Hi all, just thinking i am driving to spain in the summer in my 1996 discovery and am wondering is their any routine bits and pieces i should check out in the hope of avoiding breakdowns if poss, i will do oil change etc but just thought i would go a bit further.

regards john

 

Have radiator shop flush the coolant and radiator, remove it, open the side tank, rod out calcium deposits. This runs under $100 you carry in at many indy small rad shops in the US, look for a shop that does big trucks and off road equipment, they don't price by the MSRP of the vehicle. Replace thermostat (about $10 for part - consider a 180 F stat). Change all the fluids (oil, differential and transfer case oils, grease every fitting on drive shaft, swivels, consider tranny fluid and filter change if not done in last 30,000 miles). Carry new serpantine belt, crank position sensor, and the RAVE shop manual set on a USB drive.

 

Are you driving a diesel of a petrol version?

 

Hi, it is a 2.5 diesel 300tdi

thanks

 

oops, won't need a crank sensor... But basic point is that if you have delayed service to things with grease and oil, time to catch up. Radiators grow gunk from chemcial reactions even if just sitting over years and need flushing and or rod out. Replace thermostat wih oem if diesel. Fuel filter? Any hoses with cracking showing (dry rot)?

 

How long have you owned the truck?
Is it in good overall shape?
How far is the trip (how many miles do you expect one way?)
You are not going to be driving around the world, and you will not be in the middle of nowhere, help will be a phone call away.
Depending on how many miles the trip is depends on what needs to be done.

From Liverpool to Madrid (I dont know what your destination is) is 1,200 miles (including the train ride).
As long as the truck is in good nick just change the engine oil and filter as well as the fuel filter before you go.
Make sure all tires are at proper PSI, all fluids are full, drive belt is in good nick and have fun man.
I drove my truck 2400 miles in 3 days, its not a big deal as long as your truck is in good repair.

 

All you need is AA!! YNWA.

 

Thanks for the replies people, my confidence is at an all time high.

regards john