16 replies to this topic

[matthewrussell]

Right just got a new job and i will be traveling 40miles a day there and back, just wondering what you would have in your mini just incase you brake down ???
like a surviour kit for your car.

I was thinking set of spark plugs, HT leads,jump leads,petrol can ect ???
Thanks guys, and before anyone says you dont need this in your car, I now have it in my head Mini's are not the best car for reliability :)

[nev_payne]

I used to do 50 miles a day in an '82 Mayfair and later on in my MPI Knightsbridge. Honestly, about the only thing that went nasty were wheel bearings, ball joints and the occasional tyre change. I would put that to checking over the engine every weekend however. If there's a knocking/rattling going on, don't ignore it - investigate on the first chance you get.

Speaking of tyres - have the Mini regularly balanced and tracked. Lots of driving does well for the engine, prevents coke buildup, but for the drive train itself it's very hard work.

[Dan]

40 miles is not a long distance. If your car genuinely can't manage 40 miles, or any reasonable distance in fact, it shouldn't be on the road at all. Give it the maintenance it needs and it will be fine. Fix things that are blatantly broken instead of assuming they are design quirks of a Mini as many people do and letting them get worse. Make sure it has all the parts it left the factory with and that things like the weather shield and bonnet seals haven't been removed by a previous owner for some ludicrous reason. Learn how to read your fuel gauge and how much you can actually fit in a full tank.

[Wil_h]

I have an AA card in my pocket. My commute is 30 mile round trip, I used to do 40+ and never really had any tools.

[matthewrussell]

40miles a day is a lot lol, but yeh I'm just going to join the RAC or AA :) cheers guys

[reallybig]

spare fuses
oil top up
water for screen wash and radiator
screen wash
breakdown cover
jack for wheel change
spare tyre

[Cooperman]

Keep it properly serviced and just drive it.

[cooperdan]

All need is bit self confidence in your car, thats all,

[JonnyBMX]

as long as you keep your mini suitabily maintained etc, i.e. check the oil often, ensure you have enough coolant and genrally look after the car then it should be fine, in 3 years only problem ive had is overheating once because the thermastat broke.. :)

[frog998]

I do 70 miles a day, 4 days a week and to be honest the only thing you need to carry is the usual stuff that you would in a modern car. Jack, spare wheel and something to undo the wheel nuts. I tend to carry a can of WD40 and a philips screwdriver in the wet weather but that about it.
Being a member of a breakdown company helps but most things you aren't going to want to repair at the side of the road whether you can or not

[AVV IT]

Personally I'd still carry a few tools & essentials regardless of how well maintained your car is and regardless of your level of breakdown cover. It's still a classic mini after all and five minutes at the side of the road with the right tool & the right spare part, could save you a long wait in the cold & rain etc.

See this thread for emergency tool kit ideas : http://www.theminifo...ol#entry2119238

[jonny d]

spare fan belt, warning triangle, water, oil,brake fluid, set of spanners,socket set,screwdriver set

[leroy26]

condenser, feeler guauge

[joshspragg]

i used to get worried about long distances but there is no need really. but you'll know if your car starts playing up. if its acting weird get it checked out asap that way hopefully you wont get caught out and have a breakdown

[MaxAndPaddy]

Gum shield, crash helmet and fire resistant clothing.....

Bottle of water
Duc tape
Jack

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