trip to europe

[turnerkl]

I am planning a trip to europe next month and will be driving much further (faster?) than the usual weekend trips around UK. The car is running perfectly at the moment but I want to try and take all reasonable precuations such that it wont let me down while abroard. Any simple checks (will have to be simple for me) I should perform or spares I should be carrying? Any other general tips for european travel?

 

[colin129]

If the car is running well and you use it reguarly, just go....litterally.

Both with my current car and the previous 944S2, I would open the bonnet, check the levels, which never seemed to move much and the tyre pressures and scratch my head thinking there must be more to it than that.

Take a spare DME relay, just in case and make sure you have European breakdown cover.

Don't forget to fill up here rather than in France, with the collapse of the £ against the €, there won't be much difference in price and it may even be cheaper here, you can check European fuel prices on various websites.

Give your car a good clean too! When the sun is shining and you pull up in a village for lunch, the motor looks so good when its all polished up nicely []

Have fun and try not to worry...

 

[skendrick]

excellent idea.

Don't forget your hi-vis jacket, triangle and spare bulb kit, a requirement in France or Germany.
I needed these for my trip to Nurburg.

 

[GeoffB]

Remember to carry the hi-vis jacket inside the car with you, having it in the boot will still get a fine!
Spare bulbs, fan belt and oil top up , you may use more with prolonged running(!) otherwise enjoy yourself[]

 

[turnerkl]

thanks chaps - some very useful advice

 

[GeoffB]

While i think about it i also carry a puncture repair kit, you can get them from motorbike outlets (BMW provide them with their bikes). Kit consists of bradle , rubber plugs and vulcanising compound.I dont use the compressed air cannister ( give it away to a biker) prefer to use the car pump. Usefull if you have nail etc in centre of tyre , allows you to get home without using the spare

 

[kevin]

Holts tyre repair compressed foam, fire extinguisher, Hi-Vis, DME relay, spare lamps (bulbs) oil, and a few spanners/screwdrivers and tie wraps are all I ever take.........not let me down yet....

Kevin

 

[Super_Marv]

It's worth visiting the tourist websites of the countries you're thinking of visiting. They can give you an idea of what things you need or need to take to travel on their roads. If you're thinking of going to Austria, you need a vignette if you want to use their motorways.

 

[jr2015]

Petrol on the autoroute earlier this week was 1.34 euros a litre . If you`re on the A`route down from Calais, exiting at junction 10, there`s an automatic filling station 24/7 two mins off the autoroute direction St Quentin it was 1.13 euros a litre and will take British cards.All in its a 15 min diversion.
I didn`t realise the hi vis jackets had to be in the car not the boot, interesting tip, Ta!
jr

 

[polar964]

... europe sat nav! ... if only to warn of the speed cameras!! []

 

[Jon Kent]

If you're coming anywhere near Luxembourg Kevin, please drop me a line.
Always happy to meet other 964 owners and point them towards some nice driving areas.
Normally in a 1990C4 but, due to GBox issues, driving my friend's Polar Silver Celebration []
If you're not coming near but have difficulties in France or Germany, I could also help translate on the phone.
I also have several contacts in France, Lux, Germany & Switzerland who can assist.
Best Rs,
Jon (+352 691 500 406)

 

[Mark_Bennett]

Always wear your seatbelt - not just on the road but even when just reversing or moving the car from petrol pump to the space in front of the pay kiosk. There were lots of reports last year at Le Mans of people getting fined for this.