Going on Vacation...

Hi Claire,

Did your car have the scheduled maintenance at 90K and 100K miles? If not it would be good to catch up on that, especially the engine air and cabin air filters, and engine and inverter coolant replacement. A transaxle ATF fluid change is also reasonable if not already done in the recent past.

Check your tire tread depth and air pressure. If tread depth is 4/32" or less, I'd suggest replacing the tires now.

How are your windshield wiper blades? If they skip when traveling over the windshield they should be replaced. Check the washer reservoir and fill up with washer fluid.

How about the 12V battery? If that hasn't been replaced you might consider replacing it now as a preventive move since it is 5 years old. Since Oregon winters are pretty cold it will be good to have a new battery as you approach that season.

The car will do great on a long trip; just don't run out of gas, and enjoy your vacation.

 

Claire, Do what Patrick said and enjoy your trip. A few years ago we took our 05 Prius from Pa. to Ca. and back and had a great time and the car did great.

 

When mine was new I took a trip from Sacramento to Miami and back, had no problems. I even changed my oil in Tenn one afternoon at the 5K mark. Be sure to use your AC if it's very hot. The rule seems to be: if you need AC, so does your battery. Both the 12V and the HV Battery.

 

It may also be good to change the inverter coolant pump at 100K+ miles if haven't done it before. I will wait until other experts comment on this one though.

Have a good trip!