23 days on the road — VW California accessories test

Time flies — it’s already 23 days since we swapped a flat for 4 square metres in our Cali. But you probably knew that.

Katowice, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, Turkey. We’re rushing — chasing a change of scenery.
Basic admin, cash, internet and the first kebab — we plan to handle it all in Edirne.
Unfortunately, we’re too late — our usual spots are already closed. Ania takes the lead: sorts out internet, a quick meal, and we move on — heading for Istanbul.

First stop in Turkey at a well-known parking-camp in the city centre.
And the first surprises: our VW throws an error and the orange engine warning light brings a bit of a chill. Things get tense.
With the OBD scanner I clear the error — an AdBlue issue.

We get up early. Coffee in hand, I’m under the van straight away — the injector is fine.
We email VW Antalya — no reply. We have to figure it out ourselves.

“Drive and observe” — our new motto.

This was meant to be about what’s worth having on board, what works and what’s just dead weight — so let’s get to it. Our Cali isn’t new and despite regular service it can throw a fit, so first up: an OBD scanner. With it you can check key parameters and, with a bit of knowledge and luck, avoid a serious breakdown or being stuck on the side of the road.

Istanbul

We don’t plan to stay long, but the city does what it always does — it pulls you in, holds you for a moment, gives you something, takes something from you.
And we’re back on the road.