I'm planning 2 separate road trips in my 2002 996 C2 this summer.
Chicago to Fort Lauderdale in about 6 weeks and then Chicago to Atlanta around August.

Any suggestions how to "prep" the car for long distance ?

I'll do oil change, clean the front radiators soon because it's going to be hot, check tire pressure.

Anything else that should be done other than a good radar detector? Longest drive I've taken so far is about 300 miles round trip. I think my biggest concern is over heating during higher RPM drives in 95+ degree weather.

 

Get your battery checked out and definitely do so if it is original or older. Pick up some really good jumper cables and a portable air compressor (12V). Don't go cheap on the compressor or it will overheat and be generally useless. I'd get your spare tire checked tool (condition & Tire pressure). Along with tire pressure, check the condition of the tires themselves especially if they are older than 5 years old. Dry Rot and cracking is not good. Also get a AAA membership...well worth the nominal cost. When you get your oil changed, tear down the filter and examine it for any metal etc.

That is all I could think of! Good luck.

 

concerned about the heat? still on the original water pump? how old is ur coolant- just figure on checking on everything before your trip. Fresh oil change, top off fluids,etc

 

Water pump was replaced about 10,000 miles ago along with battery and alternator.

I'll check my coolant as well.

 

Check all of your fluids and give the car a general once over. Have hard copies of maps available in case your nav doesn't work. Have a list of Porsche dealerships and/or specialist shops along your route in case something goes wrong. Enjoy!

 

I did a 2000mi road trip in 2010 with the manual BMW 330i I had then.
What I did:

1) Changed the engine oil/filter
2) New air filter
3) New cabin air filter
4) New tires (my tires were bad)
5) Radar detector (was the most important thing)

If your car has higher mileage I might change the tranny fluid if it was never changed.

I would also get the AAA platinum membership, it's worth it.
Avoid Virginia, radar detectors are illegal there. Make sure you drive through the mountains between TN and NC, great roads there pretty much wherever you choose to cross the mountains.

Have fun, I might take the BMW for a road trip sometimes this summer too!

 

clear bra or use painter's tape on wheel fender area and frontal area.

 

A new head unit and a subscription to Sirius/XM!

 

Lots of LIDAR in FL and GA. RainX front windshield. Check wiper blades. Don't forget to check your spare tire presure. Might also look at joining AAA for the what if's....

 

Make sure your cooling system is tip-top as well as you AC. Temps will be mild through central Florida mid to upper 80's and in the 90's down south. Keep in mind it's very humid also, so that means rain at any given time, and it can be HEAVY, so good tires are a must, if you hit rain, slow down, when the initial rain hits the hot street the road oils mixed with water make it slick for the first few minutes. There are several dealers in FT Laud area. If your driving top-down, sun screen, no if ands or buts.
Radar detector. Loads of unmarked po-po(even in pick-ups.)

Have a great time!

 

get ACQUAPEL, similar to RainX but better

jb

 

Thanks for the tips! Much appreciated.

I have an iPod with lots of music (must) haha!
Just picked up a Valentine 1
Will clean up front radiators
Tire check ...maybe inflate a few lbs for better fuel economy?
Definitely wax, detail & rain x
Check fluids
Definitely will join AAA

 

Tire check ...maybe inflate a few lbs for better fuel economy? NO

Definitely wax, detail & rain x: 3-4 coats of wax on the front bumper, if you hit lovebugs wash them off when you retire for the night, they will eat your paint if left on. If you hit them don't try to clear your windshield with your washers and wipers, you'll make a mess and won't be able to see.