Do you like going on road trips in your own car? I also prefer traveling this way. During my last trip around Poland, the engine died, which subsequently caused a lot of problems with getting the car fixed. I want to share my experience with the breakdown and repairing the car abroad.
While driving on the highway towards Krakow, my engine suddenly died. A right turn, pulling over onto the shoulder, flashing hazard lights, reflective vest, and the emergency stop sign - all checked off. It was my first time in such a situation, and I had no idea what to do next. Without any knowledge about car mechanics, I was clueless on whom to call, how to summon a tow truck, etc. Luckily, my phone had internet access, which helped me find the number for the nearest roadside assistance and figure out my location. I called for a tow truck, waited for over an hour for it to arrive. Then, with my car loaded up, we set off, but where to, since it was Sunday, and all the car services were closed. Nevertheless, I managed to leave the car at the closest service in a small town. The mechanics promised to check the car the next day, and in the meantime, I took a train to Krakow, where I had accommodation booked.
The next day, the service called me with the "good" news I had anticipated: the timing belt had snapped, and even more disheartening, the engine valves were bent, requiring a costly and time-consuming repair and replacement. The service promised to get everything fixed within a week, but I decided to go home instead of staying a whole week in a hotel. Luckily, I live in Warsaw, just 400 km from where it all happened.
Less than two weeks later, the service called with great news - my car was fixed and ready for pickup. But that was not the case! Upon arrival, the car wasn't ready. The engine ran loudly, and it lacked power - only accelerating up to 120 km/h.
It was necessary to replace a few more parts of the engine (the variable valve timing actuator, chain, and tensioner). Replacing these parts was also quite costly and took an additional two weeks.
The car repairs lasted exactly one month (the breakdown occurred on September 13, and I picked up the car on October 13). A month later, I was once again mobile on "my own four wheels".
This was a very valuable lesson
- Always get your car serviced before embarking on long auto journeys, performing timely replacements of consumable parts. After all, replacing consumables is much cheaper and easier.
- Before going on such trips, make sure you're prepared for communication. Have internet access, a car charger or a fully charged battery, have the contact details of roadside assistance, etc.
- Also, as a last resort, I recommend having some extra financial resources on hand.
