long distance trip (planning)

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Lily2

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i've a 2008' vw polo 1.4 bought in Feb with 54000km on the clock :) , due for next service on 60000km
i'm now thinking of taking a trip to PE<>CPT. i don't know whether the car has ever been driven such a
distance before. now i'm a bit scaptical on whether to or not, but then that was one of the reasons why i bought it.
what can i do to make sure that the car is perfectly safe, or worthy to be taken on such a long trip ? :confused:

i'd appreciate it if you can advise me here or what to do. thx
 
It's only an 800km trip. You'll be fine. More than fine in fact.

All you do is check tyre pressure, check oil, check water - have a looksee if the tyres have bubbles or nails in them. Other than that it'll be smooth cruising. I sometimes do 900km round trips to meetings in a single day. Cars are fine for long roads as long as they're looked after. My Corsa has 55,000km on the clock now and is still an absolute pleasure on the open road. VW's even more so.

Stop at the shell outside mosselbay for petrol & stretching, then 400km later you're in CT. No mess, no fuss.

Enjoy the scenery. :)
 
thx man.
u know as ladies, we always want to check each and every detail, especially since it'll be my first time driving such a long distance.
really appreciate it :)
 
I'm going to PE on the 22nd of June, Lily2 wanna lift?
 
The only way to find out is by driving it.

You should get road-side assistance if you don't already have.
 
Yeah dont stress about driving long distance. If your car has been looked after and you check the basic things mentioned above, you'll be fine.

Just take it easy when you are driving, and bring someone with if possible.
 
yeah, i do have road-assistance & all those insurance what-nots. just tryin to make sure i wont need them...Lord have mercy

i'm workin on gettin someone i can drive back with
 
Lily, make sure to check your tyre pressures (2.2 bars all round INCLUDING THE SPARE should be fine), check oil and water, put water in your windscreen washer bottle and make sure to have airtime on your phone if you don't have a contract. Besides that, there's really not much you need to do for a mellow ride down the N2.
 
BCO said:
Lily, make sure to check your tyre pressures (2.2 bars all round INCLUDING THE SPARE should be fine), check oil and water, put water in your windscreen washer bottle and make sure to have airtime on your phone if you don't have a contract. Besides that, there's really not much you need to do for a mellow ride down the N2.
Click to expand...

mellow ride on the N2 during school holidays?
 
Alan said:
mellow ride on the N2 during school holidays?
Click to expand...

Maybe it's just in comparison with the long distance drives I regularly do, but CT to PE even in school holidays is a doddle.
 
Alan said:
mellow ride on the N2 during school holidays?
Click to expand...

BCO lives in that Joburg traffic mess...any trip on the N2 along the coast automatically becomes mellow! :D

To the OP, I regularly do that sort of distance in a day and it is fine provided you have checked everything like tyre pressures, etc...remember, when you stop to fill up en route, and the petrol guy asks if he can check oil and water, he DOES NOT have to open the cap on the Polo, as it is a sealed system...any idiot who does that for you will mess up the pressure then you will have a problem...also tyres must be checked when cold, so make sure that you have that done early morning and NOT after driving for a while.
Another good idea is to go from one Ultra City to the next and stop each time, fill up, it won't need to be filled, but it gives you a chance to go to the loo, grab a cold drink and generally wake up, as you get into a monotony zone on a longish trip and need the break. Then take a bottle or two of water with you as it also helps to keep you op en wakker on the road. Apart from that, if you car has the factory sound system it is a delight, so stock up with some nice CD's and enjoy! As BCO says, that particular run on the N2 is brilliant. :D
 
800 km ain't far :)
And 54000 km is still new.

If you're doing the N2, nice stops are
Stormsriver bridge - nice steers and scenery there,
then Mossel Bay or Hartenbos- lots of nice places
then Riversdal = nice farm stalls and shops, about 10km before you get there, on the right hand side of the road.

When you have more time and want a different view, try going along the R62.
I'm doing that route next weekend. :)
 
I would get wheel alignment done as well. They should be able to check the condition of the tyres for You. If you want you could ask VW if they can service the car for you before you leave.
 
Thank you so much for all your advice and help with my planning process.
You have made me feel very at ease. Will sure have my car checked in all points before
hittin the road, and will be stopping alot for stretching (i know) :D . I trust that my trip will be as mellow
and pleasant as possible. Didn't hear anyone saying they had troubles on their first time ever driving
long distance, hope mine will also be as smooth.
Much appreciation guys :)
 
Sure you'll enjoy it Lily.

All the major points have been mentioned and if you stick to those you'll be fine.

Are you driving alone?
I like the long road, but prefer company, even though I'm oddly very quiet for long stretches :erm: :p

But it's still a good idea to have someone with you on the road.

Aha - just thought of something that's not been covered earlier - a roadtrip needs good music! :D

If you have an MP3 player be sure to burn yourself some lekker lively tracks for the road as it often gets tricky to get a good radio signal further out - even for KFM. ;)

Jislaaik, now I feel like hitting the road again :p
After the world cup for me - have fun! :D
 
Wash & vacuum car.
Clean windows properly.
Check tyre pressure.
Check oil.
Check battery water if not a sealed unit.
Check radiator water.
Check windscreen washer water.
Check brake fluid level.
Check hydraulic fluid level for steering if not electric.
Fill tank with petrol.
Have cd's or mp3's on hand for music.
Drive!

800km is nothing, used to do that more than 4 times a month just for a work day trip.
 
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