This weekend I'm taking my evo to L.A. from Phoenix for the first time. I was wondering if it will be a good idea to go ahead and do an oil change. I'm 1200 miles away from my next oil change schedule. The most I will drive back and forth is probably 900-1000 miles. What do you guys think? also people that have driven to Ca from Az, how is the trip? thanks.....

 

before long trips i always change my oil. It couldn't hurt. but if youre going to be 200 miles under... then honestly dont worry about it too much.

 

If your 1200 miles away then just change it after those miles have been driven, your car will be fine.

 

why put fresh oil in and then beat it with those high rpms and start to break it down. Wait til you get back and change it. It will be ready and you will stay right on track with your intervals. I change my cars religiosly right on the penny. Plus if you are keeping records it looks really good in the books.

 

I have driven that quite often (from LA myself) and the drive is real boring until you get to LA. Make sure you get gas before you cross the border because it gets real expensive at the first stop in CA (Blyth I believe) and there isn't another station for a while after that. Oh yea also watch for cops on the overpasses and onramps although I usually don't see them to often on that drive but they are there.

 

Yea I can imagine how much expensive gas is in Ca as of rite now here in Az its 3.25 a gallon i think. How much is it in cali? also Im running catless should i be worried driving around L.A.?

 

You shouldn't worry about it too much...I don't think they'd give **** unless you did something bad or driving like an asshat.

 

Actually it is probably not that much more for gas in Cali (for a time AZ was actually higher in price ) but at the border they do charge more becuase they know people will need gas there. If your exhaust is loud and you are speeding or something they know how to look for mods and add on to your ticket but I wouldn't be to worried.

 

definately wait until you return unless you love to change oil and waste money. Low or no boost interstate driving is very, very easy on your oil and engine.

 

I agree, 2000 highway miles is much better than stop and go miles. If I was you I would check tire pressure and if the air filter was dirty, this will give you much better gas milage.

Have fun on your trip. oh and bring a radar detector, theres nothing like not worrying about cops on a long trip

 

Bring a lot of good cds!!! lol

I suggest taping the front of your car with blue painter's tape to prevent rock chips.

Don't worry, it's not gonna mess up your paint....

 

I have done that trip a few times in bikes and cars. There are two ways: I 10 or HWY 8.

The trip is inviting for high speed passes(I am not kidding) but all the fun basicly stops once you get to Indio. Try to avoid San Bernardino it is like 60 miles of traffic jams on I-10 that never stops. Cali 1-10 HWY is 70mph but AZ is 75MPH. You will know you are in Indio once you see like thousands of 150 feet tall huge white 3 air blade towers that produce electricity.

If you need to stop half way stay in Indio, the prices are 10 times better for everything(gas , Hotel) than LA. Stay in Best Western it has the the biggest swimming pool I have seen in the last few years.

As far is the oil change, you should be fine, Shyntethic oil can last much longer.

Carlos