Looking for mechanical/maintenance advice please!

[Kbinspections]

I know this is outside of the forums scope but I do really value almost (lol) everyone’s mechanical advice on this site:

Situation: My daughter just graduated college and commissioned as an officer in the US Navy. She owns a 2014 Acura MDX AWD Tech with 164,000. She will be relocating from NY to sunny San Diego.

We bought the car new since 2014 and its been a work horse. I have done 95% the maintenance and is totally up to date with recommended maintenance.

I would love any input about the cross country drive. And what to prep for.

My intentions are to replace all fluids as this is the last time I will be working on this vehicle.

I guess I am a bit concerned about possibly blowing a radiator/heater hose as they are original.

After I go thru the car, will send to mechanic to double check before she leaves.

Thanks in advance & Go Navy!

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[kah.mun.rah]

Check the hoses and belts for dry rot or cracks. Tires and brakes good?

 

[Odyssey USA]

The cooling system is, statistically, the most common denominator for breakdowns.

 

[Aussicon]

Agreed - if it was me and the hoses/belts are original, I would replace them. Same goes for the battery.

 

[rcadden]

All of the above are good, but for a cross-country drive, I would also suggest planning for issues:

• Ensure she has a good roadside assistance program/service and knows how to contact them.
• Ensure she has a blanket, flashlight, and jumper cables.
• Ensure she has a proper spare tire, and the knowledge and equipment to be able to change it on her own.
• If she's going to be driving at night, it's probably a good idea to get a set of roadside flares/reflectors she can put out, should she need to stop
• A basic roadside repair kit would also be a good idea. Mine is a roll-up toolbag, with a tire repair kit, set of wrenches, pliers, etc. Sockets that I know my vehicle takes, that sort of thing.

The biggest mistake people make in crisis prep is that they prepare for the *most disastrous* scenario, instead of preparing for the *most likely* scenario. So think through the most likely-to-happen things are (flat tire, etc) and prep for those, and then for anything catastrophic, that's what the AAA or roadside assistance is for.

 

[Old Jeeper]

If she has not done so: https://www.usaa.com/join/get-start...YNHE-_Tg0AUphs%26code_challenge_method%3DS256


I have been with USAA Ins since 1964, All my cars, my homes, my Life Ins, everything is with them and they are the number 1 provider of Insurances to Military personnel.

 

[Skltr]

And…if she has a carry permit plan the route accordingly. Go Navy!

 

[Craigger]

Lots of good advice here, although be *very* careful bringing firearms into CA. Bring pre-mixed coolant, oil, water. As others have said, blanket, jumper cables, AAA card. Also gorilla tape (can seal a burst hose in a pinch).

She's going to love San Diego and will be forever ruined on Mexican food in other states.

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