'Emergency' pack

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Philip Chidlow
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'Emergency' pack

Post by Philip Chidlow »

Am I being overly cautious, but if I was planning a trip over to the continent in my GTI auto, what would be the suggested pre-travel checklist, and what 'emergency' parts/spares/tools/kits sould I consider? I am thinking the trip would take me through France, Belgium, Germay, Austria and the Czech republic and back - so it'd be a good 2500 miles in about eight days...
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Post by cavmad »

Oil, water, LHM, autobox fluid, screenwash, spare bulbs, spare fanbelt(s), tyre weld, rad weld, spare plugs, decent jack and spare wheel and one of those boost start packs c/w built in tyre inflator. A decent list but shouldn`t take up much room.
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Post by Mr B »

Reflective waistcoat thingies for all occupants, spare bulb kit, warning triangle and a fire extinguisher. Tools. Set of metric spanners, sockets, screwdrivers, pliers, cutters and a big hammer. Cav's covered the oily bits but I would add a length of octopus tubing and a piece of the clear plastic hydraulic return pipe. Both very handy! Oh, duct tape and zip/cable ties have got me out of the poo a few times over the Channel :wink:
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Post by Gareth Wales »

Stanley knife, glasses, curtain wire (with hooks)
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Mike E (uk)
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Emergency pack

Post by Mike E (uk) »

Carrying loads of tools is all very well, but if you do not have a replacement part, you are still stuffed!

I suggest:

1. Take all the legal docs for your car, and your cell phone.

2.Check over the car thoughly before you leave.

3.Take a phrase book if you are not fluent.

4. zip ties and old octopus is a good idea.

5. A few lenghts of wire and a multimeter+ Multitool with pliers.

6. Hayne's book

7. In some countries you have to carry a 1st aid kit, warning triangle, spare bulbs, extinguisher.

8. Don't use radweld, you may totally foul the engine cooling system.

Bon voyage,

Mike
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Post by Stewart (oily!) »

Most of the above and for those with manual gearboxes an RHD clutch cable.
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Post by tom »

Nothing at all. If you can't trust the car, then leave it at home.
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Post by classic2cv »

I would echo tom’s comments

Take all the legal docs for your car, and your cell phone
Take a spare bulb kit (France), and a 1st aid kit (Germany and Austria)
(You will need to get vignettes for Austria and the Czech Republic)
and check over the car thoroughly before you leave.

I made the same journey in 2001 to and from the 2CV World meeting in Austria with my 2cv and had no problems
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Post by Ian_Fearn »

i've got a Pleiades pipe repair kit as a 'just in case' but theres no substitute for a well maintained car.

As you've got the GTi, speaking from experience i'd take a spare ignition module as these things can go without any warning and leave your car running on 2 or 0 cylinders.

Its well worth checking the condition of your rear suspension cylinders as the alloy castings disintegrate leaving you pretty much stranded.


p.s Sounds like a wonderful trip.... can i come!?!?! :wink:
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Post by Philip Chidlow »

Thanks everyone for the advice. I think the car's in very good order and was going to get it fully checked over and serviced before the trip. But I will be taking a few items listed above. I reckon the biggest isue will be cost of fuel! Cheers, :)
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Post by classic2cv »

I wouldn’t worry about the cost of fuel
It will still be cheaper than it is here :D

BTW, when will you be going? 8)
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Post by Mike E (uk) »

'It will still be cheaper than it is here'

agreed,

plus on these long tours your mpg will far exceed what you normally get in typical UK journeys.

Mike
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Post by Barnsley BXer »

How about a bottle of Pastis (wonderful stuff) to drown your sorrows and a packet of tissues to wipe away your tears.Seriously mate good luck.Several years ago whilst on the way to Belgium,we met a Lithuanian who was taking a LADA home.He didn't know where we were landing(Ostend) which side of the road to drive on and to cap it all,we had to push him off the ferry!Perhaps he was a wind up merchant or very brave/foolish!
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Post by Philip Chidlow »

Pastis - yes a fine tipple. I have a litre of '51' knocking about...

I think I'll be going this side of Easter. It depends if my mate (who's just bought a farm in the Czech Rep.) is ready for me (or if he just wants me to help clear out the pig pen!)...
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