Euro trip preperations?
Discussion
Hi guys,
Being a newby to Porsche ownership, (Picked up a Boxster S a month ago), I'm looking for a bit of advice on preparing it for a trip round Europe next month. We're planning on heading down through the alps, across the south coast of France, and back via the Millau viaduct and le mans.
I've done many similar trips in the last few years but all in my A8 which is designed to munch the miles, and I've just jumped in and gone. Will the Boxster need anything checked out before the trip other than the obvious tyres, fluids etc? It's an 05 plate with only 27k on the clock, and has been running very sweetly since we picked it up.
Any advice, tips greatly appreciated!
Being a newby to Porsche ownership, (Picked up a Boxster S a month ago), I'm looking for a bit of advice on preparing it for a trip round Europe next month. We're planning on heading down through the alps, across the south coast of France, and back via the Millau viaduct and le mans.
I've done many similar trips in the last few years but all in my A8 which is designed to munch the miles, and I've just jumped in and gone. Will the Boxster need anything checked out before the trip other than the obvious tyres, fluids etc? It's an 05 plate with only 27k on the clock, and has been running very sweetly since we picked it up.
Any advice, tips greatly appreciated!
I'm also doing a 3k miles euro trip in a Boxster S so have been 'prepping' for a while now. That's really just an excuse for upgrades and modifications. The essentials for me were, check tyres have enough depth, check/renew brakes (enough pad material for mountains), charge up aircon, basic service items done eg oil and filter, fuel filter, spark plugs (if needed), new aux belt (if needed), coolant change (if not recently done), then the lower priority items which were probably done first new suspension including arms, bigger throttle body (for more air at altitude obviously 
), remap
), remapnlm13 said:
Hi guys,
Being a newby to Porsche ownership, (Picked up a Boxster S a month ago), I'm looking for a bit of advice on preparing it for a trip round Europe next month. We're planning on heading down through the alps, across the south coast of France, and back via the Millau viaduct and le mans.
I've done many similar trips in the last few years but all in my A8 which is designed to munch the miles, and I've just jumped in and gone. Will the Boxster need anything checked out before the trip other than the obvious tyres, fluids etc? It's an 05 plate with only 27k on the clock, and has been running very sweetly since we picked it up.
Any advice, tips greatly appreciated!
Hello Being a newby to Porsche ownership, (Picked up a Boxster S a month ago), I'm looking for a bit of advice on preparing it for a trip round Europe next month. We're planning on heading down through the alps, across the south coast of France, and back via the Millau viaduct and le mans.
I've done many similar trips in the last few years but all in my A8 which is designed to munch the miles, and I've just jumped in and gone. Will the Boxster need anything checked out before the trip other than the obvious tyres, fluids etc? It's an 05 plate with only 27k on the clock, and has been running very sweetly since we picked it up.
Any advice, tips greatly appreciated!
First thing I would say to make sure your car has been recently serviced with fresh oil and coolant and plugs etc.
Next step would be to ensure your brakes are all OK as they will get a hell of a hard time coming down the alps etc, would be a good idea to have the fluid replaced too.
Also, make sure you have a decent level of tread depth in your tyres.
^^^ You've gotta love edc's posts!
Seriously, the Boxster is a wonderful car for long trips and extremely comfortable over long motorway schleps. Do try to get in some time in Germany as when the opportunity comes to cruise at 200kmp/h+, you will gain a new appreciation of the the talents of your car. However, expect to pick-up increased stone-chip damage at such speeds if you end up following anyone too closely.
3k is really nothing if spread out over a week or two but the most important thing to check would be your tyres and esp. the rears. If you end up having to drive on rear tyres that are down to the wear bars on a wet motorway, in the non-uncommon torrential dowpours, then you can expect to see the PSM light, then your life and finally (on the assumption that you survive) your cheque-book/credit card flashing before your eyes.
If you find yourself near Geneva needing new tyres, there is a place called Pneus Claude out on an industrial estate 10mins from the airport on the French side. They usually have tyres in stock and prices are not too bad in the grand sceheme of things. I recently paid just over £600 for 4 x 17" PS2 N3s fitted from stock with no appointment.
Some other tips...
You might want to advise your significant other that both the front and rear luggage comparments get extremely hot on long schleps (the front due to the front radiators and routing of the coolant tubes). Therefore, you have to get used to warm luggage and do not try to transport chocolate or cheese over long distances in either compartment if you expect it to remain in as-bought condition!
My final tip is personal but I sometimes like to use those in-ear spongy ear plugs on ultra long trips. You certainly don't need them but they cut out the white noise and you can hear everything else with more clarity and I find that it can reduce fatigue and I can still hear my tunes, passenger and other traffic clearly!
Seriously, the Boxster is a wonderful car for long trips and extremely comfortable over long motorway schleps. Do try to get in some time in Germany as when the opportunity comes to cruise at 200kmp/h+, you will gain a new appreciation of the the talents of your car. However, expect to pick-up increased stone-chip damage at such speeds if you end up following anyone too closely.
3k is really nothing if spread out over a week or two but the most important thing to check would be your tyres and esp. the rears. If you end up having to drive on rear tyres that are down to the wear bars on a wet motorway, in the non-uncommon torrential dowpours, then you can expect to see the PSM light, then your life and finally (on the assumption that you survive) your cheque-book/credit card flashing before your eyes.
If you find yourself near Geneva needing new tyres, there is a place called Pneus Claude out on an industrial estate 10mins from the airport on the French side. They usually have tyres in stock and prices are not too bad in the grand sceheme of things. I recently paid just over £600 for 4 x 17" PS2 N3s fitted from stock with no appointment.
Some other tips...
You might want to advise your significant other that both the front and rear luggage comparments get extremely hot on long schleps (the front due to the front radiators and routing of the coolant tubes). Therefore, you have to get used to warm luggage and do not try to transport chocolate or cheese over long distances in either compartment if you expect it to remain in as-bought condition!
My final tip is personal but I sometimes like to use those in-ear spongy ear plugs on ultra long trips. You certainly don't need them but they cut out the white noise and you can hear everything else with more clarity and I find that it can reduce fatigue and I can still hear my tunes, passenger and other traffic clearly!
Edited by MogulBoy on Thursday 8th August 10:22
The tyres are all newish, so plenty of tread, and the MOT is due while we are away, so I was planning on getting an oil/filter change done at the same time as the mot before we leave. Also discs and pads have been done recently.
I like the idea of the ear plugs, must give that a try.
I have to say I am very impressed with the amount of stuff we can fit in, much more than the MX5 we had previously, and the current Z4 coupe as well. Lack of storage in both of them meant we always ended up taking my Audi on holiday, which although very comfortable, is not the most involving drive ever. I'm really looking forward to driving a decent car on some of those amazing roads.
Going for 3 weeks, so just off to try an get the accommodation sorted now.
I like the idea of the ear plugs, must give that a try.
I have to say I am very impressed with the amount of stuff we can fit in, much more than the MX5 we had previously, and the current Z4 coupe as well. Lack of storage in both of them meant we always ended up taking my Audi on holiday, which although very comfortable, is not the most involving drive ever. I'm really looking forward to driving a decent car on some of those amazing roads.
Going for 3 weeks, so just off to try an get the accommodation sorted now.
You might not get them in time for your trip, but http://www.roadsterbag.co.uk/Porsche-Roadsterbag-l... are good at maximizing the luggage space.
Before heading out on a road trip (as is the usual case when I head out the drive has me covering 4K or more miles in a week's time) I have my car road worthiness inspected by a local/nearby dealer where I have the car serviced.
The tech lifts the car and under the car with a bright light checks for leaks, brake wear, tire wear, and anything in the tires. CV boot condition is checked. Vital fluids are checked. Never venture out with a suspected coolant leak or a noisy water pump or any obvious sign something's not right.
And about tires, let me reinforce this: When heading out be sure the tires are in good shape and have nothing in them and hold air. Do not even venture out of your garage with a slow leak tire.
The few times I have had any problems have been when trying to get another 2K miles out of worn tires. In one particular case a rear tire picked up a nail (or 3) and I had to drive 1K extra miles to get a new set of tires fitted.
Last if you have any work on the car try to give yourself some time to give the car a few days of some shakedown trips to be sure the work/service didn't bring up any other issues. For example if you have new tires fitted there's always the risk a new tire could prove bad or a valve stem leak or a balance not right, even the alignment off. Best to find this out convenient to where you had the work done that on some dark unfamiliar far from home stretch of highway.
The tech lifts the car and under the car with a bright light checks for leaks, brake wear, tire wear, and anything in the tires. CV boot condition is checked. Vital fluids are checked. Never venture out with a suspected coolant leak or a noisy water pump or any obvious sign something's not right.
And about tires, let me reinforce this: When heading out be sure the tires are in good shape and have nothing in them and hold air. Do not even venture out of your garage with a slow leak tire.
The few times I have had any problems have been when trying to get another 2K miles out of worn tires. In one particular case a rear tire picked up a nail (or 3) and I had to drive 1K extra miles to get a new set of tires fitted.
Last if you have any work on the car try to give yourself some time to give the car a few days of some shakedown trips to be sure the work/service didn't bring up any other issues. For example if you have new tires fitted there's always the risk a new tire could prove bad or a valve stem leak or a balance not right, even the alignment off. Best to find this out convenient to where you had the work done that on some dark unfamiliar far from home stretch of highway.
Definitely get decent breakdown cover - American Express I found to be very good when I had an engine blow on the way to Valencia. They sorted Spanish & French rental cars so I could complete the rest of my planned trip, then flew me home (with the bicycle I'd been carrying on the car) and re-patriated the car which arrived a few days later.
Would have cost me thousands to sort myself (which I didn't have back then) and well worth the £75 or whatever it was that it cost.
Would have cost me thousands to sort myself (which I didn't have back then) and well worth the £75 or whatever it was that it cost.
V8KSN said:
Inverted said:
I got a bypass pipe fitted to the RS before my Euro trip..... was I supposed to do anything else 
Good man!I am thinking of getting one myself but I am fearful that the boom and vibration might be too much....... is it?
Sound like this from the outside though.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8a1-s2YyiR8
Inverted said:
I havent experienced any boom or vibration tbh. Happily did 2500 miles all with sport on. Didnt find it a problem. With Sport off its fairly civilised.
Sound like this from the outside though.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8a1-s2YyiR8
That sounds amazing! Sound like this from the outside though.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8a1-s2YyiR8
At the risk of sounding like a boring old git - in theory for a European trip you need:
Hi Vis Vest - Kept in the car not in the boot
Spare bulb kit
Disposable breathalyzers 2 off (in date and french approved)
GB sticker or Eurostyle number plates
If you're going to drive at night it might be worth getting the headlights switched to left hand drive, or use blanking tape.
Having said that I have a friend who's done many trips with none of the above and never been stopped so got away with it.
My main suggestion for euro trips is get the sat nav fully programmed with all your destinations BEFORE you set off - sometimes it needs a bit of effort on Google Maps to get the exact location in - I normally use Lat and Long entry on PCM to make things simple.
Hi Vis Vest - Kept in the car not in the boot
Spare bulb kit
Disposable breathalyzers 2 off (in date and french approved)
GB sticker or Eurostyle number plates
If you're going to drive at night it might be worth getting the headlights switched to left hand drive, or use blanking tape.
Having said that I have a friend who's done many trips with none of the above and never been stopped so got away with it.
My main suggestion for euro trips is get the sat nav fully programmed with all your destinations BEFORE you set off - sometimes it needs a bit of effort on Google Maps to get the exact location in - I normally use Lat and Long entry on PCM to make things simple.
Thanks for the tips guys,
I already have all the boring stuff (high viz etc) from previous trips as I tend to drive to France at least twice a year, but this is the first trip in a sports car rather than a barge. I have to say I am looking forward to trying the boxster out on decent roads with out having to worry about potholes every 2 seconds. Planning some routes through the alps and possibly the pyrenees as well over 3 weeks.
Think I'll get the car booked in for the MOT and service the week before I leave just to be on the safe side, and I'll sort out breakdown cover as well. After seeing how much stuff you can fit in the car, I'm wishing we'd bought one long before now, it seems the ideal car for this sort of trip as it is both fun and practical.
I already have all the boring stuff (high viz etc) from previous trips as I tend to drive to France at least twice a year, but this is the first trip in a sports car rather than a barge. I have to say I am looking forward to trying the boxster out on decent roads with out having to worry about potholes every 2 seconds. Planning some routes through the alps and possibly the pyrenees as well over 3 weeks.
Think I'll get the car booked in for the MOT and service the week before I leave just to be on the safe side, and I'll sort out breakdown cover as well. After seeing how much stuff you can fit in the car, I'm wishing we'd bought one long before now, it seems the ideal car for this sort of trip as it is both fun and practical.
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