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Can an old car travel across the country?

I’m planning to drive all the way from New York to LA for an epic road trip. I have an old 2002 Toyota Corolla. I don’t have any issues with it day-to-day, but I’m worried about it on such a long drive. Will my old car be able to travel across the country?

avatar
Emily Maracle · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
How exciting! Road trips are a lot of fun. Although it’s a bit nerve-wracking, an old car can travel across the country with a bit of preparation.
Toyota Corollas
are reliable cars, which is likely why yours is still running after 20 years! To ensure it makes it out West, you’ll want to have a mechanic perform a thorough inspection. You’ll want them to check:
  • All fluid
  • Brakes
  • Wheel alignment
  • Tires
  • Battery
After you get the okay from a mechanic, you’ll want to get an emergency road kit. You should also learn your vehicle’s warning signs—that way you have a better chance of catching an issue before your car breaks down.
Another important aspect of taking an old car across the country is a roadside assistance membership and a good car insurance policy. If you’re looking to enhance your coverage and save some extra cash for your trip, use the
Jerry
app.
Once you download Jerry and answer a few quick questions, you’ll be given dozens of car insurance quotes for coverage similar to your current plan. Jerry customers save an average of $887 a year.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

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