Dave wrote:If I can help it, I try not to do major maintenance *right*
before a long trip.
And that's not been mentioned before.  If you or the mechanic made a
mistake it can ruin your whole day if you've already started yout trip....
Wort case I ever saw, many years ago, was a family friend from out of
town, visiting.  Had the oil changed just before she left town.  Guess
what: mechanic fogot to put in the new oil......