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amarreds

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I have a 2002 Passat 1.8T. I am planning to drive around 2000 miles from west to east with in 2 weeks. Can anyone suggest me how to prepare for a long drive like engine chekup's, tuneup etc. Any suggestions would be so helpful to me. Some people say that passat's engine gets heated up easily and suggested me not to drive long distances. IS that right?
Please give some ideas:)
 
#7 ·
"some people" don't know what they're talking about.

I've driven my '98 all over this country - 3000, 5000, even 8000 mile road trips. Never had a problem, ever, except one time the left front wheel bearing went bad. Nothin' you can do abot that except hope you're near a dealer or indy who can repair it.
 
#8 ·
Rusty said:
I've driven my '98 all over this country - 3000, 5000, even 8000 mile road trips.
Click to expand...
Eight-thousand (8,000) miles! How far out in the ocean did you land?

As for road trips ...

Bring an extra quart of oil - just in case.
Bring a tire pressure gauge and check 'em every other stop.

That's about it. Everything else is a matter of keeping up with your preventive maintenance - regular oil changes, brake checks, good tires, etc. If you've taken care of the car, you'll be fine. You'll probably get the best MPG you've ever seen out of the car and you'll be amazed at how well it cruises.
 
#9 ·
amarreds said:
I have a 2002 Passat 1.8T. I am planning to drive around 2000 miles from west to east with in 2 weeks. Can anyone suggest me how to prepare for a long drive like engine chekup's, tuneup etc. Any suggestions would be so helpful to me. Some people say that passat's engine gets heated up easily and suggested me not to drive long distances. IS that right?
Please give some ideas:)
Click to expand...
whats the difference in driving a 2000 mile trip or doing it over a period of time,why do people get these ideas that checking things only go with taking trips,they should be checked regardless,every month or miles,either way ,its simple basic pre-ventive maintainence items that should be done all along without asking how or why. besides keepng extra coolan,oil,etc.not just on trips but always in my spare compartment.if you know how much your car uses in certain miles and have to add fluids periodicly,then its a no brainer,cmon people
 
#10 ·
I drive my 02 1.8t back and forth to Houston (about 300 miles from door to door) 5-6-7 times a year and have never had a problem with the engine getting too hot.... and I drive with quite the lead foot. As a matter of fact, I had to make that trip last night (family emergency) and stayed with a new Z06 (we were not racing, no way I would have been able to keep up) and we drove with a little pep in our step with no issues. Thats with 2 bad front wheel bearings and 2 bad cv axles. Driving this car is just like every other car I have taken on road trips.... you take care of it and it will take care of you. You know your car better than anyone, so if anything goes wrong you should be able to recongnize it quick so hopefully it will become a non issue.



I know I know. Those repairs will be coming very, very soon. Would have been this weekend if I didnt have to come down here.

EDIT- If you havent done your timing belt replacement yet, I would very seriously think about doing that before you head out.
 
#11 ·
The engine won't get hot unless you have a serious problem.
If I were taking a trip I would carry, I am stocking up now.
1. A couple of quarts of oil.
2. A couple of coil packs. Get them just in case.
2. Two or three feet of vacuum hose and a few clamps.
3. Two or three medium sized hose clamps.
4. Power steering fluid.
5. Brake fluid.
6. A small box of tools and some hose mending tape.
You have to take all these fluids with you they are not available at the gas station, convienance stores.

The passat will be a fantastic car to drive on a long trip.
 
#12 ·
You have to ask yourself one question...

Seriously though, I drive my 02 to Orlando from NJ without thinking about it. Keep up with your maintenance and you're good to go. What really kills cars is city driving btw.
 
#13 ·
x2 on jtdbsr. Not flaming here, just trying to be realistic.
If it were my car, in decent repair and it needed a box of tools, coil packs, coolant and a bunch of other things before I contemplated a 2K trip, I'd get rid it. If you have confidence in the car, drive it; if don't trust it, fix or sell it and get something reliable.
 
#14 ·
dougmcp said:
x2 on jtdbsr. Not flaming here, just trying to be realistic.
If it were my car, in decent repair and it needed a box of tools, coil packs, coolant and a bunch of other things before I contemplated a 2K trip, I'd get rid it. If you have confidence in the car, drive it; if don't trust it, fix or sell it and get something you do trust.
Click to expand...
Fixed that for you since "reliable" is in the eyes of the beholder.
 
#16 ·
If it were my car, in decent repair and it needed a box of tools, coil packs, coolant and a bunch of other things before I contemplated a 2K trip, I'd get rid it
Click to expand...
Doug, may I ask what year your car is? Certain years are notorious for coil problems, if you happen to have one in the car when it chooses to go out you wouldnt be driving on three cylinders to the next VW dealer possibly hundreds of mile away. They are also know to have very crappy vacuum hoses. Being ready for minor things that might come up is better that sitting at the side of the highway with semis driving by you honking and waving.
 
#17 ·
Wow all these and thank god I have a V6. I have driven long and far in my Passat without any issues. The only CEL I have ever had....I caused because I was a dumbass and did a job well over my skill level. You guys are funny with the list. I would take the time to have a quart of oil and make 100 sure your backup tires has air pressure (sitting back there it loses it) and a jack. Thats it!
 
#19 ·
Even with my car's current condition, and the troubles I've had, I'd probably take it across the continent in a week and not worry too much about it. Just bring the regular stuff you'd want to have for a DIY roadside repair, or an AAA membership.
 
Discussion starter · #20 ·
I have done all the maintainence works on time. My car has 63300 miles on it. I thought it was the time for timing belt change. Am i right? Is this the right time to do my timing belt or is there any time i can wait.
Apart from that i also want to change my valve cover gaskets, before leaving, so how much does that cost. Can i change the gasket for myself?
If i can change it for myself can someone post any detailed explanation please.
 
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Troy Jollimore
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