Transportation and Vehicle Safety: road trip, nissan altima gxe, nissan altima

Question
i have a 1999 nissan altima gxe and am planning an 1100 mile road trip. how safe would my car be?

Answer
Hi Theresa....

The age of your vehicle, manufacture or model, has little to do with it being safe. It has everything to do with how well it has been maintained and if all systems have been checked prior to your departure.

Engine:

* Compression values.
* Recent tune-up.
* Computer codes clear.
* Runs well without vibration, stalling or overheating.
* Does it have the power it has always had?
* Doesn't burn or leak oil.
* Is the engine oil levels good?
* Does the oil appear burnt or have that odor?
* No as-symptomatic sounds indicating problems.

If your mechanic or expert has checked these things and believes they are within norms, I would think your engine would have little problem with a 1100 mile trip.

Transmission:

* If a manual, does the clutch slip at all?
* If a manual, does it engage early or later than normal?
* Are there any abnormal signs, sounds, or smells?
* Even though in gear, does acceleration ever seem non-responsive?
* Is there any signs of transmission oil (red in color)?
* Is the levels ok, and does it have the appearance or odor of being burnt?

If your mechanic or expert has checked these things and believes they are within norms, I would think your transmission would have little problem with a 1100 mile trip.

Electrical:

* Do the lights ever become brighter when you rev up the motor?
* Does the vehicle start easily?
* Have you ever needed your battery jumped?
* Is your battery older than 3 years?
* If the battery is serviceable, are the water levels good?
* Are the battery contacts corroded?
* Do all the lights and systems than use electricity work correctly?

If your mechanic or expert has checked these things and believes they are within norms, I would think your electrical system would have little problem with a 1100 mile trip.

Consumables: (Check for)

* Tires (and spare) for condition and pressure.
* tire jack, flares, flashlight, batteries.
* Windshield wipers for condition
* Extra fuses (5/10/15/20/25/30)
* Owners manual with instructions or repairing your vehicle.
* Warm blanket.
* First aid kit.
* Drinking water.
* Emergency communication (Cell phone /On-Star/CB Radio)

Preparation, expectation, and planning are always essential. These things may seem overkill or too grammar school, but are certainly welcome when (not if, but when) the problem occurs.

If you were looking for something more technical like, Anti-lock brakes (ABS), Supplementary Restraint system (Airbags),  Traction Control System (TSC) and the like, please advise and I can go into that area also.

As your car is a 1999, it should have many of the essential safety systems in place.

Terry