Road trip

[nybongo]

Hi all,

I'm off on a road trip next month down through France, probably around 2,500 miles in my 2.5l diesel 4x4 N reg AFT. Its only been in the country 6 months. When I got it it was serviced, but apart from oil no fluids were changed. It has 70,000km on the clock. I have to get it serviced this month and was thinking of getting the following changed:

engine oil/filter
gear oil
brake fluid
air con recharge
coolant flush and change

Is there anything else that I should be looking at doing? Got new tires but belts not changed since it hit the UK (looks to have been regularly serviced in Japan though).

Also, whats the best breakdown recovery insurance for such a trip?
Cheers in advance,
ny

[Simon Jones]

I've previously used Europ Assistance for breakdown cover and they've been very helpful. One point to note for older Bongos is that they only cover vehicles up to 16 years old and this seems to be quite a common requirement of many policies.

http://www.europ-assistance.co.uk/Template.aspx?ID=104

[TechnoTurkey]

I'd get the thermostat and water pump changed while you are at it personally, not that expensive to get done and makes sense to me while the coolant is been flushed and replaced.

The cost of failure of these parts, especially when a long way from home, makes this a no brainer......

[dobby]

I'd get the thermostat and water pump changed while you are at it personally, not that expensive to get done and makes sense to me while the coolant is been flushed and replaced.

The cost of failure of these parts, especially when a long way from home, makes this a no brainer......

Excellent point, also make sure that the Radiator is not blocked and free flowing. Replace it if you are not sure (£££'s though) may be a wise investment for the future as well.

Also, fit a coolant alarm and a mason gauge or a temp gauge

[mikexgough]

The Japanese owners I know change the 'stat/Water pump & coolant on 5 yr cycles...... with that preventative work no need for gizmo's

[helen&tony]

Hi
Unless you have full knowledge of what has or hasn't been done to your cooling system, a coolant alarm indicating loss of fluid is ESSENTIAL...For some reason, Mazda chose to purchase the radiators and heater Matrices from a "Mr. Michael Mouse and Co. Ltd." guaranteeing failure within a set number of miles, as they put plastic and metal components together in some mystery ritual unknown to common sense when making said items. An alarm of some sort will indicate fluid loss...stop quickly enough, and you won't need a new engine....If you want to go without an alarm....replace both heater matrices...radiator, and everything else mentioned....My choice...a Haydn Alarm...available from the Club Shop!
Cheers
Helen

[nybongo]

Thanks for the replies. I've already fitted a coolant alarm so no fears there. Europe Assistance only seem to do up to 31 days or annual. This trip will be a day longer so I think I will have to phone around.

Thanks all. I'll let you know how we get on.
NY

[dobby]

Have a good one and don't forget to post up loads of photos of the trip

[bigdaddycain]

Thanks for the replies. I've already fitted a coolant alarm so no fears there. Europe Assistance only seem to do up to 31 days or annual. This trip will be a day longer so I think I will have to phone around.

Thanks all. I'll let you know how we get on.
NY

Preventative maintenance is the key! No amount of this alarm or that alarm tell you that your fanbelt is about to snap! Assume the same with coolant monitoring devices, they are a back up, not something to be relied upon in my opinion.(and that's a very humble opinion) Personally i'd buy two lots of each belt and filter, fit new, and take a spare, and don't forget a bulb kit too and warning triangle just in case of a breakdown....

I also carry a spare tub of diluted red coolant in the bongo just in case, and a 1 litre engine oil top up. Oh! And a toolbox! We designed the conversion in the bongo to incorporate such items without the spares/tools/fluids etc taking over the vehicle. And watch the speedo for those french bike cops! Enjoy the trip