Taking my first long road trip next week- can I get tips?

Re: Taking my first long road trip next week- can I get tips

The car should handle high altitude just fine. I have crossed the Cascades a couple of times already this year and the car was a true performer. High altitude is not an issue. Pulling long hills is not an issue.

Cross winds and the car are a little different. The car has such vertical sides that it seems fairly distinctly effected by cross winds. However it isn't unmanagable, just requires a bit more active driving. If you encounter strong cross winds, just slow down and the car will remain easy to handle.

 

I agree. We just did a 3-week trip that ran the gamut in regards to altitude and winds. We did the Rockies, and the Sierra Mts. as well as a few other mountain ranges. Temps from 34 to 118. No problem!! Just drive it and have a good time. Enjoy all the room, too.

 

I drove though the Rockies, Cascades, and the Kluane range in BC this week. Encountered pretty stiff winds, too.

I had my tire pressures at 40/38 and had minimal issues with crosswinds pushing the car somewhere I didn't want it to go. If it gets windy, slow down a bit and drive attentively and you'll have no issues.

I went to Kings Canyon as a kid with the family many times.....have a safe drive!

 

Re: Taking my first long road trip next week- can I get tips

You always want to run 2 lbs higher in the front than the rear.

 

Re: Taking my first long road trip next week- can I get tips

We just finished a drive from LA to San Jose this last weekend.

If you're going via I-5, here are some tips:
- Going up the grapevine, we used the cruise control to keep at one speed. I know I pissed off others by going only 5 over the speed limit, but it really saved on the MPG.
- when you're coming down the grapevine, let the car coast as much as possible. We super-generated energy like you wouldn't beleive and the MPG were really up there for quite a while, as the car worked to use all that extra energy. My hubby, who's a serious gauge watcher, was jazzed about it all. LOL

General Tips:
- keep a good, steady hand on the wheel. High speeds + high desert winds will make you rock and/or drift a little.
- My biggest suggestion, take your time, use cruise control to stick to a safe, sane speed and enjoy the view.

Annie in Sunnyvale, CA

P.S. - an audiobook is an excellent idea, especially for those boring stretches of road!