Planning a road trip..

[passatpout]

OK, here's one for some thoughts...

My car's up to about 41,500km, and I'm doing about 500-600km/week. At the end of next week, we're heading off on a 2-week road trip from Melbourne to Brisbane and back, via Newcastle, Orange, and Merimbula (estimating about 5,000-6,000km of travel in that time). Obviously the 45,000km service will fall due during the trip, but at the same time the tyres are getting close to done as well - there's probably about 3mm of tread left.

Bearing in mind the car will be loaded up with luggage, pram, etc, and will have my wife, our 2-month old, and myself inside.

So, with the following options, what would you do?

Service:
A) Service prior to leaving, which would be early by up to 3000km.
B) Service after the trip, probably late by up to 2,000km.
C) Service during the trip (which would probably see us on the Gold Coast or Brisbane).

Tyres:
A) Change now, prior to the trip.
B) Wait until after the trip.
C) Change during the trip.

At the moment, I'm leaning towards replacing the tyres now, and seeing about getting the service done whilst in warmer climes. Any recommendations for decent service places in Canada (if Victoria's Mexico..)?

Cheers,
AP

[apom]

Do the service and the tyres BEFORE you leave. Given you vehicle will be loaded and travelling at higher country speeds having is done prior will ensure you know your vehicle is in the best shape for the long trip. Warn tyres, long trips, full load, bad combo, especially in an emergency. The new tyres could also improve fuel economy and overall ride, not to mention driving enjoyment.

Additionally, if you have people you know and trust locally, use them as this also ensures you can have the car sorted prior to you leaving to make sure you are v.happy with it all.

[gead]

do both now before you go....piece of mind FTW

[R36 Dreamer]

Personally I would get the tyres done now, and get the service done when you get back.

There should be no issues with overrunning a couple of thousand kilometres, and if the car is still under warranty, spending a long time in the car on a road trip might bring to light any issues you may want to bring to the dealers attention.

Ensure your levels are all ok (my R36 uses a little oil >1L per 10,000) and then take it for a run.

Just my 2c worth.

Sidenote: my car is being serviced on Friday 1,800kms prior to the schedule due to needing to have some warranty work done. I prefer to go to the dealer as seldom as possible.

[gerhard]

Get your tyres before you leave, you can shop around for the best deal in familiar surroundings.

The 45,0000 service is basically just an oil/filter change. Getting an oil change done in Brisbane should not be a challenge, although you have to take time out of your holiday to book it in, take it in, etc.

Might as well get that done before you go.

[richdave]

I'd do the tyres after the trip... if the tyres are in good condition and properly inflated and are still roadworthy there should be no problem with driving on them

[Rthirsty6]

Keep in mind that the DSG is also serviced at 45,000km (extra $$, $450 on my Audi last time, just for an oil and filter change).
Keep in mind that you might have to book it in advance, depending how busy the dealer is.
I personally would not risk it and wouldn't want to be mucking around during my holiday. Needs to be done sooner or later so why not get it done now and the car is fully checked and ready for a good time on your holiday?!

A tip, if you have a full-size spare, get them to use the spare and put the best of the 4 tyres as a spare. Saves you buying the fourth tyre and still have a good spare tyre that you probably will never use anyway!

Good luck and have fun!

[gerhard]

Keep in mind that the DSG is also serviced at 45,000km (extra $$, $450 on my Audi last time, just for an oil and filter change).
Keep in mind that you might have to book it in advance, depending how busy the dealer is.
I personally would not risk it and wouldn't want to be mucking around during my holiday. Needs to be done sooner or later so why not get it done now and the car is fully checked and ready for a good time on your holiday?!

A tip, if you have a full-size spare, get them to use the spare and put the best of the 4 tyres as a spare. Saves you buying the fourth tyre and still have a good spare tyre that you probably will never use anyway!

Good luck and have fun!

DSG service is 60,000k. 45k service is basically just an oil/filter change, as I already said.

[gregozedobe]

I'd definitely replace the tyres before you go - worn tyres have a lot less grip in the wet, and are also much more prone to punctures and other problems.

I'd be getting the service done on or before the due date/distance, if you don't then you have given VWA the perfect excuse to deny any warranty claims.

[ipy]

Like others here I will suggest..
Service:
A) Service prior to leaving, which would be early by up to 3000km.

Tyres:
A) Change now, prior to the trip.

In addition, when it's being serviced, get VW to do a once over to ensure things are working as they should. There's enough going on during your vacation then to worry about your car not performing as it should.....