Road trip from San francisco to Vancouver and back- what to keep in mind?
#1
Road trip from San francisco to Vancouver and back- what to keep in mind?
Hey guys,
Me and the wife are planning to go on a 14 day road trip from the bay area to Vancouver and back at the end of this month. I had reserved a rental for the entire trip but then after a lot of thought, I decided that a rental will probably put me to sleep behind the wheel so we have decided to take the C63 along.
So apart from the regular oil change, brakes check what else should I keep in mind? If you have done a similar roadtrip, feel free to share your experience, must-haves, must do's and don't do's.
Thanks!
Me and the wife are planning to go on a 14 day road trip from the bay area to Vancouver and back at the end of this month. I had reserved a rental for the entire trip but then after a lot of thought, I decided that a rental will probably put me to sleep behind the wheel so we have decided to take the C63 along.
So apart from the regular oil change, brakes check what else should I keep in mind? If you have done a similar roadtrip, feel free to share your experience, must-haves, must do's and don't do's.
Thanks!
#2
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From: Los Angeles
2012 P31 C63 Coupe Trackrat, 2019 GLE63S Coupe Beast
As long as it's maintained well, zero to worry about. The day I bought my car in SoCal, I started off on a 5 month road trip across the country that covered about 8,000 miles. Not a single issue. (changed the oil twice)
#3
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C63 AMG P30 *EuroCharged*| Porsche Cayenne | Buell XB9SX
I agree with what BLKROKT says. Also a good idea to maintain proper tire pressures and make sure your alignment is good bc as well all know, this car beats on rear tires.
#4
Make sure you keep some of the necessities in the trunk - oil, coolant, etc for emergency situations - but as others said, not much else to worry about.
When I've done cross country trips before (I am at 4) I'd eye the wheels/tires for lower pressure/weird wear, check the oil and other fluids, etc whenever I got gas but that was it (it was not in the c63).
When I've done cross country trips before (I am at 4) I'd eye the wheels/tires for lower pressure/weird wear, check the oil and other fluids, etc whenever I got gas but that was it (it was not in the c63).
#5
All good advice. Just did Toronto to kissimmee and back in my c63. 5000km round trip, car did fantastic. It consumed a bit of oil first leg south but nothing after that. I keep tires inflated slightly over recommended so fuel mileage was descent 10.3 L/100
Keep tire pressure fresh, oil fresh and maybe a quick coat of wax or painters tape on nose as bugs and debris are the killer.
Trunk gets spare oil, make sure spare tire is properly inflated, spare deionized water, and some basic hand tools. I also carry a set of spare wheel bolts.
Enjoy! Sounds like a beautiful drive!
Keep tire pressure fresh, oil fresh and maybe a quick coat of wax or painters tape on nose as bugs and debris are the killer.
Trunk gets spare oil, make sure spare tire is properly inflated, spare deionized water, and some basic hand tools. I also carry a set of spare wheel bolts.
Enjoy! Sounds like a beautiful drive!
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#8
Thanks guys! points to remember, oil change, keep extra oil, carry no guns lol, painters tape on the nose.
I have Eurocharged V5 tune and planning to switch to stock for the duration of the trip.
I have Eurocharged V5 tune and planning to switch to stock for the duration of the trip.
#10
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From: Los Angeles
2012 P31 C63 Coupe Trackrat, 2019 GLE63S Coupe Beast
Painters tape on the nose? Seriously? It's a car guys, get over all this stupidity. It's going to get bugs on it, oh my god it might even get dirt on it. Seriously I don't know why you guys act like our cars are some sort of priceless rare thing. I'm starting to sound like Avery, ugh.
#11
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From: san jose
C63, GT3RS, 430 Scud, E63, CGT
Painters tape on the nose? Seriously? It's a car guys, get over all this stupidity. It's going to get bugs on it, oh my god it might even get dirt on it. Seriously I don't know why you guys act like our cars are some sort of priceless rare thing. I'm starting to sound like Avery, ugh.
#13
so when you get to the destination you wont have to wash the bugs off. just peel off the tape and no washing required. i spent 5 min taping up my bumper on trips back to the bay and when i arrive i just peel off and all the bugs come off with it. beats me getting a bucket filling with water, get towels, wash and dry takes too long.
Swirl marks and marring are just too ugly for me to deal with, so I too painters tape on long journeys. Much, much easier after all is said and done.
#14
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From: san jose
C63, GT3RS, 430 Scud, E63, CGT
yea i do everytime i drive back to the bay. every month. i think amg 3.2 will agree driving to so cal from bay and back will have a few hundred bug splatters on the bumper.
Last edited by tpliquid; 06-10-2016 at 01:02 PM.
#15
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From: Relocated
2010 Irridium Silver MB C63 AMG Sedan
Bug guts, when they dry or get baked in, is some of the hardest stuff to remove.
WD40 helps and so does Goo Gone, applied locally to the affected area.
#17
I've done the trip from Miami to Atlanta and back several times, which is just a few hundred miles less than what you're planning.
I'd say don't worry too much about it, have AAA if you're not a member yet. I also like to change my cabin air filter if I haven't in a while before a long roadtrip (it's a POS in the w204).
Other than that assuming the rest of your car is well maintained fill up and enjoy!
I'd say don't worry too much about it, have AAA if you're not a member yet. I also like to change my cabin air filter if I haven't in a while before a long roadtrip (it's a POS in the w204).
Other than that assuming the rest of your car is well maintained fill up and enjoy!
#18
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Boston
2023 911 T, 2012 C63 AMG Coupe, 1989 560SL
im with blkrokt on this one. after buying my car, took it on a cross country road trip through all sorts of national parks and remote roads. absolutely zero issues, even in death valley in middle of the summer. these cars are tanks
#20
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From: Houston - Clear Lake
C63 coupe, Z3M Roadster garage queen
#21
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From: Western Canada
2013 C63 AMG P31, 2014 GMC Sierra (6.2)
For a more permanent solution, you might want to look into getting a clearbra/paint protection film applied (IE: 3M or X-Pel). It's pretty popular around here due to the gravel and salt they use in the winters..
#22
#23
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From: Canada
2019 911 GTS / 2016 X3 / 2015 E63s / 1993 RX-7
No need to do anything other than top up the fluids and go.
If the regular maintenance schedule is adhered to, and the car is functioning well now, then a lengthy road trip doesn't require anything special other than fuel.
Keep the tune on, for highway cruising the stress on the car is as low as it gets.
If the regular maintenance schedule is adhered to, and the car is functioning well now, then a lengthy road trip doesn't require anything special other than fuel.
Keep the tune on, for highway cruising the stress on the car is as low as it gets.