Ok guys, I'm about to embark on my first road trip in my mini. It's a 2004 cooper s, with about 73300 on the clock as of right now. I am planning to change out the plugs, coil wires, tires and air filter and cabin filter. I also recently replaced the harmonic balancer. Anything else I should keep an eye out for before i travel 3000 miles? Plan to bring some water and an extra quart of oil with me. What else would you bring along?

 

Changed the belt recently?
I carry a basic tool set with me everywhere i go. small compressor, tire plugs, spare sparkplugs and a helicoil kit (had a sparkplug blow out on me in the middle of the ghetto once), and a set of sockets my worst mini related fear is breaking down in the middle of nowhere or the worst parts of town so i tend to stay over prepared. Oh yeah also some quick detailing spray and micro fibers. 2nd worse mini related fear is a dirty car.

 

Yeah, the belt got changed when the balancer went. I'll bring a small tool kit and a jump starter with an air compressor on it. Thats about all.

 

If the battery's original, it needs a new one...Group 47. The pockets on either side of the trunk area are good places to stow gear like a good First Aid Kit, etc. Got a good cellphone and charger that works off 12v.? AAA card with the extended tow option. Hope you won't need it, but good insurance.

 

When I changed my serpentine belt I threw the old one in the boot to carry around as a spare. I always like to have real maps, made of paper so that I can trust my own judgement and not have to rely on Garmin!!

Reid

 

Power inverters are great to carry around. I have the CPI 480 and it works great, and is nice and compact!

https://www.cobra.com/category/power-inverters.cfm

Reid

 

Oh yeah, when you come into a new town, try to find some real locals to find out the best places to eat. You know, the non-chain places. I like to check out the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives map to see if anywhere is close!!


Reid