Planning a 3400-mile road trip at the end of April ...

[ronna]

So, my 2011 Aveo has about 65000 miles on it. I purchased it new in 2011.

I currently only drive it 3 times a week to my part-time job (total 5 miles round trip) these days since I retired a few years ago. Also the store once a week.

So, this road trip (from KC to Boston and back) will put on quite a few miles!! Two days after I purchased the car, I drove it from KC to Sacramento and back. I've driven to Oklahoma City and Springfield Missouri (once each) but other than that, it's just city driving, to/from work or the store or doctor, etc.

It's a 4-cylinder and I don't run the AC in the summer because it really bogs down the engine. No biggie, really, since I don't drive that much! However, going up some hills sometimes it seems like the car really struggles. No engine lights have come on so my mechanic (at a Goodyear franchise) doesn't know what to look for (or so he says). Last summer they changed the spark plugs but that really didn't do a whole lot.

I plan to get an oil change prior to this road trip (at the end of April) and really want him to go over my car with a fine-tooth comb. What should/could I ask him to look for?

Could the gasoline I use cause an issue? (i.e., with or without ethanol, regular versus premium, etc.).

I do have AAA so that's a comfort.

Thanks in advance for any comments, suggestions, etc.!!

[guitardoc64]

I would suggest getting the timing belt replaced before the trip. At 65,000 you are getting close to the replacement interval.

[EAD15]

I would suggest getting the timing belt replaced before the trip. At 65,000 you are getting close to the replacement interval.

The 09+ model years have a 100,000 mile replacement interval and are not known for breaking early. I wouldn't expect there to be a problem with the belt

[guitardoc64]

The 09+ model years have a 100,000 mile replacement interval and are not known for breaking early. I wouldn't expect there to be a problem with the belt

I'm just being cautious, because a belt failure is a catastrophe.

[sjcleckley1]

I'm just being cautious, because a belt failure is a catastrophe.

that's a lot of miles to drive and not be close to home the thing to Rember it's not just the miles but age has the coolant ever been replaced ID replace all the hoses and coolant and trans oil if never done

[kcROB]

ronna,,,best of luck. I have taken my 2011 LT sedan w/(5) speed on a similar trip with similar miles when I left. Far point was DeAnza Springs, Calif in the high Mojave dessert with stops in Las Vegas and Phoenix, etc. We came back thru the Rockies and I 70 into K.C. Not a single problem. Several years later a pass side wheel bearing failed so I had both replaced. Now that you are back, how was your trip? Good to know you bought your 2011 new. I bought mine in Nov., 2013 with 16.6K miles as a repo. Love that car for all these years!