Recommended spare parts for cross-country trip
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just did that in my mk2 turbo diesel jetta. I didn't end up needing anything, but i had spare alternator, full size spare + little spare, air comp, tire sealant, radiator stop leak, hoses, clamps, zip ties, alternator belt, fuses, some random wires and a digital multimeter. Also had 2 gallons of water, a gallon and a half of fuel and a gallon of oil. Plus a good set of tools.
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assorted hose clamps and a good tool set. deff check if you need any wheel bearings done or brakes before you go. and bring every fluid your car would ever need. you never know.
You have an old Audi.
Why would you *possibly* think it wouldn't be totally reliable? :woowoo:
That being said.. Doing a good 'look over' in time to fix thing *before* you leave is a good idea!
I like to take a full size spare, and a careful selection of tools (don't want to take the *whole* tool kit with me..!). That, along with a few electical things.. BIt of wire, a few assorted connectors, some crimp conenctors, a test light and a meter.
And a jug of water, maybe a liter of oil, some duct and electical tape, vise grips and big channel locks..
Why would you *possibly* think it wouldn't be totally reliable? :woowoo:
That being said.. Doing a good 'look over' in time to fix thing *before* you leave is a good idea!
I like to take a full size spare, and a careful selection of tools (don't want to take the *whole* tool kit with me..!). That, along with a few electical things.. BIt of wire, a few assorted connectors, some crimp conenctors, a test light and a meter.
And a jug of water, maybe a liter of oil, some duct and electical tape, vise grips and big channel locks..
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another one that i bring is self fusing tape that can be used to patch blown coolant lines. Its pricey, but if it works, its worth it.
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I appreciate all the feedback! Drew, that's amazing that all you needed was a headlight bulb for all those trips! Your 200 avant must be well-sorted. I am taking care of a bunch of maintenance items this weekend and I will bring all of the suggested items. If anyone has any other ideas, bring 'em on!
Just make sure everything is up to snuff before hand. I didn't need anything when I did 2500+ miles in my UrS4. I only brought my tools, some duct tape, and water/coolant/oil. Then again, I like to take risks 
Now when I did 1200 miles (Seattle to Vegas) in my 90, I brought more. Tools, all fluids, spare belts, spare oil filter, electrical kit, floor jack, jack stands, and probably a few more things. And I needed much more (or so I thought until we actually determined the root cause of my problems) on that trip. But, it did go to prove that you can go 800+ miles on an ABH with a stripped head bolt with a failing head gasket pressurizing your crankcase My fault though since I only drove the car for 5 days and ~250 miles before going for broke and heading down to the BBQ.
Now when I did 1200 miles (Seattle to Vegas) in my 90, I brought more. Tools, all fluids, spare belts, spare oil filter, electrical kit, floor jack, jack stands, and probably a few more things. And I needed much more (or so I thought until we actually determined the root cause of my problems) on that trip. But, it did go to prove that you can go 800+ miles on an ABH with a stripped head bolt with a failing head gasket pressurizing your crankcase
My fault though since I only drove the car for 5 days and ~250 miles before going for broke and heading down to the BBQ.I have done many long trips in my Audis, especially my pair of 200 20v's. I bring basic tools, small spares (aux h2o pump, fuel pump, ecu, etc), my Bentleys and my troubleshooting printout from sjmautotechnik, my computer and VAGCOM, extras of every fluid, etc.
I've had to make minor repairs, but I've never been stranded. Just give the car a good going over prior to departure, and you'll be fine.
I've had to make minor repairs, but I've never been stranded. Just give the car a good going over prior to departure, and you'll be fine.
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On one trip, a PS hose started leaking like a sieve. I just kept topping it up.
Another time, further out, got into some hotter climate. rad fan siezed, melted the first stage relay, second stage was stuck on once i pulled it (and burnt my hand, too).
I waited for night, and drove all night home (and into the next day, somewhat). Because it was 100 degrees in the area I was in.. shit.
Oh yeah, blew out the michelin man one time too. Ghetto fix consisting of shopping bags, electrical tape, and haywire reinforcements... got 'er home.
Another time, further out, got into some hotter climate. rad fan siezed, melted the first stage relay, second stage was stuck on once i pulled it (and burnt my hand, too).
I waited for night, and drove all night home (and into the next day, somewhat). Because it was 100 degrees in the area I was in.. shit.
Oh yeah, blew out the michelin man one time too. Ghetto fix consisting of shopping bags, electrical tape, and haywire reinforcements... got 'er home.
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Bring a credit card with at least a couple grand of credit and by the best AAA membership you can get. Throw a bicycle in the back for good measure
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