Preparation for a Long (> 1k miles) Journey

[Forrest]

I haven't fully decided yet between flying/hiring or driving in the 1997 V90 but I'm leaning towards the latter for a trip to Scotland later in the year. If I drive, it will be well in excess of a thousand miles over the course of about a week.

What do folk think in terms of any particular preparation and essential spares for the journey?

I have full AA cover, so I'm not overly worried. But the itinerary doesn't really allow for faffing about over breakdowns.

I do most of my own maintenance and the car has had in the last couple of years:

• Fresh 50:50 G48 coolant
• New thermostat
• Brake fluid flushed
• New front brake pads
• New Volvo spark plugs
• New timing and serpentine belts
• Set of five refurbished wheels and Michelin Primacy tyres

And this year a recent oil/filter change and a complete new exhaust system including front-pipe and cat.

I'm thinking there is not a lot to go wrong. If it were a 940 I would take a spare fuel relay. Does the 960 have similar?

I'm toying with the idea of flushing the transmission fluid before going, but that might be tempting fate.

The car is used regularly on a 24 mile each way commute and often for longer journeys, such as a recent holiday in Cornwall. No apparent problems brewing.

Thoughts welcome.

[staffy460]

just check tyre pressures you will be fine

[360beast]

If the coolant hoses haven't been changed then at 26 years old they'll probably be starting to crack internally as mine are and one of my heater hoses let go on an Autosolo due to the extra heat. If you've got any spare hoses chuck them in the boot.

Other than that you should be fine, have a great holiday!

We went to Scotland for the first time in May and it was absolutely stunning, I can't wait to go back.

Oh and I wouldn't touch the gearbox oil until you get back personally, if anything goes wrong you will only be kicking yourself, wait until after the holiday especially if it is working as it should ATM.

[Moomoo]

It’ll do the old fellow good.

Although not so far, I’ve just done an over 400 mile run in my 240 and I swear it was better, after about 300 , you know, not scientifically, it just felt better.

[Steve 940]

Hi Forrest,

I was I same position as you last summer, fretting over my 940 suitability for a trip to Cornwall circa 1k miles over 12 days.

Best bit of advice was Fromm Moomoo - whatever you take, it’ll be something else!!😀😀

I had just refreshed ignition parts. Leads/plugs/dizzy cap so took old ones, and they’re still in the boot. Luke’s call on hoses probably a good one, perhaps some spare auxiliary belts.

Have a great trip, enjoy the journey.

Cheers
Steve

[classicswede]

Went to Scotland for 10 days in the spring covering over 2000 miles

The 960 was due its oil change for engine and box so did that before setting off and put the spare wheel in the boot as I do not normally carry that

Similar story when my dad went to Denmark with our tow car 240. Just the normal 240 spares of cap,rotor, leads and belts

I would 100% be more confident taking 30 year old Volvo on a long trip than I would a 5 year old one.