faran

Folks, I am planning to do a ~650 miles(one way) and 10-11 hrs trip on my CLK500 with nearly 78k miles.

It does have a brand new drive belt, engine oil/filter, transmission oil, air filter, differential oil( less than 3 months or <500 miles ago).

Question is, do I need to do anything special to prepare the car for the trip? Any other tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

P.S:Michlein tires have less than 8k miles on them too.

eteller

Check the pressure in the spare and enjoy.

Fatz

You lucky fella..... 78K on a 2004....
I have an 08 550...... 113K
Took a 1400 mile round trip in it last month. I've done this a few times. It's wasn't much different than sitting on the sofa and watching movies for 11 hours...

Check not only your spare, but inflate your tires to 2 pounds over recommended. This will reduce the heat due to the prolonged flexing of the tires and keep their performance closer to norm.

Check fluid levels, lights, etc.

I carry a bottle of detailers spray, cleaner wax spray, a small sprayer bottle of water with a drop of dishwashing detergent added and 2-3 small microfiber towels. I use the wax and detailers spray for the return trip. I use the water sprayer if my windshields need cleaning when I refuel and/or the headlights (bug splatter).

Have fun and be safe......

faran

Gotcha, thanks.

Are you talking about two pounds over the desired non-warm ones? Since, warm tires are already recommended to be "Recommended+4"

I'll make sure to check all other fluids too. Maybe keep a quart of engine oil too, in case? Or no?

Thank you

irokdastar

get a good radar detector !

Fatz

The quart of oil is a good idea. I carry one in my trunk all the time.

The tire pressure was +2 over the cold recommended value, which is what is on the stickers.

faran

Ok, cool. Thanks guys

ALFAitalia

Just did 1000 miles over two days in my little 2002 W209 CLK200K with over 143,000 miles . Just fuelled up and drove. Checked nothing.....I have enough faith in her to know that levels will be fine etc....never loses a drop of anything... I never even top the oil between services as she burns/loses none....not bad for that mileage! I check my tyre pressures at least once a month anyway so knew that would be fine.

Timewarpone

As far as tire pressure goes I only check tire pressure when the tires are cold usually after sitting overnight. I use a half way decent tire gauge "Radial" certified. They are more accurate. Don't buy one at the Dollar Store and I never trust the measurement at the filling stations air pump. Driving your car less the 3 miles to get your tire pressure checked does not heat up the tires enough to change the pressure inside. Printed on the outside of each tire (In raised Lettering) is the MAX Cold Tire Pressure recommended for each tire. This cold pressure should never be exceeded. I just took a long 5 hour one way trip so I over inflated each tire by about 3 or 4 pounds when cold. The biggest reason for over inflating your tires, for a long trip, is that you will get better gas mileage. Over inflating your tire causes less friction. Another way to increase gas mileage is a fresh coat of wax on the paint.

kb24forlife24

Check the suspension to make sure everything is OK when going over those gnarly imperfections in the road. Otherwise, have fun!

faran

Thanks guys for all of your suggestions. When you say suspension, just by lifting the car on jack stands and visually checking tie rods, etc..?

kb24forlife24

Yeah. Ball joints, shocks/struts, control arms, etc.

faran

Thanks, what about motor mounts are they prone to failure at that age and mileage?

I'll check all of them before leaving for the trip. Thanks man

kb24forlife24

Yeah I'd check those too. I gotta change my motor and transmission mounts also on my '05 with 112K

faran

How much are they usually and difficult to change? Aware of any DIY?

Thanks

kb24forlife24

I don't know the specifics on it. A Google search would probably show the average cost.

Rudeney

Specifically, check the rubber bushings where the control arms mount to the frame. The torque strut bushing is fluid filled and will leak. Any signs of leakage or cracks in the rubber and it's time for replacement. I used Lemfoerder (OEM). I shopped around and finally got all four for under $350.

faran

That's a pretty good price. Where did you get them for that much money?

Usually cracks in the rubber means time for replacement. Never knew about the fluid, thanks for that tip. I'll put the car on ramps and will inspect it thoroughly.

Rudeney

I think it was partsgeek, with a coupon and free shipping. But prices change all the time, so today's good deal might be more expensive tomorrow. It pays to shop!

faran

Makes perfect sense. Of course will consult you guys once I am ready to tackle those!

faran

Came back a week ago from the trip and car performed flawlessly.

I tried to take brakes after 2-3 hrs, just to make sure car is getting enough rest and it was all good.

Thanks again everyone for all of your advice