Preparing for a Long Road Trip

Actually, not one, not two, but THREE road trips! Yes! If you have been following my blog closely, you would know that I made four trips out of Ipoh in May. The weather was exceptionally hot and on every trip, I felt that I have had enough of being out and about and yearned to get home. The problem was that each time I was home, after a day or two, I longed to go on yet another trip. Tell me this is not a sign of being bitten by the wanderlust bug??

My schedule has slowed down significantly this month due to the fasting of my Muslim friends whom I sometimes travel with. But this doesn’t mean that I am not going anywhere. It just means that it is time to make my own plans – I am in the midst of preparing my itinerary and getting my car ready for some long-distance driving. Other things don’t need preparing, I am ready from the word ‘Go’ and so is my luggage.

So, yesterday morning saw me taking my car to my trusted workshop in Ipoh for an oil change. It’s really not the time for a change yet from the mileage clocked since the last change but then I thought it is better to have the car in tip top condition as I am going to make it work really hard! In any case, the previous engine oil was only semi-synthetic, thus I wanted something better. This time, I am using American brand, Amsoil XL 10w40, a fully synthetic engine oil.

In layman’s language, fully synthetic engine oil is far superior to semi-synthetic because it is fuel saving, meant for long distance driving and clocks double the mileage before a change is required. Also, you will feel that the engine is quieter yet more powerful. In addition, acceleration is quicker. Oh yes, did you know that fully synthetic engine oil creates less friction and heat, hence protects the engine from wear and tear? Although fully synthetic engine oil is priced higher off the shelf, it is more cost-saving in the long run in terms of car maintenance.

Before changing the engine oil, I had the engine flushed first. Again, I used Amsoil Engine Flush, as I was not confident of using different brands in case of conflict. My mechanic poured the whole bottle into the engine and ran the engine idly for 15 minutes and then drained off all the dirty oil and other impurities. That’s not good enough still. I had to change the oil filter. Bought the original Honda oil filter. If oil filter is not replaced, there is no point changing the oil, right?

Besides taking care of the engine oil, I also made sure that water in the radiator is sufficient. My mechanic was very attentive. He checked everything for me that needed checking when I told him that I’m going to “travel”.

Later, at the Shell petrol station, I pumped full tank but only with Ron95 lah! It’s good enough, as the new Shell Ron95 is with the latest DYNAFLEX technology. Are you aware that we are rewarded with double BonusLink points at Shell on their fuel products for the entire month of June? Then I had my tyre pressure checked, for all four tyres plus the spare one in the boot – only 30 psi is required for my car, a four-door sedan.

I believe my car is now more than ready to go on active duty. I usually take public transport when I travel but Perak is not a state that one could move about easily with buses and taxis, unfortunately. Nothing like having my own car, in this case.

So, how’s my itinerary? Here are three routes that I have drawn up for Perak. These could be day trips, or overnight trips. Will see how much time I am able to spare before I am needed in Ipoh again. Yeah! Can’t wait to start my engine! Who wants to join me???

Route A
Ipoh
Chemor (Sin Hock Yeen)
Kanthan Baru
Sungai Siput (Ladang Inforternak)
Kuala Kangsar / Sayong
Trong
Taiping
back to Ipoh

Route B
Ipoh
Gopeng
Kampar
Temoh (ReFarm Leisure Farm)
Tapah
Bidor
Sungkai
Teluk Intan
Sitiawan
back to Ipoh

Route C
Ipoh
Batu Gajah
Seputeh
Tronoh
Tanjung Tualang
Sitiawan
Pasir Panjang
Lumut
Pangkor
back to Ipoh

Note: View larger images by clicking on an image once this page has completely loaded. Then navigate by clicking on the right or left side of image.