I'm a girl who doesn't know a whole lot about cars ... It's never not started up but it kind of concerns me as i'm about to drive down the west coast and over to texas in thin thing.
I'm going to take it to my mechanic friend before i hit the road but i just thought i'd ask your expert opinions. Love and light folks.
Chances are you have no mechanical history of this car.
Simple things make a big difference. I'd start with changing the fuel filter because there is a chance that it never has been changed. Nimrods drive cars too, and that means gas & go maintenance. Change your air filter too, that's a long trip.
3-4 seconds is a long crank, and it probably is not that long (not doubting you, it's a time perception thing that most people have)
Simple things a young girl can do to help herself and impress others .... open the hood at night and remove the under hood light bulb. Now that it's nice and dark start the car up and look for sparks ... light blue arcing type sparks. Listen for ticking sounds and try to look at where the sound is coming from. If you see sparks you need some wire management ... namely replacement.
Speaking as a father here, actually a grumpy old man, I would have the fluids changed out before allowing my daughter to drive this car around such a long way from home. That means oil, coolant checked, trans fluid changed, power steering fluid checked and the differential checked. (that should be done with the oil change) Also, have the front end inspected for excessive play and wear.
Tires ... look for excessive wear, dry rot and signs of the belts separating. Have those brakes looked at too. Tires and brakes are without question the most important parts of a car. It does you no good to go if you can't steer or stop.
Any signs of leaking fluid should be addressed. Can't afford it? You can't afford the trip then!
Hoses, belts, and the
wiper blades. (Avoid Quick Lube joints as they jack up the price on filters and blades to unrealistic retail prices!)
Now get your butt back in the house and clean your room young lady! 😀
Enjoy your trip and be safe!
PS ... these cars haul and speeding is easy to do ... a modern and updated GPS unit will warn you of speed zones!
We expect pics of the car and trip!
BTW ... did you know that you can access this site from your smart phone?? Might be a good idea to bookmark it on your phone.
