MazdaEight

Ok, so I'm moving to Florida in about a month. I was just wondering, is there anything I should do to prepare my 8 for the trip and temp. change?

MICHGoBlue

Have a shop do a AC check up, in FL, air conditioning is not a luxury, it's a necessity, can't afford to have it not working.

Other than that, can't think of anything else besides changing to 5w30 or heavier oil if you're using 5w20.

adamwzl

iTrader: (3)

when was the last time you changed sparks and coils?? That could be a possible thing to do.

04RX8man

I also recommend changgine the oil to something heavier. when I was living in florida I was using 10w30 in the summer and 5w30 in the "winter" haha.....where abouts in FL ru moving to?

Jasonawojo

iTrader: (2)

I use 5w20 in FL, RP though. But anyhow, yeah check plugs/coil as any sluggishness from them having issues will probably present itself.

Otherwise, if your regular maintenance is up to date and ac is working fine, bring a spare quart of oil and you should be good.

RotaryDuke

Why would one use 5w30 instead of 5w20 in a hotter climate? Someone mind explaining how that stuff works? Thx.

MazdaEight

Aghh...I just did an oil change 2 days ago with 5w20, so switching to 5w30 isn't gonna happen right now. I know the plugs and coils are fairly new. AC is good. Um, what about getting the oil cooler fan mod? And I will be moving to Land O Lakes near the Tampa area.

Cattywampus

Sweet. You will be in my area. Enjoy your trip

ken-x8

Since you're on top of maintenance, you really shouldn't have to do anything. Just check fluids, tire pressures, emergency flat kit (or cell phone), etc. before you hit the road.

Once you're settled in, go to 5w30 on your regular oil changes.

Don't forget to stop at Pedro's when you get to South Carolina.

Ken

MazdaEight

Alright, thanks for the replies. I will have to meet up with everyone in the area when I get there. Ken-x8...what and where is Pedro's?

ken-x8

If you go down I-95, you'll find out soon enough.

We'll expect a billboard count.

Ken

MazdaEight

Lol ...ok but if your talking about a South of the Border place there is no way your getting a billboard count.

Razz1

Gee why do people ask silly questions? The car is relable just like any other vehicle.

If you want ot know about preparing for any road trip that is different.

Make sure you know how to change a tire if you have one. If no buy an extra can of that goop. You are going to need it if you get a flat.

Check your water level and inspect the tires.

MazdaEight

^^ If your talking about me creating this thread then it isn't silly. My car isn't use to 100+ degree weather. And if this car is just like every other vehicle, then why is it so easy to flood, and need its oil checked so frequent, and need a good redline every so often? Amongst other things why does it have a rotary engine?

ken-x8

Pedro would know.

Yes - I was talking about South of the Border. And we did successfully count the billboards one time. But it was on a family vacation with my wife and daughter. Two of us spotted and the third kept a written tally.

Ken

mysql101

We will be neighbors.

I use a 40 or 50 weight oil.

AC is optional. If you sweat, drive faster and you'll cool down.

04RX8man

that's the best part of driving down 95 is couting billboards haha!.....

DarkLord7854

You'll be fine unless you plan to drive really really really hard.

If your coolant light comes on though, flip the A/C off for a little while.

MazdaEight

Nice...so I can count on getting a ride in your turbo'd 8??

PaPaBear

Land O Lakes! I lived there for ten years before moving to Miami. Beautiful area. Built a house on Lake Saxon (Lake Padgett Estate). Really miss the fishing, water skiing and natural beauty of the area. There is an abandoned airport north on Hwy 41 that I think is used for autox. South Florida sucks except for the Keys.
Good luck.

MazdaEight

^^ Thats sweet. I was hoping there were some autox or tracks, so I could take the car and see whats it's got without braking the law.

911SC

You going to Florida? Buy it a bikini.

Cattywampus

A corvette club is using that field now. It's a sweet road course with nice guys too. I patrol Lake Saxon. Nice area and very quiet.

XAreXAteX

This summer I've done the Atlanta to Jacksonville drive a few times. Six hours about 400 miles each way. I've had zero problems. About to take it to Panama F.L. next week which will be another few hundred miles. I'm probably should knock on wood but I've done fine. 8's love the highway miles.

Make sure your oil change is current. Check tire pressure/fluids. Enjoy the drive.

shinka911

you better come to some of our tampa meets