I will be driving my GLK across Canada by the end of July, from Vancouver to Toronto through Trans-Canada hwy. Here is how I am going to prep the GLK for it. If you have done similar trips please share your experience and tips

- Wash the car clean outside and inside, especially inside

- Apply 3M low adhesive paint tape on the front end and mirrors to protect paint from bugs and stone chips
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brows....jsp?locale=en

- Install deer warning on the bumper (over the paint tape) so I minimize chance of running into any deer/animals
http://www.bellautomotive.net/index....hk=1&Itemid=27

- I am still not sure if I need a roof cargo bag. I think I will need the cross bars (?) and the bag I am thinking about is this one from Thule.
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brows....jsp?locale=en

It should take us about a week to drive across and should be a good road trip. If you have done any long distance driving like this please comment and
share your thoughts and experience.

I will try to keep updates on my preparation and progress my trip on this thread

 

BC and Alberta are great drives on the 1, but Sask and Manitoba are real snoozers.

 

Check the oil level.
Check tire inflation pressure - keep in mind that the inflation pressure will change by approximately 1.5 psi (0.1 bar) when the tire temperature changes by 18ºF (10ºC).
Take a break every second hour of driving.
Do have a pleasant trip

 

top up washer fluid and get refill cartridges

learn how to change a flat

get a squeegee to keep your windshield clean

take your spare key

try not to drive at night

keep your distance away from those big trucks

take your time and enjoy the drive and scenery!

 

might as well extend your trip and go to Quebec...are you driving back too?

 

Thanks for the tips guys. Please keep them coming

I got the 3M low adhesive tapes and deer horn today. They will go on the car in the next couple of weeks.

NYCGLK: This will be a one-way trip. We are moving to Toronto. If time permits I might extend it to go Quebec.

 

Have a safe trip and enjoy the ride!!!!!

 

Tate, any chance you use to own a CSX like myself? your user name seems familiar...lol

 

Yes, I used to have a CSX before. I sold it when I moved to Vancouver

Now that you mentioned it, your username seems familiar as well

I did some further planning for the trip. I think here is how it will go:

Day 1: Vancouver to Calgary
Day 2: Calgary to Regina
Day 3: Regina to Winnipeg
Day 4: Winnipeg to Thunder Bay
Day 5: Thunder Bay to Sault Ste Marie
Day 6: Sault Ste Marie to Toronto

I could go from Calgary to Winnipeg direct, that will take 15-16 hrs. It might be too much driving for a day. So I think I will make a stop at Regina, so at least I can say I've been there

Northern Ontario takes longer than I expected. But I heard the drive is nice so that should be OK. Sault Ste Marie should be a nice place to visit

It feels like it is going to be an epic journey, driving across the north america from west coat to the east. I am pretty pumped just thinking about it, especically that I will be doing it in my GLK

 

Tate, welcome to Toronto, wish you a nice trip and settle down well here...

 

that's going to be a lot of K's.
Tate, you may want to consider getting the protective film done on all of the front, including h/lights, fog lights, mirrors, hood, bumper, side front panels and even the grill (as this is plastic with chrome coating) I am sure you would want your GLK looking as new as you drive from Vancouver. When are you planning to return? Also, trying to doing at least 2 coats of wax prior to your trip too. This will minimize extensive cleaning, especially the wheels.

Keep some of windshield fluid spare as you'll need to keep the screen clean free from those bugs.
Finally a small gas container would not hurt as you go through the night where gas stations may not be too close. Of course your Command Navigation will show you this if you're equipped.

Best of luck, and take some pixs at point of interest.

 

I got some low adhesive masking tape so I will cover the front end, fender and side mirrors with it. I also got deer horn that I'll stick to the grill inside the 3-pointed star (only flat surface that I feel safe sticking something onto).

Good tips about the gas container and washer fluids. I will carry those with me