How To Prep Your Car for a RoadTrip

[@HumbleMechanic]

What an amazing trip! For follow up, I shipped the R32 back home from Chicago. We are now kind of at the point of being done modifying the R32. She is just about perfect as it sits from a performance standpoint. Now we can work on getting things perfect like paint, rehabbing wire shielding under the hood, and some subtle freshness all around. 😎

[@gwyn9846]

I am a single 53 year old woman. I have a 2002 Cadillac Deville in mint condition. I am getting ready to go on a 850 mile trip. What would you suggest that I have checked first to last?

[@HumbleMechanic]

All fluids, tires, brakes, fluid leaks, wipers. start 1-2 weeks before the trip.

[@gwyn9846]

@@HumbleMechanic Thanks!

[@Filip_13]

Great car that Golf MK4...

[@barrackyomamma]

Damn, you were up here in Chicago? Would've been kinda cool to run into you

[@jamesmartin9340]

When I prep my Toyota for a road trip it basically means I grabbed the keys

[@Dance4lifeBR]

hahahaha

[@Eye-it-azz]

Lies, Toyotas need maintenance and repairs too.

[@ricktifferpowers1762]

@@Eye-it-azz no they don’t, oil is optional and so is maintenance 😂

[@MrCxiong116]

Totally, my dad let my aunt borrow his Toyota for a 4hr road trip and she took it to a mechanic to pre check. On her way out of town she called my dad that the car was blowing smoke. My dad got to where she pulled off the highway and turns out they forgot to put the radiator cap back on and the engine was toast. That was long ago before I was born. For Toyotas like you said, grab the keys and go.

[@TheTristan890]

I thaught i was over doing it by bringing my jack and stands in the tiny golf but it really came in handy when i changed my brakes in an autozone parking lot 1600 miles from home.

[@mattpfarr5992]

If your heated seat doesn't work should you go?

[@brenttaylordotus]

So, there's more to prepping for a road trip than packing my back seat with Doritos and Red Bull. I'm so behind.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Hahah. Believe me I’ve done that too. Well not Doritos. I prefer Chex mix

[@dwang911]

ZIPPP TIESSSSS. So many times undertrims been flapping around which a zip tie woulda fixed, try finding someone to sell you zip ties on a sunday in rural northern california XD. Now i always got a pack of them in my glove box.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Oh man the mighty zip tie. Those are in my bag too!!!

[@oilyragsgarage7200]

Duct tape too, just like full on MacGyver

[@Swordie100]

@@oilyragsgarage7200 Try some heat resistant tape, just in case a random coolant hose decides to start acting up and leak. Read a bunch of guys stuck during the Budapest Rally used that to get home after the rally. (Like a tour rally, not racing).

[@Alxx2]

Thanks mate! This was relevant to my interests. I’ve done a couple of spontaneous 6000 mile road trips in my good ol Mk3 golf in the past, luckily with no issues. Now that I’m a wee bit older I should plan and go more prepared if I take my newest car on this mad road trip.

[@jarvi69]

Leaving for beautiful Michigan in the morning from Grovetown, GA in my 2015 VW Passat TDI with the wife and kids. Last time, I made it 795 miles on one tank averaging over 70 mph. Cheers!

[@landroverSV]

The R32 looks awesome 👌! I'm hoping to pick up another one soon! Nice video

[@Me-sb3mx]

One of the best videos i've ever watched

[@shaftclub1]

You forgot to pack a hydraulic car lift 😀.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Hahaha if I could.

[@sambirtwistle]

good vids humble. thank for the "love". I also always carry extra oil on long trips. You know vw needs the good stuff for the turbo. The new ea888 1.8L don't seem to burn much oil like the first gen's did.

[@ashliehiggins]

despite the ad, this is good timing as i'm doing a 1400 mile road trip in a week, and changing fluids, in the morning, and already filled the boot with tools.

[@daness40]

This video is exactly why my wife's car is always a lease. I don't roll like this lol. Love this video. Very informative. Also, the enthusiasm in your voice at 3:30am is legendary!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Hahah thanks.

[@randomyoutubevideos3503]

2:49 Make sure you get it torqued correctly when your done changing it.

[@oz5wob3]

Hey Charles, a tip that we gave for our 2015 VW Golf Sportwagen, we have one of those trunk storage boxes in the back but the big tip is inside, we also keep a box of adequate sized zip lock bags. That way, if we have to open an oil bottle or something similar, we can store the bottle back in one of those zip lock bags. For obvious reasons.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Great idea!!

[@wyattoneable]

Great subject, great editing, great channels and great guys to hang out with. The point on bringing extra tools to help others is a great point. I've used my mobile tools more for other people than my own car.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thanks man!!! I use mine for others too. It’s better that way 😂

[@wyattandwill12]

I’m planning on eventually driving my will-be newly rebuilt (engine) 99 Cutlass down to Florida when I move there. It’s definitely gonna be a feat because the motor was overheated badly, I’m in the process of inspecting and rebuilding the engine right now. It is low mileage though so the transmission shouldn’t have any issues. It’ll have brand new front brakes and lines, brand new tires all around, all new fluids. Main thing is hoping the engine won’t break down or nothing will happen to the cooling system or the transmission lines, etc. It might be worthy to get a higher paying job temporarily so I can just do everything right and not cut any corners.

[@sambirtwistle]

I just got a smoken deal on a full alloy rim and tire that's about half way through it's life. I mention this because, the newer vw's don't use full size spares. Get rid of that donut and get a used full sized spare if you can. The donuts have severe speed and distance limits. If you are towing, it 's a must. Where I come from (north of Toronto) our warranties have a rim replacement policy for the first 36 months regardless of fault. Ya...I know weird. This makes rims easy to get.

[@DonThorvund]

See, I still watch! I am getting ready for a road trip myself. Many of your suggestions applied to my Tesla Performance 3 as well. Thank you, Charles!

[@HumbleMechanic]

My dude!!!!! 💛💙

[@ZanicL3]

Cool man. I'm going to the Nürburgring tomorrow. 300km drive :)

[@alanholmes2366]

I'm using Shell Premium (using Shell exclusively since new) 93 and was able to get 36mpg hwy in my 17 Passat R line. This is especially impressive because this was spirited driving from Detroit to Dayton Ohio. Still have a run left from Dayton to Atlanta. Shell makes great fuel!

[@HumbleMechanic]

That MPG is awesome

[@alanholmes2366]

I'm about to do plugs for the first time when I get home. I can't wait to see what the carbon looks like. Hopefully it's not bad. I have no performance issues so far! 48k miles

[@matte8441]

I remember when I took my BMW 335i on a road trip across the US. Didn’t even bother inspecting it but the car easily made it. Drove it on a straight 20 hour stint because of my fuck-upery on booking the hotel a day too early. Only issue I ran into was i was driving thru a thunderstorm in the middle of the night in the New Mexico Arizona border and my wiper blades were actually worn. Did my oil change a week before leaving and did another one in Phoenix Arizona as it’s cheaper in the US. Here in Canada I spend $130 on the oil/filter and that’s me doing the oil change myself. Dealer in AZ charged me $95 all in!

[@derekfriday7931]

I know you said change the oil before the trip if you're close to the service intervals. I just changed my oil 1100+ miles from home during my week at disney in florida. I guess I just like to party

[@Aschmorr]

A tip about getting AAA, don’t wait till the day before to buy it, as there is that 3 day waiting period!

[@oilyragsgarage7200]

Went on a road trip in my 1993 Audi 80 2.3E, had the voltage regulator die on me. I had a spare one in the boot as well as a spare starter motor. I swapped it out of back of the alternator in 30mins. Carry a small tool set with you, it wont take up much space. With a car as old as mine you have to prepared.

[@niallmackenzie99]

I once went on a road trip, I checked my belongings wrapped in cloth hanging from my stick and set off for happiness.

[@Miatayo]

You've got more tools in your trunk than me in my garage haha.

[@AndreasElf]

I'm an apartment pleb, so I don't even have a garage :(

[@Andrew-zv4fm]

I have some of that for my everyday driving.

[@andreociano1440]

Very consistent Chris Fix

[@alanperry8676]

Another two year old video that KZbin just recommended for me. I bought my 2nd Mk4 R32 from Maine and I live near Seattle. I just flew out, picked it up, and drove it home over three days. The last day was over 1100 miles (one can drive quickly and cover lots of miles in WY and MT). A set of winter wheels came with the car but that was it for spares. I used to do winter driving competitions in the BC back country in it and still carried minimal tools with me. I have found my semi-modern VWs either break big or don't break.

[@mariomanzo4116]

4:57 screw any luggage!

[@autovmcomposites9997]

Wish we had some guys like you in germany 😎 bro another great video

[@Alex-hn4we]

Looking forward to more turbo VR6 videos!

[@therealderjett]

I really wanted to make it out for the meet up. My son graduated that weekend so I just didn't have time to make it down from Columbus Ohio.

[@takeomack2782]

Great video buddy!

[@_brushie]

No room for extra clothes when I need to bring my triple square socket set.

[@bossladiieer.9580]

Chris is not playing about not exposing his face 🤣

[@HumbleMechanic]

He’s all in! Lol

[@WYT0]

Can't wait for more Golf R Spektrum videos!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thanks! I’m pumped too.

[@gabrielortiz665]

Thank for this.....is definitely good stuff

[@465fire]

Check the pressure in the spare tire too

[@peacems]

Saw EE's video and thought I'd pop over to your channel for more R32 content. Do you have a build thread for your R32? Interested in your headlight choice. I noticed you pulled out the underhood insulation. Was this just for looks for the car show?

[@peacems]

So what was the problem with the CEL and no start? (I own a MK4 R32 also)

[@HumbleMechanic]

The MIL was me unplugging the throttle body. Lol. I took the insulation off because when I replaced the engine mounts it started rubbing the cover. I’ll be adding something back on there. I have a playlist of all the R32 videos. You can go back and see when I got it and all the things I’ve done

[@idaclout]

I’m deployed and I’ve been gone for a couple month just leaving my car in a garage what should I check on when I get back?

[@MelodicMurder]

Did your 2019 Golf R come with a spare tire? Mine did not so I ordered all the euro parts and built the spare tire kit myself. Also, would you recommend an oil catch can for the Mk7.5 Golf R? I've been debating it for a year now and always find conflicting information online.

[@scotthaldeman3338]

When I was in my early 20’s (about 10 years ago) I made a cross county trip in my ‘88 325is. No problems on the trip, even hit 200,000 miles on the way home. A week later my water pump died. Really dodged a bullet there and thankful I was close to home.

[@paulciprus9582]

Where the hell do you put the luggage....?????...we’ve been to the UP in my 2007 Cooper R 56turbo quite a few times and have never had one problem....and down to NC twice and of course many times to Pittsburgh...let’s not forget Chicago...the car is modded but I do give it the once over before we go.and we never take tools...we throw caution to the wind...but I do have AAA....😀😀..I love road trippin that car...

[@andreociano1440]

I like Chris fix

[@ottoeliasson4671]

Hey, totalt unrelated to this video question Should i install a catch can in my fiat punto grande 1.9 Multijet to help alleviate carbon build-up issues? Or arent they as severe on diesels as direct injected pertols?

[@nrgia]

Expensive car to drive daily. Can't cope with anything that does less that 50 mpg. High maintenance :D

[@aaron5222]

Everyone saying I don't do anything and just go are the guys on the side of the road asking for a lug wrench or saying hey man you have xyz I'm 8 hours from home and didn't check my tires or oil

[@thrasher305]

love you guys!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you 💙

[@nothanks3462]

Preparation for road trip: Pay the seller, sign the paperwork and turn the key. Doing this tomorrow with a 1956 peugoet 403. Thanks ebay!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Cool!

[@nothanks3462]

@@HumbleMechanic Thanks! Only 70 miles this time, a distance that can seem like nothing or a lot depending how the day goes!

[@aussiebloke609]

@No Thanks Eh, you'll be fine. A friend of mine collects old Pugs - last I checked, he had a dozen or so, including a 403 convertible (with a rumpled trenchcoat to drape over the door), 403 saloon, wagon, 404 coupe, sedan (automatique!) and convertible...the list goes on. All pretty simple, reliable, under-stressed mechanicals - which is probably how they managed to win the Safari Rally in '63.

[@nothanks3462]

@@aussiebloke609 I did make it, but shes not running 100%, mines a wagon version, definitely not stressed at 7:1. Forgot about Colombo, Next stop - the thrift store!

[@foxtrotbravo4495]

9:09 hey guys chirsfix here!

[@Connor-kd3mv]

Awesome trip

[@garraroom1736]

Wait Chris fix is from Cincinnati?

[@ew4206]

Meet-up of the Millenium.

[@HumbleMechanic]

It was amazing

[@colinhoward2780]

When are you coming to the uk ?

[@aaron5222]

Good video

[@torrenceadams66]

My 02 TT gets 25mpg on average too.

[@elvelozpr]

I always have my power probe, just in case👌

[@HumbleMechanic]

I actually might have mine too. Hahah

[@momocarmody5760]

mr humble. i have a 2005 volkswagen conv. the driver door will not stay close while driving . i replace the motor door lock still doing it . help thank you

[@HumbleMechanic]

Make sure the striker is tight and right

[@charliestrehle75]

Why pack a directional tyre as your spare?

[@ElectroVeeDub]

LOL! I love how you included the clip of the cop tailing you... :) Long beard + ball cap + pimped Veedub = obvious crack dealer. Pull over immediately! I feel your pain. The cops always jack me in my Audi A4 cuz it looks just a little too hot. I could'nt possibly be a mechanic that built my car! I must be a bad guy! :P

[@Emerald13]

They were being escorted...

[@motorbloxx]

Nice

[@TheManLab7]

1:15 How come the minimum octane we get in England is 95 then 98 and depending on the fuel station you can get over 100 octane.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Good Q. Most pumps have only 93 max unless it’s race fuel

[@TheManLab7]

@@HumbleMechanic I've no idea why that is, bearing in mind how many refineries there are in America. I wonder what they doing whaen it comes to Europe n other places like that n what they do to make it more potent 🤔

[@Jimmyzb36]

Wow! Someone stole the wheel lock tool from my new Jetta TDI. I had to have it towed to the dealer for a flat!!!!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yuck. I really don’t like wheel locks.

[@futball24]

Why not just tow a spare car?

[@progmanmike]

Does Chris fix not realize his face is in several old videos?

[@loganelvald]

That Simpsons quote.

[@mistermatsuda]

Pile in a bunch of tools and parts. No need for extra clothes and stuff, just Jack Reacher it!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Damn right. Lol

[@dhananjaysuryawanshi4630]

Hello @HumbleMechanic i needed your guidance as I'm facing some issues with my 2009 skoda superb 1.8 tsi with 7 speed dsg transmission...few days ago my mechatronics unit broke down and this is the third time I'm facing this issue ! I'm curious if i can swap my tranny with a 6 speed manual gearbox for the skoda superb 1.8 tsi manual gearbox...what parts would i need and what all preparations i need to do ? Also...is there any way to communicate with you over a phone call or WhatsApp ? Love from India 👍😎

[@BoostedVr5]

Why the f the vcds cable if you have colormfa?👀😂

[@HumbleMechanic]

It’s not 2way. VCDS is a proper tool

[@bradjd6957]

Where does the luggage go

[@HumbleMechanic]

Back seat. :)

[@floppycoc1046]

No no no... you clearly have this all wrong. All of my customers insist that vehicle maintenance is performed on a friday because they leaving that night for weekend roadtrip

[@HumbleMechanic]

One of the reasons I said don’t wait. It would drive me crazy that people would have their check engine light looked at as they were heading out of town. Then I’d feel bad for them because parts would take 2days or something.

[@joshriles84]

Wish i knew

[@SubaruWRXStiYamahaR6-AllGone]

I usually throw a bunch of McDonald's and Burger King wrappers and other such garbage all throughout my car so it doesn't look inviting to thiefs.

[@HumbleMechanic]

TheMonistat7 Hahahah I bet it’s effective

[@cyrilmatthew2995]

why chrisfix don't show his face

[@manbearbeard]

Is something wrong with Chris's head? Why isn't he showing his face? What's happening?

[@HumbleMechanic]

He is super smart. Lol

[@manbearbeard]

@@HumbleMechanic Wow. A like and a reply from the God himself. I can die happy now.

[@powerman5kw]

Leave vw and drive the honda

[@HumbleMechanic]

Lol

[@danivasquez2441]

Why does ChrisFix always hide his face :O

[@HumbleMechanic]

Maybe he has no face! Lol

[@bushcraftnorway]

It's for the greater good

[@socalpunk05]

Sunex tools in the video, but links to tekton in the description.....

[@HumbleMechanic]

Both are solid tools to use in my opinion.

[@afrousel4731]

Might as well bring your entire garage with you jeez

[@HumbleMechanic]

I wish I could. Lol

[@abrishatravel]

what if i take my mechanic and his whole geraz with me..

[@danasmith9481]

No more cop sirens, please.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Lol sorry

[@danasmith9481]

It's alright, around here they're nothing but trouble, they want money and don't care about safety, whatsoever. They just suck. I wish it weren't so.

[@progmanmike]

Triggered

[@stoned12345678910]

forgets kevin

[@JavierGomez-lh8uj]

Bring that many tools and you're not gonna have room for anything else lol

[@HumbleMechanic]

LOL, if that means I dont' get stuck on the side of teh road, I am all in!!!

[@Logicalx]

And still running 95 as premium? Wow, imagine if you guys could run 99 ron, you'll be able to get more out of your tunes. Big shame America for being behind the times!

[@rfreitas3298]

Where is your luggage?

[@skylarparks6485]

Sorry, I have an electric car.

[@stuartjohnson5173]

Did you have any issues on your road trip?

[@HumbleMechanic]

None! Chris and I even stopped for a rad photo shoot 😂

[@hishamsheikh8807]

Rebuild an engine on the side of the road 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@JD-xt8cj]

lol 2:40

[@vn3801]

that car is packed for 8000miles not 800

[@HumbleMechanic]

Lol I always over pack

[@fastinradfordable]

that freggin cop splitting lanes..... come on now

[@Aschmorr]

Nathan Brame on water slick roads no less

[@michaelhall9138]

I just buy a reliable car in the first place. That way I have room for my wife's luggage.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Lol still can have issues. It’s at least important to check fluids and the spare

[@matte8441]

HumbleMechanic +1. My uncle’s 2 year old Honda CRV broke down during a road trip. I work at a Toyota dealer and I’ve seen a few out of out of state cars having problems. I worked a Sienna last week from Indiana, their o2 sensor went but lucky for them warranty paid for it. The worst I’ve seen was a blown engine on a Matrix from Florida. The guy actually got the engine rebuilt and drove it back!

[@palangicdino]

Dude way too much. Check the tires, fluids and brakes and go. Look at your trunk - you filled it with tools and no luggage. If you need that many tools for a 1100 road trip i suggest dumping VW and switching to Honda or Toyota.

[@HumbleMechanic]

It’s up to you what to bring not bring. I’d rather have a few tools to fix something. The spare tire is the only reason my suitcase didn’t fit. Lol

[@surfside75]

How to prep yr car for a road trip... -buy a Toyota ✔️😁

[@mcp12300]

It's a good meme but honestly my family's 09 corolla never get's "preped" and has gone on multiple 1000 mile road trips the 1.8 is harsh but bulletproof.

[@micahharman1493]

Toy bring the tool you won't need it you don't bring it your will regret it. Within reason of course.

[@mgjamesfin7011]

Wait what... a police escort? xD

[@HumbleMechanic]

Pretty rad!

[@PeterFeltersnatch852]

Damn Humble Mechanic your only going 11 hrs. away!!Lol You forgot one thing... TOILET PAPER!!