Pre-trip prep and checks

[Astro]

I'm thinking of driving up north to Malaysia during the coming Lunar New YEar and being a newbie at such road trip, I thought of preparing both my car and myself before the trip. Was thinking of sending my car in for a pre-trip check up and servicing before the trip in End Jan at CAS. Not too sure is the centre provide such service ? Also will be getting a Garmin sys from friend to aid in navigation. Are these enough are more needs to be done ?

 

P.S. How about the battery do I Need to change one as my current bat is about 2 years old ?

[C4a0t1c]

yeah i think u shd get some garage to check ur car out and change ur car batt...or bring a spare + toolbox :)

 

wat i've heard is that car batts in singapore only last a year or 2

[Astro]

Thanks will heed your advice and get the bat changed.

[C4a0t1c]

no prob man... have fun in m'sia :)

[Kelpie]

I'm thinking of driving up north to Malaysia during the coming Lunar New YEar and being a newbie at such road trip, I thought of preparing both my car and myself before the trip. Was thinking of sending my car in for a pre-trip check up and servicing before the trip in End Jan at CAS. Not too sure is the centre provide such service ? Also will be getting a Garmin sys from friend to aid in navigation. Are these enough are more needs to be done ?

 

P.S. How about the battery do I Need to change one as my current bat is about 2 years old ?

 

1. For me, I will call up the AD and make a pre-trip inspection. Usually they would charge me a nominal labour fee. They did those essential checks particularly your tyres, brake pads and will tighten the bolts and nuts where applicable. I was also told try not to change engine oil and oil filter 2 weeks before your journey. Year end and festive seasons is a busy period for ADs, best to book in advance. Using Garmin should be ok..but also depend which part you are going to in MY.

 

2. Some people don't change battery until it dies. Some change every year. get your mechanic to check the battery for you if unsure. There is usually an indicator to tell you the health status of your battery.

 

Regards,

[Astro]

I'm going to Ipoh. Do the Garmin sys able to effectively lead me there ? Will check with the AD on the pre-trip check and its charges. Thanks

[Kelpie]

1. You may wish to visit Cameron Highlands which is nearby. Any plan to go to the Lost World?

 

2. I didn't use Garmin. Mine is a mapking/malsing. Garmin hsould not be an issue as its a reputable one.

 

Regards,

[Sir8]

There may be serious congestion as it is peak period.

Edited January 1, 2008 by Sir8

[Kawan]

Change your 2 year old battery and have your regular workshop check your car... don't save on that. If your tyres are old, take the opportunity and change also . Find out what number to call if your car breaks down on the highway (or on one of the small road).

 

GPS is good but you should have alternative ready - study the map also just in case the GPS got problem. As you are new to GPS, don't get distracted by the GPS ... train your front passenger also to understand the GPS/Map.

 

Be very alert and careful when you stop over at those "kawasan rehat" along the highway ... learn about all the DOs and DONTs (can try searching this forum). If you have a weak stomach, you may not want to eat food at the stalls.

[C4a0t1c]

very good tips!

 

experienced in travelling long dist in m'sia?

[Perrier]

Brake and Tires must check before going.

 

For me, I brought jump-start cables. I only stopped at those stops where there are more cars and ppl. Safer to ask for help too.

 

Must also have the phone numbers for help and roadside service. Please ring along your spare tyre.

 

Lastly, if newbie try not to drive at night.

[Gantan88]

I'm thinking of driving up north to Malaysia during the coming Lunar New YEar and being a newbie at such road trip, I thought of preparing both my car and myself before the trip. Was thinking of sending my car in for a pre-trip check up and servicing before the trip in End Jan at CAS. Not too sure is the centre provide such service ? Also will be getting a Garmin sys from friend to aid in navigation. Are these enough are more needs to be done ?

 

P.S. How about the battery do I Need to change one as my current bat is about 2 years old ?

 

I think no one has mentioned checking your spare tire pressure.

 

Also, this is quite important - for every wheels, try unscrewing every single nuts to ensure that they can be loosen. If not you got spare tire also no use. I kanna before, but in Singapore. It only take one nut out of the 4 to be 'stuck' and you got spare tire also no use.

[Poortraveller]

I'm thinking of driving up north to Malaysia during the coming Lunar New YEar and being a newbie at such road trip, I thought of preparing both my car and myself before the trip. Was thinking of sending my car in for a pre-trip check up and servicing before the trip in End Jan at CAS. Not too sure is the centre provide such service ? Also will be getting a Garmin sys from friend to aid in navigation. Are these enough are more needs to be done ?

 

P.S. How about the battery do I Need to change one as my current bat is about 2 years old ?

 

if you regularly service your car, i dun see the need to send in ur car for pre trip inspection (my opinion only). my experience is whenever i feel like driving up north, i will just go.

 

ur battery is already 2 yrs, best to change ur battery or bring along a jump start cable.

 

check the condition of your rubber, tats the only thing between u and the fast road.

 

garmin is a good hardware but do you have the software to support it?

Edited January 3, 2008 by Poortraveller