklahoma City to stay with a friend overnight and then down to Dallas...doing I-20 to Dallas and then up to OKC would be too much backtracking for my tastes.

 

Also be sure to have an assortment of tools handy. I never, EVER, go anywhere that's over 500 miles without having some tools, fluids, and a reliable cell phone handy. I keep my car in tip top shape and have never needed anything other than a rag to check the oil on the way. But you know what they say....you'll cry when you don't have it. Bring a shovel too, just in case

 

I take after the guys in Boondock Saints, too...I never go anywhere without a coil of rope.

 

lol snow in TN? hahahahaha im from nashville i have lived here 10 years seen no more then a foot. i run 50/50 anti in my car year round.

 

Anti freeze type window cleaner in the windshield washer reserviour is a good idea. Regular water will freeze on the windshield and in the water lines. Also make sure the wiper blades are good. Bring an ice scraper/brush. Cable type chains would probably work on your tires, but regular chains will not. Be sure to use rubber tensioners if you chain up, they need to fit really tight or they will hit the fender wells!

Also do not run less than a 180 deg. thermostat, the heater won't put out enough heat.

 

I know. I'm from Knoxville and the worst I ever saw was the blizzard in '93...everything after that was crap. I won't be touching the mountains there, thankfully...so the only area I have to worry is the potential for snow in Flagstaff, AZ and some in Oklahoma. After that, I drop down south and no more worries.

 

it's good weather here in tulsa right now.... it dosn't get bad here.... i wouldn't waste my time on snow chains... just get some heavy stuff and throw it in the back.....

 

I'm talking more southern than that, on the 40. My friend lives in OKC and he said he hit snow going east on the 40 in late December.

 

oh in december.... mmmmmm yea you might hit a little just drive slow and brake waaaaaaaaaaay ahead...... sliding into things is not my idea of fun.....
i always deflate my tires to like 20 psi around town..... but if it is too bad.... i call into work

 

Throw a bunch of weight in the rear hump area. Like at least 100lbs. Leave everything you're bringing, back there, so the weight is over the rear tires.

Forget the chains, if you NEED chains on a highway, the highway would be closed. By the time cars are even driving on it, the plows and salters/potassium whatever trucks have been out there.

Definately get the winter windshield washer fluid. The blue stuff rather than the green stuff, using summer stuff in snow SUCKS. Bring your basic tools, main key ones that pop into mind are a screwdriver in case you lose a rad hose, and maybe some duct tape or something to patch it temporarily. 50/50 antifreeze/water is definately good enough.
5W30 oil might be a good idea.

I'd inflate the tires to 35psi all around, best mileage and tire contact patch on radial tires.
If the car is prone to breaking down, and you're driving at night, i'd bring some road flares.
Can't think of anything else, but i'm sure you'll survive.

 

So guys, I was surprisingly fired from my job today(I put in my resignation on Wednesday), so I'm leaving a lot sooner than originally planned. I've been told the AZ-260 is a route free of snow and quicker than I-17 to get to the I-40, and there won't be any snow in Oklahoma right now(I'm leaving next week). As far as everything else goes, I'll be doing it all this week(plenty of time, since I don't have a freaking job!)

 

im lived in the buffalo area all my life and ive never needed chains. the best thing to have in a car that sucks in the snow is studded snow tires on the back. since you are not going to invest in that the best idea is just to slow down early and on the gas slow. most of the problem is dodging stupid people. make sure you have heat and a couple of blankets. cell phone is very important too. i drove my bird the first year i bought it in the winter and put 150 pounds of sand in the well. it didnt do anything. then i got in a wreck cause i couldnt see over a snow bank and its been a summer car ever since.