Pre trip anxieties: breakdowns and flat tyres

[Celia Vanchez]

Our first long European trip is soon upon us and I’ve suddenly had a few last minute anxieties regarding breakdowns and flat tyres especially now that Celia is out of manufacturer warranty.

Whilst I have breakdown cover with my vehicle insurance is there a source which details the location of of VW garages in Europe? We are driving through France to Spain and Portugal.

Secondly, which may be a dumb question regarding flat tyres; presumably there is no need for a jack (can’t find one) if the air canister (which I’ve just had to replace the original) is used to re-inflate the tubeless tyre? In checking the van ahead of the trip I’ve suddenly realised what a pain in the proverbial where they put the breakdown kit below the side of the back seat! Having a nightmare trying to undo the catch!

Will be grateful for any advice.

 

[pchmlk]

The Jack is in the breakdown repair kit…although if you can’t undo the catch, it’s not much use!

I’ve had great success with this sort of kit over the years https://www.amazon.co.uk/VFMFM-Tyre...2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1

 

[pjm-84]

Snap....me too. Probably saved me £500 over the years.

Just bought one for my Burstner as its doesn't have a spare tyre. This will stay with the vehicle. Bought this one based on size and reviews...

AUTOWN Flat Tire Repair Kit with Plugs 31 Pcs for Car, Motorcycle, ATV, Jeep, Truck, Tractor Flat Tire Puncture Repair : Amazon.co.uk: Automotive

Shop at Amazon.co.uk for AUTOWN Flat Tire Repair Kit with Plugs 31 Pcs for Car, Motorcycle, ATV, Jeep, Truck, Tractor Flat Tire Puncture Repair : Automotive.

www.amazon.co.uk

 

[Celia Vanchez]

The Jack is in the breakdown repair kit…although if you can’t undo the catch, it’s not much use!

I’ve had great success with this sort of kit over the years https://www.amazon.co.uk/VFMFM-Tyre-Repair-Kit-Motorcycle/dp/B0CDPJZM15/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?crid=10D3FK2PZ6MD4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.qAfXtnBbMijb-VelxHSw3kf7tImG9l7_W939lrvRWkfhlPIr2orIkzyXjB87pKaRlNlvX3_3jst2nqa30fApAeSqinoqZA-9PUDnk7wOH_6-2qrB8xyFz1zTTQPvxBE0spiFIhSQy7UNmXO-W1BSxeSG0vyDBsLXZPESjA-Psd7td3dWwoMwOTh0gWqTY5hAsyjKp8nedz679RL_cbti8g.7ZDlutQWKo5dovt-DCuqm5M9VXbgEHbGdbuWt4yEHkY&dib_tag=se&keywords=puncture+repair+kit+car&qid=1769800055&sprefix=puncture+,aps,102&sr=8-2-spons&aref=Jer8XfoOSJ&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1

Thank you. I’m waiting for the day our dog sits like yours

 

[Hawthorn37]

We carry a foot pump at all times. You can often pump up a tyre with a nail in and drive on another hour or so.

 

[Black Forest]

The amazon style kit is in my van now and a plug in mini compressor. The gunk in a can would struggle to inflate a flat tyre by itself.

 

[Rosie75]

Our first long European trip is soon upon us and I’ve suddenly had a few last minute anxieties regarding breakdowns and flat tyres especially now that Celia is out of manufacturer warranty.

Whilst I have breakdown cover with my vehicle insurance is there a source which details the location of of VW garages in Europe? We are driving through France to Spain and Portugal.

Secondly, which may be a dumb question regarding flat tyres; presumably there is no need for a jack (can’t find one) if the air canister (which I’ve just had to replace the original) is used to re-inflate the tubeless tyre? In checking the van ahead of the trip I’ve suddenly realised what a pain in the proverbial where they put the breakdown kit below the side of the back seat! Having a nightmare trying to undo the catch!

Will be grateful for any advice.

We have just bought a tyre carrier from VW and a cheap 17” wheel. The repair kit is ok but what you really need is a tyre abroad as it will get you back on the road quicker and able to find somewhere if you need a repair. Your tyre may only have a minor hole but the tyre gunk generally ruins them so stops it being repaired. The carrier was £150 direct from our dealer and just fits snuggly underneath the van.

 

[Celia Vanchez]

Snap....me too. Probably saved me £500 over the years.

Just bought one for my Burstner as its doesn't have a spare tyre. This will stay with the vehicle. Bought this one based on size and reviews...

AUTOWN Flat Tire Repair Kit with Plugs 31 Pcs for Car, Motorcycle, ATV, Jeep, Truck, Tractor Flat Tire Puncture Repair : Amazon.co.uk: Automotive

Shop at Amazon.co.uk for AUTOWN Flat Tire Repair Kit with Plugs 31 Pcs for Car, Motorcycle, ATV, Jeep, Truck, Tractor Flat Tire Puncture Repair : Automotive.

www.amazon.co.uk

Would you use this method over the standard VW kit of injecting gunk into the tyre?

 

[Celia Vanchez]

The amazon style kit is in my van now and a plug in mini compressor. The gunk in a can would struggle to inflate a flat tyre by itself.

Thank you for your comment. The ‘gunk’ with our van has just gone past its expiry date and VW dealer can’t get one at the moment! May have to buy a tyre repair kit instead

 

[Viktorgeorge]

Our first long European trip is soon upon us and I’ve suddenly had a few last minute anxieties regarding breakdowns and flat tyres especially now that Celia is out of manufacturer warranty.

Whilst I have breakdown cover with my vehicle insurance is there a source which details the location of of VW garages in Europe? We are driving through France to Spain and Portugal.

Secondly, which may be a dumb question regarding flat tyres; presumably there is no need for a jack (can’t find one) if the air canister (which I’ve just had to replace the original) is used to re-inflate the tubeless tyre? In checking the van ahead of the trip I’ve suddenly realised what a pain in the proverbial where they put the breakdown kit below the side of the back seat! Having a nightmare trying to undo the catch!

Will be grateful for any advice.

An unexpected puncture can be nightmare, and being prepared is wise.

If you have never, as it seems, taken a wheel off this heavy vehicle it might be wise either to have a dummy/practice run at home before you go; or rely either on (i) 'gunk' (it does not have to be VW 'gunk'), (ii) temporary re-inflation (possibly several times until you get to a garage), or (iii) a breakdown service.

Personally, I carry all these:

Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.co.uk

and from time to time also jack up and take off a wheel to remind myself.

The VW jack (if you have one) is OK but wobbly if you are not on perfect level surface, and the van weighs a lot, so if inexperienced, as I say, either practice at home (study Youtube etc.) or rely on (i) - (iii).

There is another point, which is that if your wheels have not been off recently, or at all, they may well be seized onto the hub. This is a common predicament and can require great but careful force to resolve. So paying a local tyre repair shop to take off and copper grease the kissing surfaces wheel-to-hub (but not grease the wheel nuts/bolts which should be left dry to avoid a risk of them loosening) also makes sense. I had to do this when I first got my van new, as it was impossible to remove the wheels on a wobbly jack, so stuck-on were they, and even the tyre shop struggled with multipe large jacks under the van.

 

[Celia Vanchez]

An unexpected puncture can be nightmare, and being prepared is wise.

If you have never, as it seems, taken a wheel off this heavy vehicle it might be wise either to have a dummy/practice run at home before you go; or rely either on (i) 'gunk' (it does not have to be VW 'gunk'), (ii) temporary re-inflation (possibly several times until you get to a garage), or (iii) a breakdown service.

Personally, I carry all these:

Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.co.uk

and from time to time also jack up and take off a wheel to remind myself.

The VW jack (if you have one) is OK but wobbly if you are not on perfect level surface, and the van weighs a lot, so if inexperienced, as I say, either practice at home (study Youtube etc.) or rely on (i) - (iii).

There is another point, which is that if your wheels have not been off recently, or at all, they may well be seized onto the hub. This is a common predicament and can require great but careful force to resolve. So paying a local tyre repair shop to take off and copper grease the kissing surfaces wheel-to-hub (but not grease the wheel nuts/bolts which should be left dry to avoid a risk of them loosening) also makes sense. I had to do this when I first got my van new, as it was impossible to remove the wheels on a wobbly jack, so stuck-on were they, and even the tyre shop struggled with multipe large jacks under the van.

That is really useful. Thank you

 

[Meoncoast]

Over the years I have been driving I have had many flat tires. Only one has not stayed up with being pumped up long enough to reach a tire centre. The only expirence of trying to use the gunk (on my sons car,) was a total failure ) saved by breakdown over.
My advise.
1.Forget the gunk crap.
2 Get breakdown cover to meet your needs.
3. Get a good pump. Either foot pump or electric.
4. Get a tire repair kit if you are confident to use it.

 

[grumpyrs]

Would echo what Viktorgeorge said with regard getting the wheels off. The first time I tried it took a sledge hammer & a large block of wood on a proper jack. There is no way I could have removed a wheel at the side of the road. Now they are copper slipped it’s ok.

They weigh a lot so a practice is well worth it. The wheel nuts are tightened to 180Nm of torque so I carry a breaker bar & socket as the one with the van is short & angled in a way that makes it horrible to use with very little leverage.

If you don’t have a spare it won’t matter that you can’t get the wheel of anyway ;-)

From another thread on here I have just purchased some screw in repair thingymajigs just in case, not used yet, but might get you a bit further or to safety in an emergency (maybe).

NACHLYNN 30 Pcs Tire Repair Nails... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DZXHKM65?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I carry a foot pump also.

Hopefully you’ll never have to use any of it but it will give piece of mind to a certain degree.

Hope you have a great trip.

 

[Jude]

Our first long European trip is soon upon us and I’ve suddenly had a few last minute anxieties regarding breakdowns and flat tyres especially now that Celia is out of manufacturer warranty.

Whilst I have breakdown cover with my vehicle insurance is there a source which details the location of of VW garages in Europe? We are driving through France to Spain and Portugal.

Secondly, which may be a dumb question regarding flat tyres; presumably there is no need for a jack (can’t find one) if the air canister (which I’ve just had to replace the original) is used to re-inflate the tubeless tyre? In checking the van ahead of the trip I’ve suddenly realised what a pain in the proverbial where they put the breakdown kit below the side of the back seat! Having a nightmare trying to undo the catch!

Will be grateful for any advice.

I found a jack and toolkit supply under the floor of the passenger seat. There are VW concessions all over Europe. Use Google AI to locate them. VW, SKODA and SEAT are together. Mainly in the bigger towns. You will find the major companies grouped together along the main roads eg: VW, Mercedes, Renault, Fiat and usually at the entrance or exit of a town. They are readily visible so don't worry. Have a look at VW breakdown and roadside assitance. Using this will probably cut out the cross border nightmares I have had - keep it under one umbrella.

 

[pjm-84]

Would you use this method over the standard VW kit of injecting gunk into the tyre?

Yep.....100% fix for me. Sealant is generally a miss as it relies on pressure to fire it into the hole alongside the escaping air . Will work on a slow leak but I've never bothered. I'll ream it and put one of this in.

Its very easy.....and sometimes you dont even need to take the wheel off.

Ironically I came across this kit in France in 2007. Punctured in my 1month old BMW 1 series after a toll booth. Run flats so I drove 30miles to a garage to ask where a tyre place was, the attendant grabbed one of these off the shelf, put it in the tyre, and pumped it up, cost me 7 euros.

 

[sidepod]

So let me get this straight, you’re suggesting that, by the roadside you think you’re going to find the hole in the tyre, access it and screw one of those plugs in place successfully, all without removing the wheel? Behave!

I’m well aware of this system, I’ve used it several times on the mtb but that’s when you have full and easy access to the entire tyre.

 

[pchmlk]

So let me get this straight, you’re suggesting that, by the roadside you think you’re going to find the hole in the tyre, access it and screw one of those plugs in place successfully, all without removing the wheel? Behave!

I’m well aware of this system, I’ve used it several times on the mtb but that’s when you have full and easy access to the entire tyre.

I’ve done it myself a few times on different cars. Jack up wheel, turn until you find the nail/screw and bobs your uncle. What’s hard to believe about that??

 

[vmaxkiddy]

I find Holts Tyreweld quick and easy to use. Get the correct size can for the tyre size and it inflates the tyre pretty well, as it’s water based it can be washed out of the tyre and a repair carried out, unlike the gunk supplied by manufacturers.

 

[sidepod]

I’ve done it myself a few times on different cars. Jack up wheel, turn until you find the nail/screw and bobs your uncle. What’s hard to believe about that??

Well precisely my point. If you’re jacking up the wheel then just put the spare on FFS!

The OP clearly doesn’t have a spare hence the discussion about tyre plugs and spray in goo.

If the OP is capable of changing a wheel at the roadside (and I seriously doubt that!) then the best course of action is to get hold of a spare/cradle etc. and not dick about with plugs.

 

[pchmlk]

Well precisely my point. If you’re jacking up the wheel then just put the spare on FFS!

The OP clearly doesn’t have a spare hence the discussion about tyre plugs and spray in goo.

If the OP is capable of changing a wheel at the roadside (and I seriously doubt that!) then the best course of action is to get hold of a spare/cradle etc. and not dick about with plugs.

It’s way quicker and easier than changing a wheel. Get to your destination/garage then worry about a definitive fix. There’s also a chance of not even needing to jack. Can see you’re not a fan but doesn’t undermine their value.

 

[Viktorgeorge]

It’s way quicker and easier than changing a wheel. Get to your destination/garage then worry about a definitive fix. There’s also a chance of not even needing to jack. Can see you’re not a fan but doesn’t undermine their value.

… and less risky for the inexperienced in the absence of perfect ground conditions. The moment the wheel is off the van the 3 ton risk has to be greatly increased, whilst just jacking up only sufficient to allow gunk or a plug could be a rather safer route.

 

[Wish]

My partner had a blow out in France… no spare just gunk - waste of time. Towed to garage - new tyre fitted… total cost approx. €500. That’s why I carry a spare wheel

 

[Celia Vanchez]

My partner had a blow out in France… no spare just gunk - waste of time. Towed to garage - new tyre fitted… total cost approx. €500. That’s why I carry a spare wheel

Unless I’m missing something i thought our T6.1 Coast (2022) did not have space for a spare. Please correct me if I’m being the numpty I think I’m becoming!

 

[colintfcolintf]

Unless I’m missing something i thought our T6.1 Coast (2022) did not have space for a spare.

Goes underneath at the back

 

[Viktorgeorge]

Unless I’m missing something i thought our T6.1 Coast (2022) did not have space for a spare. Please correct me if I’m being the numpty I think I’m becoming!

Some do some don’t, depending on the wheel size. 17” tyres generally have a spare, 18” or larger tyres generally no spare (and gunk instead). If you have the ‘gunk’ then you likely have no spare - from the factory at least. Some people who had no spare from the factory have added in a spare wheel under the van at the back, held in a cradle. It can be a pig to get out from there and pretty heavy - ‘man’s work’ as they say.

I have 17” wheels and the cradle is a tight squeeze. Some members apparently have managed to get 18” wheels into a cradle added later, but there are so many wheel/tyre shapes and sizes that I think that 18” wheels must be tight where possible at all.

Optimum is to have spare wheel of course, as well as all the other options above. I only had one puncture on my last car of 17 years whilst one member here posted 5 punctures on one trip I recall. The California is pretty heavy which must make it slightly more vulnerable.

VW recovery may be your best bet though you must be the judge.