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2 long trips

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by bobzchemist, Apr 11, 2017.

  1. bobzchemist

    bobzchemist Active Member

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    I'm going to be taking two long trips in June - one for a 2,200 mile round trip, and the next for a 1,700 mile round trip. Any tips to prepare the Prius for these? Is there anything I should watch out for? Anything that this much driving will allow me to do better (change the oil at the end of the driving day, for example)?
     
    #1 bobzchemist, Apr 11, 2017
  2. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    The only think Prius related I can think of is:
    I have a Prolong grid charger, so I'd use that for a full reconditioning a week or two before the trip to try to maximize fuel economy with having the battery in as good of condition as I can. (No longer possible with the PiP, but would still do so if we took the wife's '07.)

    Generally:
    I like to have a fresh enough oil change that I won't need to change it during the trip if possible. Also check the filters and the fluid levels. Check the tires, including the spare. I have a little tool bag I take in case I have to attempt any repairs on the road. And I bring a tire plug kit and compressor. That's sometimes easier than changing the tire.

    I also make sure the maps are up to date on the Garmin, but that's not actually for the car per se. ;)

    Hope you have a couple GREAT trips.
     
    #2 jerrymildred, Apr 11, 2017
  3. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    Gasoline is denser in the morning when it is cool, and will expand all day as it warms up. So fill up in the morning.
     
    #3 JimboPalmer, Apr 11, 2017
  4. GardenWeasel

    GardenWeasel Member

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    Make sure windshield wipers are in good shape...just in case.
     
    #4 GardenWeasel, Apr 11, 2017
  5. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    • Check tire pressures (including spare)
    • Check all your lights (any that seem like they might blow?)
    • How close are you to the next service interval? If it's in June, might as well get the fresh oil in
    • Check your cabin air filter (all those driving miles sitting in the car, you'll want to ensure you're getting fresh air)
    • Check the engine air filter
    • 12V battery in good condition?
    • Depending on where you are driving, think about a tool kit just in case? If you're always near a major city or town, you might be ok without one
     
    #5 Tideland Prius, Apr 11, 2017
  6. tankyuong

    tankyuong Senior Member

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    check your oil before you go and when you get there. I changed my oil before my trip and when i got back not a single drop on tbe dipstick.
     
    #6 tankyuong, Apr 11, 2017
  7. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Yow. That's like a pre-written PSA for checking the dipstick while the tank is filling when stopped for gas, just like the old driver-training instructors taught.

    -Chap
     
    #7 ChapmanF, Apr 11, 2017
    jerrymildred likes this.
  8. GardenWeasel

    GardenWeasel Member

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    AAA has 200 mile towing in their Premier Plan. I upgraded.
     
    #8 GardenWeasel, Apr 12, 2017
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