"Coolant and oil top-ups, plus spare belts if possible"
Fair enough, but honestly, how often do belts actually snap mid-trip? I've logged thousands of miles commuting in older cars and never had one go. Maybe I'm just lucky... or tempting fate now.
I've wondered the same thing, honestly. I've never had a belt snap on me either, but I did have one start squealing like crazy halfway through a road trip once. Turned out it was just loose, thankfully, but it got me thinking... maybe belts don't outright snap often, but they can definitely cause headaches if they're worn or improperly tensioned. Probably worth checking before a long haul, even if you don't carry spares.
"maybe belts don't outright snap often, but they can definitely cause headaches if they're worn or improperly tensioned."
True, but honestly, I'd still carry a spare belt anyway. Had one snap on my old wagon years ago—middle of nowhere, kids in the back seat, total nightmare. Sure, it's rare, but when it happens... trust me, you'll wish you'd packed that cheap spare belt. Better safe than sorry on long trips, especially with family along.
Carrying a spare belt isn't a bad idea, but honestly, I'd rather put my energy into regular inspections and preventive maintenance. Belts usually give you some warning signs—squealing, cracks, glazing—before they snap outright. I've done plenty of long trips in my old Chevy without ever needing a spare belt. Just keep an eye on things, replace worn parts ahead of time, and you'll probably never have to deal with that roadside nightmare...
Yeah, I hear you on that one. I've been daily-driving my '72 Ford pickup for years and haven't had a belt snap yet. But I do remember one time heading out on a camping trip, the alternator belt started squealing like crazy about halfway there. Pulled over, tightened it up a bit, and it held fine for the rest of the trip. Regular checks definitely saved me some hassle there... preventive maintenance really does pay off in the long run.
