GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I'm getting a list together of maintenance items that I need to have done before I leave for Jersey next month... It's gonna be 1400+ miles or so round trip, so I definitely don't want any issues with this thing! I'm at 42,000 miles right now. So far, of things I need to do but have put off:PCV valve - no issues with it, but it probably should have been replaced a long time ago.Thermostat - REALLY need this done! I occasionally have very little heat. I'm sure it could use one, and I'm kicking myself for not getting that changed out when I had the coolant flushed last summer. There is also another issue with the heater - if the engine is at idle, the air coming from the vents is barely lukewarm. Once taking off, it heats right back up, only to cool down drastically next time I stop. Would that be the thermostat as well, or do I have something else going on? And, considering I just changed the coolant shortly before 30K, am I going to need to have the cooling system completely drained to change the thermostat? Never have in the past, just drain enough to empty the engine so the hose can be removed, but haven't looked at this car.Air filter - I don't swap these out at any given mileage. Instead, I'll change the thing once a year. Wiper blades - 'nuff said! Too bad I can't find any of those snazzy Reflex blades here! I'll just get another set of Ancos, should be good for another six months. Oil change - not much on my current oil, and I'm running synthethic now. Nowhere near being due for a change, but I'm going to get it changed anyway. And this time, I'm supplying those guys a few quarts of Mobil1 5W30 so they don't throw 10W30 in there again.Tire rotation - If I still have the Blizzaks on at that point, I'll need them rotated. The trip being at the end of March may not even warrant the winter tires, but I figure I'll swap back to the stock 16" alloys when I get back. Don't want to take any chances!Transmission fluid/filter change - I know I'm still 18,000 miles from the recommended 60,000 mile mark... But I figure I will get that changed far before that. Maybe not before the trip, as it doesn't really need it... May consider that sometime in the aftermath.../The brakes are still in good shape, surprisingly. Plenty of pad left, the rotors look fine, stops good, no bumping/pulsating/etc. So that can probably wait... Shocking, I don't think I have ever had this many miles on a set of brakes! I'm used to getting 10K out of a set of pads/rotors like my Malibu always needed... The serpentine belt was just replaced, so no problems there. Anything I'm missing? Any suggestions on stuff to carry with me? Like a spare Vibe for parts I think I'm in pretty good shape for the trip, if you guys think of anything let me know...

Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic »Anything I'm missing? Any suggestions on stuff to carry with me? Like a spare Vibe for parts Reminds me of the PECO commerical from last year, with the kid and the flat tire, but I guess you have to live in the tri state area to understand what I'm talking about. IDK Panic, seems like you have everything covered, but I would change that thermostat just in case. Good luck, did you mention why you are making the journey? Wanna see a giant land fill? (sorry Mike).

with your car, you should get a map and plot out all the places you can take it for warranty service along the way

Quote, originally posted by PhillyVibeGT »did you mention why you are making the journey? Wanna see a giant land fill? (sorry Mike). lol! I need a change of scenery.... And our landfills here are so spread out, there isn't one big huge landfil that covers hundreds of miles, so I'd like to see that! Actually, going there to the NY Auto Show with some of the GVC crew! I know it sounds whacked out, but I'm looking forward to checking out Jersey in all of its glory. More so than New York itself! Can't wait to see what I've been hearing about my whole life. Joatmon, that's funny! If the Vibe would be capable of pulling another Vibe, I'd tow buddy's Vibe behind mine... That way, I'll have a mobile, 24/7 parts depot! I would say we'd take his, but I'd rather take mine, it doesn't have the pool in the back seat. I'll get that thermostat and stuff, but I do think I'm pretty well covered. And roadside assistance through GM still, so I can wait 4 hours for them to come help me should the need arise. lol

Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic »Joatmon, that's funny! If the Vibe would be capable of pulling another Vibe, I'd tow buddy's Vibe behind mine... That way, I'll have a mobile, 24/7 parts depot! I would say we'd take his, but I'd rather take mine, it doesn't have the pool in the back seat. LOL...the pool in the back seat...I haven't had a problem with roadside assistance on other GM vehicles. They're usually very quick with a response, especially if you're out on the road somewhere. The first question they ask is if you feel you're in a safe place, and if you are by yourself, or stuck on the side of the road. That bumps you up considerably in the list of people who need help, I'm sure.

Yep, that is the first question! Had to call them once when the anti theft system on my Malibu apparently thought I was not the owner, and didn't want to let me start the thing..."Are you in a safe place?" Yeah, I'm at Meijer... But if I were at Wal-Mart, I would probably have to say no...

Sounds good CP the trans flush early will not hurt either...BTW, went to my dlr to get a PCV and he said I do not have them, no one has to replace them yet! I thought what? I can point you to a site with people that have MORE mileage then my car and the same age. (2 different sized PCVs, one base and one GT and the thread pitch needs to be known not model) He then slids a can of brake clean my way and says "use this and clean it out real good". OK Milkshake, you have no idea how many miles are on my car and you are telling me to just clean it. I then go to Murrays and they ask me what sized threads are on the end of my PCV and it too will hae to be ordered. Arggg! I will replace it in the spring since I am sure I am still good at 22,000 now. On a side note: Just replaced the plugs in my PT at 21,857 miles yesterday. Owners manual states replace at 30,000. My car had an engine miss, new plugs fixed it right up and Chrysler did not use Platinums but plan old Champions.