Roadtrip in brand new (to me) Fit

Erk · #1 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009, 01:23 PM

My fiancee and I just bought an '08 Fit Sport (a great deal too!), and are extremely excited to try it out. Luckily we also have a roadtrip coming up in a few days, and are looking forward to taking the Fit on it.

Since we've never driven, I'm curious for advice on a few things. We're driving from Calgary, Alberta to Portland, Oregon, so we'll be headed through the Rockies. I expect a bit of snow, so we'll have winter tires. I have heard some things about the wipers... do more experienced folk think it would be wise to change the wipers before going, or should we be all right in the relatively moderate temperatures expected?

What other things might be worth considering for a long trip in a Fit?

Cheers!

score04w · #2 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 07:22 PM

the girlfriend and i took a cross country trip this summer. we went from Connecticut to California and back in 2 weeks. The fit hated the rockies, at least mine did. We had zero problems the entire trip and 7000 miles in 2 weeks is a lot. the wipers should be fine. it down poured in Pennsylvania and Colorado and they were older wipers. Only problem i could think of is pack lightly, fit hates steep inclines with a trunk of crap.

Erk · #3 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 07:44 PM

Thanks! I'll keep your advice about packing in mind. We'll be taking the Canadian rockies at least one way, and our pass is pretty gently inclined thanks to recent roadwork, but we'll still keep the packing light.

The major concern I have with the wipers isn't with rain, it's with possible snow and ice. I've heard they perform a lot less well in subzero, but I have no idea how likely that is to be a genuine problem. I don't think it'll matter though.

score04w · #4 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 07:47 PM

cant give you a exact answer. this is my first winter with my fit as well, but i dont think it will be that big of a problem.

Digimer · #5 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 11:31 PM

At least with the '07, the OEM wipers didn't fare well with the salt. If they use sand out your way, you'll probably be fine. Here in Toronto though, and through Quebec, they use salt. We didn't replace ours ahead of time, but looking back I wish I had. Just watch the sizes, specially when you install in on the passenger side. There isn't a lot of clearance with the suggested size. Try 'em on before leaving in case you want to get a size smaller.

We don't have the rockies, obviously, but New Brunswick can be pretty hilly at times. You're getting winter tires, which I would have recommended otherwise. We never had any trouble, just be ready to shift down/sooner if you've got a MT, though that's pretty obvious.

More generally speaking, keep some windex and paper towels in the car. The salt can really make the mirrors hard to see out of.

Have fun!!

Digi

jtsimaras · #6 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erk

Thanks! I'll keep your advice about packing in mind. We'll be taking the Canadian rockies at least one way, and our pass is pretty gently inclined thanks to recent roadwork, but we'll still keep the packing light.

The major concern I have with the wipers isn't with rain, it's with possible snow and ice. I've heard they perform a lot less well in subzero, but I have no idea how likely that is to be a genuine problem. I don't think it'll matter though.

I'm a calgary fit owner 08 and the wipers are junk needless to say. I believe it must be to do with the angle of the wiper arms as I switched to winter blades and they were still crap. I'm going to experiment a bit more with the arms this winter --- but its something that doesn't bug me a whole lot as it is more the passenger side that is an issue.
Carry alot of smurf juice if the roads are messy.