Here’s everything you should check before driving abroad this summer
Thousands of people travel overseas in their cars each year, but some simple checks can ensure it’s a hassle-free trip too.
Each summer, thousands of people take to their cars for a holiday adventure. Whether it’s to board a ferry to a far-flung location or take a trip over to France, using your car as a base for a holiday means you’re always travelling under your own steam and can pick and choose where you end up.
However, these long-distance trips also put more stress on a car, which is why some pre-travel checks can do a lot to help. Here, we’re going to take a look at some of the key areas of a car to look over before you depart.
Tyres
Remember to inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended pressures, too, and if you’re planning on carrying a lot of items or more people than usual, you may need to adjust them to accommodate this.
Fluids
You’ll also want to check that your car’s air conditioning is working as it should. If it’s not blowing all that cold, then it may need re-gassing – a simple process but one which makes a big difference.
Headlight deflectors
However, if your car doesn’t offer this function, then use headlight deflectors. They’re small stickers which go over the top of the headlights and redirect the beam away from oncoming traffic.
Breakdown cover
It can bring a lot more peace of mind to have this in place, as a breakdown suffered in a foreign country can quickly put a dampener on a holiday.
High-vis jackets
In many European countries, it’s a legal requirement to have a high-vis jacket for each occupant of the car, so make sure that you’ve got some packed.
The good news is that they can be purchased inexpensively online, and they don’t take up too much space, either.
UK sticker if needed
Warning triangle
If your vehicle’s registration plate includes a ‘UK’ badge at its side, then you won’t need to worry about getting an extra sticker to show where you’re coming from.
However, if your number plate doesn’t have a UK badge at all, then you’ll need to get a sticker or magnet to apply to the car instead.
Documents
When travelling abroad, always make sure that you pack your driving licence with you alongside the V5C document to prove that you’re the registered keeper of the vehicle.
While not legally required in most countries, it can also be a good idea to take a print or mobile screenshot of your car insurance, as well as key details and phone numbers for your breakdown cover provider.