'Emergency' pack

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Sun Dec 25, 2005 10:00 pm

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...

cavmad · Post by **cavmad** » Sun Dec 25, 2005 10:13 pm

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.

Mr B · Post by **Mr B** » Mon Dec 26, 2005 12:54 am

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

Gareth Wales · Post by **Gareth Wales** » Mon Dec 26, 2005 7:22 am

Stanley knife, glasses, curtain wire (with hooks)

Mike E (uk) · Post by **Mike E (uk)** » Mon Dec 26, 2005 10:01 am

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

tim leech · Post by **tim leech** » Mon Dec 26, 2005 10:11 am

AA Europe Card!

Stewart (oily!) · Post by **Stewart (oily!)** » Mon Dec 26, 2005 10:36 am

Most of the above and for those with manual gearboxes an RHD clutch cable.
Stewart

tom · Post by **tom** » Mon Dec 26, 2005 10:38 am

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

classic2cv · Post by **classic2cv** » Mon Dec 26, 2005 12:14 pm

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

Ian_Fearn · Post by **Ian_Fearn** » Mon Dec 26, 2005 6:41 pm

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!?!?!

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Mon Dec 26, 2005 7:23 pm

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,

classic2cv · Post by **classic2cv** » Mon Dec 26, 2005 7:52 pm

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

BTW, when will you be going?

Mike E (uk) · Post by **Mike E (uk)** » Mon Dec 26, 2005 9:58 pm

'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

Barnsley BXer · Post by **Barnsley BXer** » Tue Dec 27, 2005 7:51 pm

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!

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 8:53 am

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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