What to take along
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 257
Likes: 122
From: Mineola Texas
I went on a 4300 mile month long road trip a while back from Fl to CO - see more details here - https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...road-trip.html
It was one of the best trips I have ever taken in my life, and the 97 C5 was very reliable, also got great gas mileage. I did very little to prepare, checked tire pressure (non-runflats) and oil, packed a few small tools and a can of runflat.
The way I looked at it was that the tire sensors are very reliable and would give me a headsup of a slow leak or flat, and I have good roadside assistance. My advice is not to overthink it, and have a good time.
It was one of the best trips I have ever taken in my life, and the 97 C5 was very reliable, also got great gas mileage. I did very little to prepare, checked tire pressure (non-runflats) and oil, packed a few small tools and a can of runflat.
The way I looked at it was that the tire sensors are very reliable and would give me a headsup of a slow leak or flat, and I have good roadside assistance. My advice is not to overthink it, and have a good time.
Regarding keeping it clean, I'm a fanatic about having a clean car and black shows dirt more than any other color. I'll probably spend more on carwashes than on gas!
Pro
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 667
Likes: 162
From: Jennings LA
Had a flat a couple months ago. Walked right by the tire getting in the car and it didn't show being down at all. Started the car up and Left Rear Tire 0 Air Pressure. What? Put a gauge to it and sure enough, 0 psi. lol!
Picked up a screw in the outer edge of the rear Goodyear Runflat. Talked to and showed my buddy and he said plug it. Not in a wear area or in the side wall. 2000 miles later , no lost of air.
We agreed too much tire left at only 4 yrs old and 20K miles on them.
Picked up a screw in the outer edge of the rear Goodyear Runflat. Talked to and showed my buddy and he said plug it. Not in a wear area or in the side wall. 2000 miles later , no lost of air.
We agreed too much tire left at only 4 yrs old and 20K miles on them.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
From: Mishwaka IN
Continental has a "Comfort Kit". Sealant and compressor all in one unit. You can use the compressor by itself or have it put the sealant in the tire also. O.E. on some Volvo and the 2nd gen. GT40's. I keep one in the Z06 when I travel.
CONTI COMFORT KIT-12V PORTABLE
I bought mine from the Tire Rack.
CONTI COMFORT KIT-12V PORTABLE
I bought mine from the Tire Rack.
Last edited by jfw46544; Jan 12, 2018 at 02:13 PM. Reason: spell
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Continental has a "Comfort Kit". Sealant and compressor all in one unit. You can use the compressor by itself or have it put the sealant in the tire also. O.E. on some Volvo and the 2nd gen. GT40's. I keep one in the Z06 when I travel.
CONTI COMFORT KIT-12V PORTABLE
I bought mine from the Tire Rack.
CONTI COMFORT KIT-12V PORTABLE
I bought mine from the Tire Rack.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,258
Likes: 544
From: Appleton WI
Take a small compressor and plug kit. Fix a flat is optional. Bring a cell phone charger for the car. Leave the quart of oil home. If you run out of oil while going down the road, a quart of oil won't do you any good because you have a major problem. Just check your oil when fueling. NEWS FLASH- Synthetic oil is available nation wide.
Make sure your car has a good battery, belts, fluids and tires before you leave. Remember to hydrate, get out and stretch, and enjoy the trip.
I did a 1500 mile trip this summer and didn't have ANY issues. My car has 272,XXX miles on it at the moment. If your car is maintained properly you are all set. BTW I have non run flats.
Make sure your car has a good battery, belts, fluids and tires before you leave. Remember to hydrate, get out and stretch, and enjoy the trip.
I did a 1500 mile trip this summer and didn't have ANY issues. My car has 272,XXX miles on it at the moment. If your car is maintained properly you are all set. BTW I have non run flats.
Last edited by 3sACROWD; Jan 13, 2018 at 06:25 PM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Take a small compressor and plug kit. Fix a flat is optional. Bring a cell phone charger for the car. Leave the quart of oil home. If you run out of oil while going down the road, a quart of oil won't do you any good because you have a major problem. Just check your oil when fueling. NEWS FLASH- Synthetic oil is available nation wide.
Make sure your car has a good battery, belts, fluids and tires before you leave. Remember to hydrate, get out and stretch, and enjoy the trip.
I did a 1500 mile trip this summer and didn't have ANY issues. My car has 272,XXX miles on it at the moment. If your car is maintained properly you are all set. BTW I have non run flats.
Make sure your car has a good battery, belts, fluids and tires before you leave. Remember to hydrate, get out and stretch, and enjoy the trip.
I did a 1500 mile trip this summer and didn't have ANY issues. My car has 272,XXX miles on it at the moment. If your car is maintained properly you are all set. BTW I have non run flats.
at the last fill up. Pulled over and put in the quart of oil I carry in the trunk. The next gas station was 50 to 100 miles ahead. The car has not used any oil since that stretch of highway so there really is nothing wrong with the car. Just a combination of speed and heat.
I am glad I did not listen to your advice and had a bottle of oil with me. Came in real handy. I always carry a bottle of oil. You never know how far to the next gas station.
Last edited by JR-01; Jan 13, 2018 at 06:40 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,258
Likes: 544
From: Appleton WI
Last summer we crossed South Dakota. Speed limit was 80 but we were averaging 90+ and the outside temp was over 100 degrees. After three hours of that, the low oil light came on. Oil showed full
at the last fill up. Pulled over and put in the quart of oil I carry in the trunk. The next gas station was 50 to 100 miles ahead. The car has not used any oil since that stretch of highway so there really is nothing wrong with the car. Just a combination of speed and heat.
I am glad I did not listen to your advice and had a bottle of oil with me. Came in real handy. I always carry a bottle of oil. You never know how far to the next gas station.
at the last fill up. Pulled over and put in the quart of oil I carry in the trunk. The next gas station was 50 to 100 miles ahead. The car has not used any oil since that stretch of highway so there really is nothing wrong with the car. Just a combination of speed and heat.
I am glad I did not listen to your advice and had a bottle of oil with me. Came in real handy. I always carry a bottle of oil. You never know how far to the next gas station.
My experience driving sub 90 MPH for over 700,000 miles of lifetime driving has never yielded a need for oil between fuel stops. The time I did need oil was when my engine in the POS Ford I was driving blew two pistons. So I guess we need to know how the OP plans to drive in order to give the appropriate advice.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 25,060
Likes: 1,265
From: Virginia
St. Jude Donor '11
Last summer we crossed South Dakota. Speed limit was 80 but we were averaging 90+ and the outside temp was over 100 degrees. After three hours of that, the low oil light came on. Oil showed full
at the last fill up. Pulled over and put in the quart of oil I carry in the trunk. The next gas station was 50 to 100 miles ahead. The car has not used any oil since that stretch of highway so there really is nothing wrong with the car. Just a combination of speed and heat.
I am glad I did not listen to your advice and had a bottle of oil with me. Came in real handy. I always carry a bottle of oil. You never know how far to the next gas station.
at the last fill up. Pulled over and put in the quart of oil I carry in the trunk. The next gas station was 50 to 100 miles ahead. The car has not used any oil since that stretch of highway so there really is nothing wrong with the car. Just a combination of speed and heat.
I am glad I did not listen to your advice and had a bottle of oil with me. Came in real handy. I always carry a bottle of oil. You never know how far to the next gas station.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Glad you had your oil. If you're operating your car at performance levels for extended time you may need extra oil. May even be wise to fill to 7 quarts before leaving when planning such a high speed drive. You were driving in a unique circumstance.
My experience driving sub 90 MPH for over 700,000 miles of lifetime driving has never yielded a need for oil between fuel stops. The time I did need oil was when my engine in the POS Ford I was driving blew two pistons. So I guess we need to know how the OP plans to drive in order to give the appropriate advice.
My experience driving sub 90 MPH for over 700,000 miles of lifetime driving has never yielded a need for oil between fuel stops. The time I did need oil was when my engine in the POS Ford I was driving blew two pistons. So I guess we need to know how the OP plans to drive in order to give the appropriate advice.
Last edited by JR-01; Jan 14, 2018 at 10:26 AM.