Thread: Unprepared for Aussie bitumen roads

a friend of the family stoped to help a lady out on the side of the road.....things didn't quite seem right, as he was driving off a brick came smashing through the rear door window, he didn't look back but guesssed it must have been a guy hiding in the bush

I towed a new Prado out off the Vic high country once,it had broken down quite a few times before but they still went into the bush,on the same trip found a family with a flat tyre and the spare was flat because they forgot to fix it,another bloke without a jack,another with a wheel brace that fitted his standard rims but not his new mags,the list goes on.Of the last five people that died in outback WA two were driving X-trails and one a Rav4,you can't blame just the owners thou as they are led to believe that these vehicles can go all over any type off country. Pat

I did the birdsville track back in 2006 and had three spare tyres. I used all three!

I do trip preparation and mods/ servicing for tassie LR owners leaving for big mainland jaunts, and I have had 'discussions' in the past with some who have refused to fit good quality tyres to their vehicles, in favour of 'spending the $ elswhere, like a new stereo'
Some don't realise just how hard the roads are on tyres and vehicles.
On the other side, I come across the good clients though that just say ' I want to get there and come back without worrying about my vehicle. I'll pick it up in a week, will Visa or Mastercard be OK?'
That leaves me with a good feeling. They trust my judgment and expertise, and above all they trust me with their money. It isn't MINE to spend, but it is important not to cut corners all the same. The cost of recovering a broken vehicle from a remote area and the ruination of a planned and costly holiday can never really be compensated for. Better for it not to happen in the first place.

Look after the vehicle and it will look after you.

JC

I totally agree Justin, You need to do your utmost to ensure that you can get back to civilisation without aid from anyone else.

Basic tool kit, some spare parts and 2 spare tyres at least, along with ideally some basic mechanical knowledge.

I more recently and Sam's (Girlfriend) dad when she first started to drive made sure she could change a tyre, and check all the fluid levels and so on. Have got a bit beyond that now and she helped fit all the rear suspension last time it was off the 90.

Everyone should be able to perform basic checks and maintence. You are asking for trouble if you cant.

I have made sure she is aware of all the gauges and stops if she spots anything untoward, or any noises appear.

Some mechanical awareness can save your car!

Rgds
Peter

Welcome to the Bogan factor.

These creatures roam the country side in crap vehicles aka Ford exploders, and rely on non VB drinking brain active people to pull them out of the s..t.
Unfortunatly they do breed, and grow up and end up on fraser Island towing a boat and bogged to the chassis in sand. Still they must have some sort of skill as they do have hand to mouth co-ordination.

God bless the Bogan

Justin

geez...... i carry 2 spares on long trips and i've only got a bloody falcon!

JC I would like nothing more than to give you my Defender for a week with an open cheque and have you go bumper to bumper but I would need it done just to get it to you!!. Pat