General: European Road Trip

[imperialaird]

Hello all. I've recently bought a 1989 Volvo 740GL saloon, with a mere - genuine - 77,000 miles on the clock. It's a two litre auto. It's been well looked after and this summer I plan on driving it about 3,000 miles over two or three weeks around Europe. After that it will be maintained as a modern classic. Only fault is the usual sticky fuel gauge!

I'm compiling a list to do before the trip, and spares to take...if anyone can think of anything I've missed or has any advice I'd be happy to hear it.

Change the following:

Oil filter
Fuel filter
Air filter
Engine oil
Gearbox fluid
Spark plugs
Brake pads
Battery
Alternator and timing belts

Spares:
Water pump
Fuel pump
Hoses
Fuses
Bulbs
Engine oil
Duct tape

[brickman]

I drove a 740 with the 2.0 injection engine/ manual across europe/middle east/russia/kaz/mongolia.
We were aiming for Vladivostok but didn't quite get that far, only mongolia! 740 was flawless apart from one thing on the injection system that bent due to the immense heat in turkey (and it was old). In manual flavour it was actually quite good on fuel

[reggit]

Check and double check your tyres - had an unknown make one on my bike and the carcass deformed in the heat of central spain.

[stephend]

One other thing to add to your spares list: fuel pump relay, notorious for failing on these. They come in two versions, green and white. From the year, yours is probably green - but check it (in the relay tray hidden in front of the ashtray), and get a spare. Oh, and maybe Radweld, and exhaust bandage / wire, just in case.

You might think twice before changing the autobox fluid before a long foreign trip. Opinions vary on whether this is a good thing to do or not - but if it's working ok, this might not be the time to meddle!

Other than that, have a great trip - and take piccies and do a write-up for the forum when you get back.

[CTCNetwork]

Hi,

There are a few relays that may be worth carrying, check the 700/900 forums for these.

Do get one of those drunk kits for france. It may be they will not check, but better to have them if you come across a grumpy police man than not!

Make sure to have spares for all your bulbs and a yellow HiVis jacket for you and all passengers. Keep them in the car, not the boot as you'll need them if you have to step out of the car.

Consider also ADAC european cover as well, it will cover you for all over the EU and get you back to the Uk. €100 or so for a year, but you'll be covered in the Uk too..

I would consider oil, oil filter and air filter change as well as checking the other fluids (gearbox and diff) to make sure they are to the correct levels.
I would also consider a bottle for screen wash (diluted) and a concentrated one (for mixing). Might also be worth carrying a bottle of oil as well JIC.

Have a look Here too..

Des. . .

[Prufrock]

You've not mentioned where you are going but 3000 miles is not a great distance. I drive to Catalonia (going again in April for a cycling event) at least twice a year and that's a 1600 mile+ round trip from Cherbourg.

However, as you've just purchased the car (so it's an unknown quantity) I would just drive it - familiarise yourself with the car over the next few months - and renew the consumables others have mentioned. I would change the radiator* for a new one (you should budget for this) as it cools both the engine and gearbox (it may well be silted up - if original - as the car has had little use). The ZF gearbox can be temperamental, and in the 2.0 litre can suffer if driven"impatiently".

The car probably has steel wheels, which is good. If the exhaust and hangers are in good shape I would not worry about them, take the new coolant hoses rather than replace.

J.

*if you're taking Radweld this indicates a lack of confidence in your cooling system - so change the rad (for the reasons mentioned).

[sunshinetours]

If tyres are older than about 5 years because car hasn't been used much consider changing them before a long trip like that as they can degrade even if tread is fine

Don't waste any money on French Alcotests - whilst the legislation still exists its ironically matched with a zero penalty that can be issued!

High viz vest or jacket for driver only is required and must be within reach when you are driving.

If taking a sat nav ensure speed camera detection disabled by uploading latest software as they all have a French version that only shows safety zones which is fine

If you haven't got EU number plates get a sticky GB sticker for rear of car

If using the autoroutes in France consider getting a toll tag as makes touring much easier even though it will cost a bit extra due to set up cost

[Julianpms]

With respect, I'd disagree regarding the alcotests. Yes, there is no penalty, but they are technically required. All too often, if the police stop you and find one thing out of order, they'll go through everything else until they find something else where they can fine you!

[xsaab]

Do not forget to mask the headlights so that they do not dazzle on coming traffic.

+1 to getting a Sanef transponder for driving on the French Autoroutes.
See for details
https://www.saneftolling.co.uk/

I did a trip to Istanbul and back in a 7 year old Austin A35 many years ago - great fun.