My son has just purchased a 2008 Prius with ~50k miles. Car has been well maintained. He is headed to California later this year and will be driving the car out there and back (from NJ). Anything out of the usual items this particular car should have onboard on such a trip? Thanks, Keith
The second set of keys. A lost key might cost $400 for the dealer to duplicate if you don't have the an original.
The car came without a spare. I intend to buy another, or maybe two, and keep one with me at home. Can always be overnighted to him in an emergency.
I keep trying to get him to get an Audible account. He's been reluctant so far. I have a 1.5 hour commute and couldn't imagine the ride without Audible
When fueling up ALWAYS CHECK OIL!!! The warning system for no oil is the worst! It lasts only five seconds and consists of one short auditory beep (the same beep as when the fuel is low) followed by a red"!" and the word "PROBLEM" appearing at the top of the screen for only five seconds! It can easily be missed! Imagine missing that 5 second warning 10 miles into a fresh tank of gas with 300miles remaining until the next stop... the next stop will be the LAST because the vehicle will have run out of oil and seized... I have missed that beep sound with music on and windows down, luckily I saw the word PROBLEM on the screen in that 5 second time window.
Oil pressure warning is almost useless at best in any vehicle. It gives out warning when some damage has already happened. So check the oil from dipstick.
$2 meshy lumbar support. Makes seat much more comfortable. $6 air vent cell phone holder. Puts phone in perfect, safe place. GPS independent of smartphone (and/or download maps into an offline app, for the many places there is no cell phone service).
If you already read a Bible, it will probably make its way into your luggage. Same with drinkers and their bottles. Sometimes even both.... If you forget either or both, they'll likely be available in the hotel when you're done driving......which is the best place to enjoy either.....or both. Just remember, before you stop for the night, there are still many dry counties in the US, so plan accordingly. File:Alcohol control in the United States.svg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
i feel sofrry for people who dont drink when they wake upm its the best they will feel all day... winston churchill
its about a kid driving have him figure out his own life or get his own car.. sorry i m jaded. love my prius and when i m dead life will go on beer is proof god loves us and wants us to be happy. am i wrong?
bruce here, please accept my apology for you, your son, and every member on this site.. I watched a good friend take his last breath on earth, I really did not handle it right, excess drinking and all the rest.. You guys, im have the utmost respect for you. but also pray for me as i dont want to be the next poster child for the betty ford clinic. sincerely, bruce
My wife uses vinegar to clean our coffee maker. It's counter intuitive, since the stuff stinks like crazy, but it's a common way to clean them, and I guarantee it will knock the plastic smell back a bit. Instructions: Fill the coffee maker's water chamber with equal parts white vinegar and water. Using a paper filter, allow to brew until half the chamber is empty. Turn the coffee maker off and let it sit for 30 minutes, then finish brewing. Rinse the machine by using a new paper filter to brew a pot of clear water.
To answer the OP's original question. Aside from basic first aid, thermal blanket, waterproof matches or a good light, flashlight, flares, spare water and survival knife. For the car: 2 quarts of oil, duct tape (you can fix almost anything temporarily with it), basic tool set with screwdrivers, ratchets and sockets, fix-a-flat (this stuff seriously messes up the inside of the rim, so I would only use it if my spare was flat and I was in the middle of nowhere), AAA membership or equivalent, and a charged jump pack so you can jump your own vehicle if the battery goes dead. Obviously, you want maintenance performed on the vehicle BEFORE the trip and at least a week before you leave so you have time to find out if something is wrong before you're on your way...
I think the most important thing you can give to a young person embarking on a long road trip is probably advice. Whether they take it or utilize it, is a different story. But staying alert and attentive on the road is important. So the advice to stop and rest, get plenty of sleep is good. No alcohol is excellent advice. Don't drive overly fatigued or impaired. In this day and age, the charged Cell Phone complete with a charger that can be used within the vehicle is also paramount. Pre-Launch maintenance check. Including all the usuals...battery check, Tire condition and inflation, Oil level/condition... Make sure windshield fluid reservoir is filled. Make sure the spare tire is inflated and viable if needed as well as the tools available if using the spare became necessary. Also the son having the skills and knowledge as to how to safely change the tire if needed. You can buy or purchase numerous "things" to have on a road trip. Many are excellent tools to have. I don't think it being a Prius really significantly changes the equation in any tangible way, you basically want the same things in place you would for any vehicle you would be taking on a long road trip.
t1 on all the advice, no texting, etc. do as much pre=emptive maintanence as possible. get under the car, look around, try to learn systems and make sure he knows/looks at fluid levels etc. try to fill up at 1/2 tank so no surprises. Went on a 8000 mile roadtrip in june and other than getting oil changed and a set of tires, i did NOTHING to the car except check fluids/tires etc. used to roadtrip a 62 vw and pushed/worked on that thing constantly
