How do you prepare for a long trip?

I'm not a worrier. But if I was, Avis is $30/day.

 

how many miles on her? there's not much you can do with an old car except to maintain it properly and keep your fingers crossed. and make sure your cell phone is charged.

 

Is your hybrid battery the original 13 year old battery?

 

I'd tend to avoid non-pressing maintenance immediately before the trip, especially if it's through a garage you're not that familiar with: the last thing you want is to find someone's screwed up, after you leave. Yeah check the oil, washer fluid, coolant levels.

I throw my trusty-rusty bicycle pump in the back of the hatch, which coupled with the temp spare (check it's pressure) and a plug-repair kit, you're pretty much ready for a flat scenario.

Also have a full-sized jump pack, smart charger, extension cord, some bits of wire and a few tools, gloves, reflective vest, reflective cone, flashlight, in the under-floor tray.

Oh, and toilet paper...

 

Good stuff.

For our cross country trips each year I pack along a reflective vest and collapsible reflective cone too. I take a 12v air compressor instead of a hand pump and also carry a quart of oil plus a gallon of water. In case of a problem in cooler weather or at night a couple of those light flannel indoor sleeping bags that can zip together fit perfectly under the rear floorboard as well. They double as blankets as needed.

koukilights - As far as the batteries go, there are a few things you can do to minimize battery failure.

First, make sure your 12v is less than 5 or 6 years old. I replaced mine right before our 5,000 mile trip last summer.

Second, watch your SOC screen for a few months before you go. If the batteries aren't showing any signs of weakness (constantly low or rapidly fluctuating) you should be okay. Mine was showing signs last spring so I elected to invest in a Prolong deluxe conditioning system and condition the batteries before the long trip. It worked like a charm. Actually, if you are still on the original hybrid battery pack a good battery conditioning should be done anyway. Jeff at Hybrid Automotive can help you find a qualified hybrid mechanic who will do it if you don't want to invest in a system for yourself. Or, if you can hook up with another member here who has the system, you might be able to buy just the harness and use theirs. People are incredibly helpful around Priuschat.

Prolong Battery Systems. Extending the life of your hybrid. – Hybrid Automotive

 

I just put some petrol in and go. It's so reliable that I'm never worried.

 

You don't have a flexible bladder in your fuel tank like they do in the North American model. It adds so much fun to knowing how much is in the tank.