Audiman Posted January 28, 2009 Report Posted January 28, 2009 Hi everyone, In May, I'm planning a massive trip through Europe (France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany) and hopefully back to UK.Just need some advice on parts to take with me - things which are likely to break etc.My Galaxy is a 2003 TDI - I've had the timing belt and aux belt changed already, current mileage is 150,000 (purrs like a pussy cat though) Has anyone done anything like this before ? Quote
Willie Krashitt Posted January 28, 2009 Report Posted January 28, 2009 Only you know the condition of the car and therefore what is looking likely to break. Galaxies are generally strong and will get you home - Its usually the secondary bits that go wrong and cause ownership grief. However, my advice would be to give the car a full service at least a month before you go, and check condition of brake pads/discs. When was brake fluid last changed? If you are going through the Alps, there are some very long continuous downhill sections where you really need your brakes in top condition. How good are your tyres? Make sure that the are in good order with plenty of tread and inflated properly. Make sure that your spare tyre is ok for use, inflated to the highest pressure you would need and that the winch still works. If you are going in the summer, make sure that your air con is OK. If you are going very soon, check your antifreeze is of the correct strength, as it can get very cold overnight around the Alps at this time of year. Pack a 1litre bottle of 505.01 spec engine oil for topping up. Other details: Check local regulations for what you need to carry - first aid kit, bulb kit, warning triangle and fluorescent jackets (1 for each person in the car) are a legal requirement in several countries. Headlamp masking is a legal requirement for RHD cars used in the EEC - details are available on the TIS disc. Easy to do with some sticky backed plastic. Check with your insurers to make sure that your insurance is to the same level as here, not just minimum legal reqt when abroad, and get a Green Card if necessary. Break down cover? I always get it and last time I looked, Green Flag were the cheapest. Quote
Audiman Posted January 28, 2009 Author Report Posted January 28, 2009 Thanks Willie, That was quite good writeup. Just had all new tyres, discs and brake pads done. Also had a brand new winch installed. Everything actually works okay on the car, which makes a change. Because of the mileage the only thing I'm worried about is the clutch (150,000miles) which is the original one. What the hell, life's full of risks - if the clutch goes, l'll have to get it fixed locally. I know in Switzerland l'll need to buy a yearly tax\toll disc. Not really sure where to buy this from ? Quote
DaveJH Posted January 28, 2009 Report Posted January 28, 2009 Audiman A good list. Your wipers may have to do some hard work - as your Galaxy has a good mileage if you have not greased the spindles (see threads) then I would take a few tools and grips to sort it out if the wiper starts to stall (it will save time - nothing worse than having to drive slow and keep stopping- and also money now the pound and euro are 1:1). I also chuck in a pair of "wheel socks" for minor slippery stuff problems. Regards DaveJH Quote
bofus Posted January 28, 2009 Report Posted January 28, 2009 check the condition of the battery junction box and the cables to/from the alternator and the main fuse box. This can suffer overheating due to very mild corrosion. When the overheating gets worse, the junction box melts and the car looses all electrics. Personally i would check the driveshafts and intermediate shafts for excessive play. Have fun Gav Quote
DaveJH Posted January 28, 2009 Report Posted January 28, 2009 Audiman Sorry - just realised that you are going in May, rather than simply popping over to see the winter landscapes or play in the snow. No problem, except its a longish run and France is expensive w.r.t tolls and it seems to us that the motels and hotels are comparitively expensive c.f Belgium and Germany, Austria. Re Swiss motorway tax/sticker - you can either queue at the motoway sideslip sales outlet near the border (the queues at Basle, for example, can be long on the wrong day or time) or more simply do as we do and buy one from the Swiss Travel Service : http://www.switzerlandtravelcentre.co.uk/vignette.html before you go and sail past the queue. I hope that this helps Regards DaveH. Quote
DaveJH Posted January 28, 2009 Report Posted January 28, 2009 Audiman Sorry - just realised that you are going in May, rather than simply popping over to see the winter landscapes or play in the snow. No problem, except its a longish run and France is expensive w.r.t tolls and it seems to us that the motels and hotels are comparitively expensive c.f Belgium and Germany, Austria. Re Swiss motorway tax/sticker - you can either queue at the motoway sideslip sales outlet near the border (the queues at Basle, for example, can be long on the wrong day or time) or more simply do as we do and buy one from the Swiss Travel Service : http://www.switzerlandtravelcentre.co.uk/vignette.html before you go and sail past the queue. I hope that this helps Regards DaveH. Quote
marcostig Posted January 28, 2009 Report Posted January 28, 2009 im doing the same 133,000 mile on clock but concerned about clutch, pretty sure its original works fantastic, light clutch pedle ect no slip but going 6 up luggage and mountains!! not sure if to replace clutch.. alot of money or what...dont want to ruin trip though l Quote
sssshh Posted March 24, 2011 Report Posted March 24, 2011 I frequently drive from Stoke on Trent to Turin. And my 2006 TDi has now done 241000 miles. Quote
Audiman Posted August 1, 2011 Author Report Posted August 1, 2011 Hi Chaps, My last trip to Italy went beautifully. This year - Did a 4000 mile trip to Switzerland/Italy and Germany. What an adventure. We went up/down the Alps could see the glaciers so close. In some places I had to drive in 1st and 2nd gear. Galaxy went like a dream.......until overheating in Austria ! damn!!! The damn waterpump failed. Ford in Germany wanted 200 Euro to change the thermostat and another 800 Euro to change the waterpump (that's almost Quote
Bigjeeze Posted August 2, 2011 Report Posted August 2, 2011 (edited) I went from Bournemouth to Nax in Switzerland last year in my Gal at 155k miles . We went via the tunnel to Calais then drove to Switzerland . In Switzerland did a fair bit of driving up and down mountains - temp got to 34.5 c but the air con coped well. I had no prblems at at all - the old gal went perfectly as usual. Also managed an average 38mpg ( lot of 80mph driving on motorways). Edited August 2, 2011 by Bigjeeze Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.