question about traveling with 93 camry

[crackedvenom]

I'm driving an old camry, 93 I believe. I'm going on a trip that is 9 hours and was wondering what you'd say about driving it. It has 192xxx miles on it, and it seems to drive fine but I'm no auto mechanic or anything. I was just thinking about renting a car so I Don't have to worry. Figured id ask though. If you need any more info let me know
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[jdmccright]

As long as it has had all the major service items done, I wouldn't hesitate to use it. Those items being:

Oil/filter chg within 5k miles...check the level is full. Bring some oil with you if your engine burns oil or you have a small leak.

Transmission fluid chg within the last 30k miles...also check level and bring a quart if you have a leak.

Coolant level check. If it has been losing coolant or dripping have the leak repaired...usually just a loose hose clamp. If your car runs hot (needle points above the 1/2 way mark on the gauge), check for a system leak.

Timing belt. If it hasn't been changed in the last 60-70k miles or so (book says 60k, but they are quite robust if not contaminated with oil), I'd change it. At 192k, I'd also change the oil pump, crankshaft, and camshaft seals since the labor is already done to get to them when changing the belt.

Tires balanced and rotated. 9 hours in a vibrating car can be VERY ANNOYING and puts undeserved stress on the suspension and excess wear on the tires.

Alignment. Again, havnig to steer left or right to keep the car straight for 9 hours will GET OLD FAST, puts stress on the suspension, and wears the tires out faster.

Get rid of unneeded weight. Clean out the trunk except for what you need plus the few fluids and jumper cables you might need on the way. This helps fuel mileage and reduces stress on the car.

Spare key. Yes, it's rare, but it can happen...especially at a rest stop when you're in a hurry. At least think about it.

This Gen Camry has been very good to me. A '92 4-cyl with 243k miles. Numerous trips of 10 hrs or more with no problems save for once where I drove to and from Boston with a leaky coolant system...got hot because it couldn't keep pressure (turned out to be the old radiator) but that's it. But a properly maintained Camry will be very reliable and pleasant to drive. Good luck!

[Mike Gerber]

I routinely drive my 94 Camry on 10 hour trips without a problem. My 94 only has 93,000 miles on it so I'm not in the exact same situation as you are.

One more thing I would add to jdmccright's tire check would be to check the treadware and the air pressure in those tires. Treadware should be even on both sets of axles; front 2 and rear 2. Uneven air pressure can cause pulling and make for an aggravating long highway trip. I use 34 PSI for my 94 Camry.

I also take a breaker bar and a 21MM deep socket on trips, just in case I have to change a tire and don't want to have to try and break loose the lug nuts with the car's regular tool for removing lug nuts. I've never had to change a tire on a trip and now I think it's become more of a superstition for me. Bring along the breaker bar and the 21MM deep socket so you will never have to use them.

Mike

[crackedvenom]

Thanks for both responses, very helpful. I was actually going to change and check my fluids, and ill check out the other stuff you both mentioned. Thanks so much
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