Driving back from Aberdeen to Birmingham.. shatting it..

chicoe

Hey guys I'm going to pick up my new car on wensday I'm flying out then driving it back to Birmingham from Aberdeen but I'm a bit nervous if I am honest.

Its a 5 and half hour drive so will stop off at service station 3 hours into journey. I've driven to Coventry countless times on the a45 and Tamworth from Solihull before but this is the biggest journey to date.

Does anyone have any tips? Leaving Aberdeen at 10am so hopefully roads are clear and weather is clear.

I could set satnav to avoid motorways but its an 11hour drive that!

attila_

I would stick with motorways. Going through penrith past lake district on m6 has nice views.

What are you concerned about, reliability? If its that just keep it steady on the slowest lane and you will be fine.

Nodding_Donkey

If you've never driven that far before I would plan to stop a couple of times and enjoy the trip. It's actually a pretty nice journey except for the last bit of the M6.

torbrex

To start with if you think the journey will only take 5 and a half hours, you are kidding yourself, think 7 hours without any stops.

The drive itself is quite easy with Dundee being the only built up area to drive through but that is basically just a right turn at the traffic lights then some roundabouts to cross before you are back on the open road again.

Plan to stop at least 3 times to stretch your legs and avoid motorway service stations for both food and fuel, the food is rotten and prices are extortianate.

Quiet_Spark

chicoe wrote: »

Its a 5 and half hour drive

Aberdeen to Birmingham is certainly doable in 5½ hours, but only if you maintain a constant 120mph all the way.
It'll be more like 9 hours at road legal speeds if you include a couple of stops

Hintza

Take out breakdown cover a day or so before you leave?

chicoe

attila_ wrote: »

I would stick with motorways. Going through penrith past lake district on m6 has nice views.

What are you concerned about, reliability? If its that just keep it steady on the slowest lane and you will be fine.

I am not concerned about reliability tbh, the car what I am getting is strong and powerful enough to drive anywhere tbh, it's a cruiser of a hatchback.

I am just concerned about me being handle the motorway, slip roads a little worried but I know with that I need to build up speed and follow the speed of other motorists and not slip on the motorway at like a slow tourtise.

I think i will stick to the slowest lane for a bit, build up my confidence and then take it from there.

Good thing about the car is that it's a DSG box.

torbrex wrote: »

To start with if you think the journey will only take 5 and a half hours, you are kidding yourself, think 7 hours without any stops.

The drive itself is quite easy with Dundee being the only built up area to drive through but that is basically just a right turn at the traffic lights then some roundabouts to cross before you are back on the open road again.

Plan to stop at least 3 times to stretch your legs and avoid motorway service stations for both food and fuel, the food is rotten and prices are extortianate.

7 hours wow, yeah I willl stop every now again but will like to stop as minimal as possible, as i want to get back as soon as possible.

With some brakes here and there, I guess I won't get back until half 6 and the latest then.

I think I will be alright, I'll just make sure I have a good nightsleep the nightbefore to make sure I'm fresh for the day ahead,

matttye

If you can drive in Birmingham you can drive anywhere.

PeacefulWaters

1. Prepare the car. Top-up the screen wash. Ensure the tyres are in good condition and suitably inflated. Have a full fuel tank and ensure the oil levels are right.

2. Use motorways. Stop every 2 hours. Even if it's just for a five minute wander to the gents (or ladies, if that's the way you're made!).

3. If you feel yourself getting drowsy at any point, stop at the next safe place.

4. Don't rush it. Sit in the inside lane at 55mph to start with. Perhaps move up to 65-70mph when you're comfortable. Be aware of lower speed limits when they apply. Your fuel will be cheaper if you stay between 50-60mph.

5. I'd estimate 7 hours is the absolute minimum time for this journey with no roadworks, traffic delays or comfort breaks. Get set in your head that it will take you 9-10 hours. If it takes less, great. But don't let a mix of speed, time pressure and tiredness kill you. It's better to reach your destination later than you'd prefer than be cut out of your car by a fireman while a surgeon flown in by helicopter amputates a limb.

6. Just because service stations have shops doesn't mean you have to spend money in them. If you have an AA members card you get 20% off at Moto service station shops, coffee bars and restaurants.

7. Plan your refuelling point. If you can identify a supermarket within a couple of miles of your route it will be worth getting off the motorway and heading there to top up.

8. Don't consume any alcohol or drowsy medications (e.g. certain hayfever reliefs) the night before the drive or during the journey. Early night and a good breakfast.

9. Some will say consume coffee to stay awake. I'd suggest avoiding all caffeine and sugary products and just drink water. It will keep your mind clearer than other liquids.

10. Enjoy the drive. It's easily doable and as long as you don't focus on a deadline arrival time and stay in tune with what your body is telling you. Stop regularly. Motorway driving is easier than urban driving. Expect to be tired at the end of it.

I am just concerned about me being handle the motorway, slip roads a little worried but I know with that I need to build up speed and follow the speed of other motorists and not slip on the motorway at like a slow tourtise

Practice on dual carriageways. Motorway slip roads are usually longer so if you can manage a dual carriageway you can manage a motorway.

will like to stop as minimal as possible, as i want to get back as soon as possible.

See point five above. It's a big drive. Don't impose deadlines on yourself.

DUTR

chicoe wrote: »

Hey guys I'm going to pick up my new car on wensday I'm flying out then driving it back to Birmingham from Aberdeen but I'm a bit nervous if I am honest.

Its a 5 and half hour drive so will stop off at service station 3 hours into journey. I've driven to Coventry countless times on the a45 and Tamworth from Solihull before but this is the biggest journey to date.

Does anyone have any tips? Leaving Aberdeen at 10am so hopefully roads are clear and weather is clear.

I could set satnav to avoid motorways but its an 11hour drive that!

It's too late to change the flight now, I would have been going up on the night before and kipping over before taking that trip. I have a friend in Torphins, and a none stop drive would be 7hrs without any breaks and hindering traffic conditions , add an hour for the breaks every 2hrs. Just hope the car is as you expect when you get there :eek:

You mention DSG, I take it it's a German car?

Andyt1981

Check you can find all the controls before you leave. Especially fog lights in Aberdeen!