Driving to Italy for the 1st time.

[bertg]

Afternoon,
I have from new a 2013 B Class W246 with only 26k on the clock and it's been regularly serviced and had all it's recalls done by Mercedes. My questions is, because it's our 1st time driving such a long distance in this car bearing in mind that it's 7 years old what mechanical preparations should i be considering? The obvious thing i can do is tyres/brakes/beam adjustment/
Any suggestions would be gratefully appreciated.

 

[Blobcat]

As long as it's been serviced it should be perfectly fine for the journey.

I'd have some breakdown cover just in case, some nice travel sweets and a decent playlist, that would be about it for me.

Tyres at the correct pressure for extended high speed driving goes without saying (although I just did...)

 

[d215yq]

Afternoon,
I have from new a 2013 B Class W246 with only 26k on the clock and it's been regularly serviced and had all it's recalls done by Mercedes. My questions is, because it's our 1st time driving such a long distance in this car bearing in mind that it's 7 years old what mechanical preparations should i be considering? The obvious thing i can do is tyres/brakes.
Any suggestions would be gratefully appreciated.

If it has only done shortish journeys and nothing long or high speed in the last 6 months then I'd check all levels then at least a week before try to do a good 200 mile trip on B/A roads/motorway speeds then check the levels again. Also listen out for noises/problems/judders on the trip. That way you will be aware of any existing problems or small leaks which may not be apparent when doign shorter trips (and have time to fix them). If it behaves fine on a 200 mile trip it will behave fine on a 2000 mile one (unless you are unlucky and get a new problem, but then there's not much you can do about that)

 

[d215yq]

As long as it's been serviced it should be perfectly fine for the journey.

I don't really do "services" and see the MOT as this and change the fluids seperately myself but I am not sure they'd pick up slow leaks or problems that only occurr after a long run (as they would never road test it that far to find out). My family's experience (who still have their cars regularly serviced) and mine when I used to do so was that they never ever picked up a problem that the MOT didnt, or the owner didnt from just listening to noises/checking levels. The only thing the services seem very good at repeatedly picking up is that the brake pads have about 3-6k miles left, in one case 7 years in a row (on the same brake pads!!!)

 

[Blobcat]

I don't really do "services" and see the MOT as this and change the fluids seperately myself

If you're changing the fluids then you're servicing...

If it hasn't had an oil change in who knows when or the brake fluid changed in the last decade then I'd be a bit more circumspect about the trip. However if you or a reputable garage has been changing the fluids and checking the brakes regularly (along with changing the filters) then I'd be filling it with fuel, checking I've my passport and heading for the channel pronto

 

[LostKiwi]

Only 7 years old?

We regularly take our 19 year old 210 with 160k to France (and will do so next month). When we return it will be in a 27 year old SL with about 140k on the clock.

All we do is keep on top of regular oil changes, check tyres and fluid levels, fill with fuel and go. Sometimes we even remember to pack clothes and passports....

 

[Avnt]

Only 7 years old?

We regularly take our 19 year old 210 with 160k to France (and will do so next month). When we return it will be in a 27 year old SL with about 140k on the clock.

All we do is keep on top of regular oil changes, check tyres and fluid levels, fill with fuel and go. Sometimes we even remember to pack clothes and passports....

Mines got a lot more years travel left then.


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[umblecumbuz]

Your route might make a difference.
If you like climbing steep mountain passes from France into Italy, that will put greater strain on the obvious components, but if you choose tunnels instead, then that's no more of a strain than punting down the M1.

Have a good breakdown insurance policy in place before you set off.
And hold your breath for the duration - that way, you'll minimize the Covid risk!

 

[Srdl]

If it’s been serviced by Mercedes, then don’t forget you have Mobilo cover which gives you Mercedes recovery and assistance across Europe.

i took my last C207 to the south of France when it was eight years old and on 60k+ and had no problems. Generally, if your car has been properly serviced, at correct intervals, then you should be fine.

PS take some pictures of your car in exotic locations and share them with us when you get back (or while you’re away).

 

[00slk]

I took my 49 year old car on a 4350km drive around France last June, no issues until we got back to the ferry, it wouldn't start when we were back in Old Blighty. Broken pig tail wire in the distributor

 

[Blobcat]

I took my 49 year old car on a 4350km drive around France last June, no issues until we got back to the ferry, it wouldn't start when we were back in Old Blighty. Broken pig tail wire in the distributor

Pretty good for Lucas...

 

[ajlsl600]

Famous Lucas ignition system, called Lucas opus. Renamed Lucas hopeless. Threw up some mind bending issues. I once spent 10 hrs on motorways in a RR with snap on diagnostics on back seat trying to find issue car would just die. Then go again, I had just rebuilt the engine. Turned out RR techs knew about problem ignition system changed, end of.. And nowt to do wid my rebuild!!

 

[mioba]

Unless the car has faulty that need attending to (eg. leaks) then you are good to go.

Just heck fluid levels (oil, windscreen washer, tyre pressure) at least and hit the road.

Assuming your car has been servived by MB you will have Mobilo, so I wouldnt worry about anything!

prè·go!

 

[oigle]

I'd worry about the drivers in some Italian towns more than I would worry about your car. Don't think there are any road rules over there - they just cut in and smile at you.

 

[Rob76]

I'd worry about the drivers in some Italian towns more than I would worry about your car. Don't think there are any road rules over there - they just cut in and smile at you.

Also - avoid the motorways around Milan........
There is a generous amount of disregard for any rules, laced with suicidal tendencies

 

[Srdl]

Also - avoid the motorways around Milan........
There is a generous amount of disregard for any rules, laced with suicidal tendencies

If you do drive round Milan, then be aware motorway tolls are collected by camera (like Dartford crossing) not at toll booths. So you have to go online to register your car and make a payment. Details here

 

[keefysher]

2 things to remember:

Drive on the right

What's behind doesa notta matter

 

[d215yq]

I'd worry about the drivers in some Italian towns more than I would worry about your car. Don't think there are any road rules over there - they just cut in and smile at you.

Also be wear in some Italian cities/towns bump parking/deliberate contact on the street is normal (the same for much of Spain and some of France), it is even done by the police here and also people will do it when you're in the car as it is perfectly nortmal. Also people leaning on whatever car happens to be there while drinking a beer is quite normal if you park near a bar...

in the countryside or in a proper parking garage you should be OK but in general bodywork is not important and is never repaired and such attitudes prevail - many people wouldn't dream of stopping and exchanging details for minor scuffs on roundabouts here - usually just met with a mutual shrug and carrying on driving

 

[LostKiwi]

The most important thing about this trip is Enjoy it!

From here to Italy there is some amazing scenery and awesome roads.
I'm a little envious!

 

[mark.s]

Did a road trip many years ago from Rome down to the south.
Must go to Matera. Will be ruined after James Bond was filmed there for the latest film so get there ASAP.

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