Keep it in the Trunk!

Travel Tips for Series 3 and 4 Alfa Romeo Spiders

You don’t see Alfa Spiders on the road every day, which is one of the great things about owning one. Unfortunately, that’s also why it’s getting harder to find parts at neighborhood auto parts stores.

Whether you’re planning a long-distance trip or just an afternoon drive in the country, there are a few key parts that you should have on hand in case of a roadside breakdown. Why let a simple problem ruin a wonderful drive?

You don’t necessarily need go out and buy all of these parts new. Just keep some of the parts you replace during routine maintenance. If they’re still in usable shape, they could help get you back home one day.

Cooling System

Keep a usable set of belts and hoses on hand. Used parts are fine in this case, because your primary concern is just getting the car home. You might also consider keeping a spare radiator cap and a thermostat in your “emergency bag.”

Ignition System

A cap, a rotor and a couple of plug wires are always good things to have. Once again, used parts will work fine here. If you have a few extra dollars lying around, consider investing in a spare combination relay for L-Jet equipped cars. This is the relay that is referred to as the "Drive Relay" in the factory manual. It sends the power to the fuel injectors.

Other Items

We have found that the European-style fuses (as used in pre-1986 cars) are increasingly difficult to find in local stores, so keep a good assortment in your car at all times.

A small assortment of tools is important, and a box of disposable gloves can help keep a messy situation from getting worse.

Last but not least, there’s the good old IAP catalog. It’s lightweight, easy to store and a great read if you’re waiting for a tow. Best of all, if you need parts in a hurry, we can usually get them to you overnight!