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FCP Euro Service Kits

FCP Euro Kits

Spring break is much needed time off from the books for college students like myself. With gas prices at a reasonable low and my ambitions at a reasonable high, a friend and I made the decision to embark on a lengthy road trip. We will be driving my 1998 Volvo S70 from Connecticut to Florida and back, a total round trip distance of about 2,800 miles. A road trip can be a great time and, for me, is just as enjoyable as reaching the destination, if prepared for properly.

Here are a few tips and ideas to make your long journey a good one!

IMG_2129 My S70 loaded for its first long trip

Those 2800 miles will be the best miles my car has had in a while

When making this decision you need to think realistically about your vehicle in its current state, and you need to know your vehicle well. This is especially important if you plan on driving something a little older and if its your daily driver. I have put 30,000 miles on my car in about the last year or so and during that time I have been able to become comfortable with taking the vehicle long distances. These miles have consisted of many sizable journeys and, to date, I have not had a problem with the car. If you have recently purchased your car I would not suggest taking it this far yet, the last thing you want is to learn something potentially catastrophic about your new vehicle one thousand miles from home!

Another concern many people have about driving their own car is that they will be adding too many miles to it, increasing wear & tear thus lowering the value of the car. My Volvo has 235k on it now - another 2.8k will hardly change its resale value. This is true for many cars on the road, the exceptions being exotics where an extra 1000 miles may make a significant value change! As for the wear and tear? Those 2.8k miles I will put on my Volvo will probably be the best miles it has had in a while. Cars much prefer consistent speeds on smooth roads, so a majority of highway driving will be effortless and not as harmful as one might think.

In preparation for my trip I will be doing: An oil service and coolant flush. I will also be replacing my spark plugs since their service interval will technically happen while I'm on my trip. Never go on a trip with a timing belt that is approaching its service interval, a worn belt that breaks will destroy the cylinder head and valves.

Shop Volvo/Gates Timing Belt Kits at FCP Euro Shop Volvo/Gates Timing Belt Kits at FCP Euro

Of course, check your tires for condition and correct pressure, wipers and lights for their functionality and give your car a good wash/interior clean!

Taking your own vehicle on a long trip can be a super rewarding and proud moment when you reach your destination! If you are hesitant about taking your own vehicle, either service it accordingly before hand or rent a car. There is no need to risk anything especially if the car is your daily driver.

9 Essential things to bring

  • Good Music - I have Sirius XM Satellite radio installed in my Volvo which allows me to listen to the same station no matter where I go. It's nice so I don't need to worry about trying to find a station with a genre of music that I like every time I get out of reception. Also, I have my iPod loaded with songs should I want to listen to something specific.
  • Paper Towel - It's got plenty of uses, get a roll and keep in in reach.
  • Radar Detector - If you're on the road a lot, investing in a good radar detector is a must even if you're not a crazy speeder. It may give you that extra opportunity to slow down when you're cruising not much over the speed limit. If an officer sees you're from out of state he may be inclined to ticket you for not much over the limit as most assume you won't want to travel back to fight the ticket. Check the legality (Don't use in VA or DC) of their use where you plan on driving to/through. I run an Escort Passport radar detector in my Volvo and highly recommend it as it gives a lot of other useful information besides live radar such as location of speed cameras, speed traps and recent police sitings when connected to your smartphone via the Escort Live app.

Passport Escort Passport Radar Detector (Source: crutchfield.com)

  • E-ZPass - You can pick them up at many large service stations in states that use the system and activate them on the spot! Saves you time at the tolls and also you wont need to deal with change. E-ZPasses will work in any state, no matter where you purchase them.

EZpass E-ZPass Transponder (Source: hamptonroads.com)

  • Standalone GPS - Yes, it is true that many smartphones can work as navigation systems too but they rely on their data signal to produce the maps. A Standalone GPS does not require cellular service for its guidance. Plus, this will help preserve your phone battery.
  • Trip Advisor App - Great for finding restaurants and attractions that the locals enjoy! Usually you can find something good not too far off the highway.
  • Large Water Bottle Pack - For when you get thirsty.
  • Full-Size Spare Tire - If you are far away from home and get a puncture, a "donut" spare will not last you as they are usually only rated for 50 miles or so at 50mph so you will need to have the punctured tire repaired. I purchased an identical alloy wheel to the one on my S70 and mounted a tire on it for not much money. Should I get a flat, I can swap the full tire on and complete my journey with it. Also be sure your jack is in working order and you have a lug wrench.

F10 spacesaver Don't complete your journey on one of these! (Source: Bimmerforums.com)

  • Small Tool Kit & First Aid Kit - I have a small tool kit that contains common tools used on my Volvo as well as some general tools such as a hammer, vise grips and pliers. A general roadside safety emergency kit is a must as well.

Driving Tips

Use your cruise control when traffic permits. This can help you achieve better fuel economy as well as make the journey more relaxing.

Make stops every few hours so you can get out and walk around even if its just at the rest stop. This is especially important when you're going to be in the car for a while.

Fill-up at well known gas stations. While on your travels you may not come across your popular gas station back home - take a minute to research what is popular in the region you're driving through.

If time permits, stop at some attractions/cities that you're passing through. It is much better eating at a local restaurant (and could be much cheaper) than going to the rest stop McDonalds...you've got one at home!

Do you have any tips or essentials when taking a long road trip? 

Shop Volvo at FCP Euro

 


About the Author: Noah Jenkins

Noah_headshotNoah Jenkins is attending the University of Connecticut studying Electrical Engineering. He’s been around Volvos since birth and currently drives and maintains a 1998 S70. His knowledge and interest in European vehicles expands to BMW, Audi, and Land Rover as well.


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Written by :
Noah Jenkins

Noah Jenkins is attending the University of Connecticut studying Electrical Engineering. He’s been around Volvos since birth. His knowledge and interest in European vehicles expands to Audi, BMW and Land Rover as well. He currently drives and maintains a 2004 Audi A4 Avant and a 1996 Volvo 850


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