Trip Check

I’m finally getting ready for the first big road trip in a couple of years. We’re taking the 253 HQ Holden which seems to be running okay.

What do suggest as prep for the trip?

Diane Keen

A 253 HQ! Love them. If it’s a big adventure, you might want ignition spares – points rotor and cap for the distributor if it’s still running them, or a spare igniter if it’s been converted to a solidstate Bosch unit.

I’d be tempted to change the hoses and belts and chuck the old ones in the boot as spares.

Give it the once-over: the coolant is clean and green, it’s got good engine oil, the trans oil (if it’s an auto) is nice and pink, and the diff oil

has been checked.

It’s all stuff that can be done cheaply and you can take off knowing you’re prepared for pretty much anything. They’re a great old thing and will lap the country without stress.