long trip tips

[Cobranut]

Hi everyone, thank you to those who gave advice on my problems with alarm system....ultimately I have had to get a new system but better in the long run. Did learn a few useful tips re alarm gobs one was to ensure the battery connectors are clean and that even if you have installed new batteries ensure they are delivering more than ten volts under pressure,ie when pressure g fob otherwise yes may light up but won't send signal. Also never leave both sets of keys and find in same location or in a car which is subsequently broken into...

Anyway moving on, I am planning a long trip driving to and around France for a couple of months. My Z3 is serviced, mot d recently etc and has loads of new bits etc.....does anyone have any recommendations for essential spares to take on the journey, I know can't plan for everything ,would end up with a trailer full and no where for a certain other halves shoes, clothes etc.....thank you.Nigel

 

[Ianmc]

Sound like a great idea, thinking of doing something similar later this year. I will have the car checked over especially before we go by my trusted indy with a view to cooling hoses etc and other perishable parts. I personally wouldn't take parts (excepting bulbs/fuses). Don't know how mail order works in France but you could set up a contingency arrangement with a parts supplier in UK if you work on the car yourself. Also might be worth identifying suitable garages, just in case. Is there a Z3 owners club french contact? That said, I assume most Z3 parts are available in France anyway?
In sum, if the car is well maintained it should be fine - hopefully not famous last words!!

 

[andyglym]

Constant Amiable. This is an accident report form that needs to be completed in the French format post accident. You can download an English version so you can see what you're filling in;

http://cartraveldocs.com/european-accident-statement/

Bulbs
First Aid Kit
Warning Triangle
Hi-Vis bibs (in the car not the boot)
Fire extinguisher if you have one
GB sticker if not on your plates
Headlight beem deflectors
AA/RAC upgrade for breakdown/Recovery
EHIC card for medical treatment
Torch
Translate App on your phone
ICE (In-case of Emergency contact on your phone) if in an accident.
Tyre weld if no spare & mini compressor
Fuses

 

[colb]

Bare minimum would be a set of plugs and a litre of oil for topping up a socket set and a set of spanners and screwdrivers and pliers.
As our cars are getting older there is always the possibility of something letting us down, as long as you have a good battery the only other things to consider are alternator and starter motor, you don't want to lug spares for these around with you and should they fail whilst you are away it shouldn't be a problem sourcing replacements locally.

 

[Cobranut]

Thanks everyone some good ideas and thoughts, I always worry about hoses going on older cars but I suppose can happen on any. I'm told that less problems with this era cars than the newer computerised versions.....fingers crossed.

 

[Slam]

Think you need a breathalyser too in France.

 

[andyglym]

Think you need a breathalyser too in France.

There was to be a fine imposed for not having one but it was postponed indefinitely in 2013 though for retail reasons they're still on the list. No need though.

 

[Cobranut]

Thankyou all.

 

[aspron]

I would ensure that your tyres have lots of tread and are in great condition as tyre prices in France can be eye-wateringly high, and availability is uncertain as often only the most common sizes are kept in stock.

 

[Redline]

I thought the breathalyser was mandatory. Didn't realise that you didn't actually need them. We happen to have some that Gail picked up from a show recently.

The form has to be filled in on a French copy. They don't accept the English version. Also, if you are unfortunate to be involved in an accident, if need be, get someone to translate what the other party writes before you sign it. It's not unknown for them to write that it was your fault and you've signed to agree it was!

 

[Redline]

I would ensure that your tyres have lots of tread and are in great condition as tyre prices in France can be eye-wateringly high, and availability is uncertain as often only the most common sizes are kept in stock.

I suppose you could get them DHL'd over from a uk supplier if you were unable to get them replaced locally. Might cost a few pounds but if it gets you mobile again probably worth it.

 

[andyglym]

I thought the breathalyser was mandatory. Didn't realise that you didn't actually need them. We happen to have some that Gail picked up from a show recently.

The form has to be filled in on a French copy. They don't accept the English version. Also, if you are unfortunate to be involved in an accident, if need be, get someone to translate what the other party writes before you sign it. It's not unknown for them to write that it was your fault and you've signed to agree it was!

Technically, yes but no fine imposed.
http://www.drive-france.com/checklist/

 

[Nodzed]

Dont legally need a breathalyser, the law was removed but its advisable to carry 2, I have a mate who lives over there and he says the local rube cops still try to stick it to visitors for not having them, because they can.

 

[Nodzed]

Here's one for you that I used in desperation (here not abroad) I got a puncture in the daily driver and had not replaced the Mazda tyre weld, so in the boot I found a golf tee, the soft flexible plastic type

I found the hole and pushed it in as far as possible then gently rolled the car forward to push it into the tyre, pumped the tyre up and that held for over 40 miles at normal driving speeds and no air loss. The kwikfit guy said it was a new one on him and was as a good temporary plug as he'd ever seen, I took 4 of them on the Euro last year. Plus if you use tyre weld and the even if the its repairable they usually write them off, (in this country anyway) bloody annoying if its a newish tyre.

 

[miller1098]

Here's one for you that I used in desperation (here not abroad) I got a puncture in the daily driver and had not replaced the Mazda tyre weld, so in the boot I found a golf tee, the soft flexible plastic type

View attachment 74118


I found the hole and pushed it in as far as possible then gently rolled the car forward to push it into the tyre, pumped the tyre up and that held for over 40 miles at normal driving speeds and no air loss. The kwikfit guy said it was a new one on him and was as a good temporary plug as he'd ever seen, I took 4 of them on the Euro last year. Plus if you use tyre weld and the even if the its repairable they usually write them off, (in this country anyway) bloody annoying if its a newish tyre.

The speed you drive would you trust a repair? Lol I'd never do it unless I was driving like miss daisy and I don't think that option is in your make up.Unless your traveling to Outer Mongolia or the Hebrides you only need to carry what you would normally carry in the U.K. I've found spares plentiful ,oil at every service station and everyone very obliging and helpful,more so than in the U.K. Not only with the car but many times on the motorbike. Service your car before you go and sort anything that is a potential problem.

 

[Nodzed]

The speed you drive would you trust a repair? Lol I'd never do it unless I was driving like miss daisy and I don't think that option is in your make up.Unless your traveling to Outer Mongolia or the Hebrides you only need to carry what you would normally carry in the U.K. I've found spares plentiful ,oil at every service station and everyone very obliging and helpful,more so than in the U.K. Not only with the car but many times on the motorbike. Service your car before you go and sort anything that is a potential problem.

Are you trying to imply I speed . Seriously as a get me to a tyre shop it works a treat, as with any roadside repair very temporary

 

[miller1098]

Are you trying to imply I speed . Seriously as a get me to a tyre shop it works a treat, as with any roadside repair very temporary

To the tyre shop for a new tyre I could never risk running on repaired rubber .take the cost of a repair out of the price of a new tyre and it makes the new one cheap and safer and puts your head in the right place as your drifting around alpine hairpins with a sheer drop outside your window

 

[hard top]

Plus if you use tyre weld and the even if the its repairable they usually write them off, (in this country anyway) bloody annoying if its a newish tyre.

Not over here at my mates garage, they steam clean the gunk out of the tyre and plug it.

 

[hard top]

And to add to above post, I suppose he does that as its purely a good old fashioned garage and he does not stock tyres to try and flog to you.

 

[Redline]

Dont legally need a breathalyser....
......the local rube cops still try to stick it to visitors for not having them, because they can.

Useful to know. Thankfully a fluent French speaker in the car when we go in June will be helpful.