Your Guide to Vehicle Checks and Preparations for the Perfect European Summer Getaway
As the British sun peaks through the clouds and the school bells ring out for the last time, a sense of excitement fills the air. Yes, the summer holidays are finally upon us, signalling the start of delightful family road trips! Whether you’re seeking the magnificent châteaux sprinkled across the French countryside, the historic castles of Germany, or the vibrant, colourful streets of Spain, we’ll guide you through the maze of road trip preparations and essential vehicle checks.
But before we hit the open road, it’s important to remember – a successful trip starts with a well-prepared vehicle. This ultimate guide, combined with our free services to check your MOT, tax, and vehicle details, will arm you with everything you need to ensure a smooth ride and an unforgettable summer holiday.
General Preparations
Your trip’s success hinges on meticulous planning and having the correct documents at your fingertips. Here’s what you need to prepare:
- Documentation: It’s time to dust off your passport and driving licence, double-checking the expiry dates. Don’t forget your V5C (logbook) to prove you are the registered keeper of your vehicle.
- Car Hire: If you’re hiring a car, use our free car check service to check its history. Pay close attention to the vehicle health section a check for any potentially faulty items detected. You’ll want to make sure your holiday isn’t disrupted by unseen mechanical issues.
- MOT, Tax and Insurance: Ensure your MOT, tax, and insurance are valid for the duration of your trip. Our free vehicle check service makes this easy and hassle-free, providing you with all the essential information about your vehicle.
- Travel Insurance: Make sure you’re covered for every destination on your itinerary. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
- Breakdown Cover: Check that your breakdown cover extends across Europe. There’s nothing worse than being stranded on a foreign road without assistance.
- EHIC/GHIC Cards: These cards grant you access to healthcare services in EU countries. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Make sure they are up-to-date and remember to pack them.
* GHIC and EHIC do not replace travel insurance.
Vehicle Checks: Ensuring A Smooth Ride
A serviced and well-tuned vehicle is the trusted steed for an exhilarating journey. Just as you wouldn’t saddle up a horse without checking its health, your car also needs a thorough inspection before you start your adventure.
This check not only guarantees a smooth ride but also ensures your family’s safety, as a well-maintained vehicle significantly reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns or accidents.
So, what should you inspect to ensure your vehicle is in top form? Here’s a detailed guide to the essential checks you need to carry out:
- Tyres: The vital connection between your car and the road beneath it. Check the pressure when they’re cold, and ensure it’s at the manufacturer’s recommended level. A reference sticker to tyre pressures for your vehicle and original tyres it was specified with can usually be found on the drivers door surround, or fuel flap.The legal minimum tyre tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. A simple way to check this is with the 20p test. Insert a 20p coin into the tread grooves on the tyre. If you can’t see the outer band on the coin, your tyres are above the legal limit. If you can see the band and that section of the coin is still visible, your tyres could be unsafe and illegal, and should be professionally checked immediately. Also, closely inspect your tyres for any signs of wear or damage, such as exposed wires, nails, cuts, or other foreign objects. These could lead to sudden deflation or a blowout at high speeds.
- Fluids: Your vehicle’s fluids are its lifeblood and are crucial for the car’s performance and your safety. This includes the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windscreen wash. Make sure all these fluids are at the recommended levels.A helpful tip – some vehicle types, such as BMW, have oil levels measured through the in-car computer system, rather than a traditional dipstick. For these vehicles, or if you’re unsure, check the vehicle’s manual for guidance on how to accurately check the fluid levels. Regular checks and top-ups will help prevent engine damage and ensure your car operates efficiently throughout your journey.
- Lights: Test all your lights. This includes your front and rear lights, brake lights, indicators, and fog lights.
- Wipers: Rain can hit unexpectedly, even in the summer. Make sure your wiper blades are in good condition and working effectively.
- Battery: Ensure it’s fully charged and the connections are clean. The last thing you want is a vehicle that won’t start after a fantastic day of exploring.
Must-Have Items for European Travel
Once your car’s ready, it’s time to pack. Certain items are legally required or highly recommended when driving in Europe:
- UK Sticker: As of September 28, 2021, UK-registered vehicles must display the new style UK identifier, not the old style GB sticker, when driving abroad. The UK sticker should be displayed on the rear of the vehicle unless your number plate includes the UK identifier within the Union Flag.
- Headlight Converters: As UK vehicles are designed for driving on the left, your headlights will naturally point towards the left. When driving on the right in mainland Europe, this can dazzle oncoming traffic. To avoid this, headlamp converters, which are essentially stickers, can be applied to your headlights to adjust the beam direction. However, it’s worth noting that many modern cars, especially those with LED or xenon headlights, can adapt the beam pattern to suit right-hand driving via the onboard computer or manual adjustments. Refer to your vehicle’s manual to see if this applies to your car. If it does, there’s no need for additional converters – another hassle-free step towards your holiday!
- Warning Triangle: This is required and essential in case of breakdowns. Safety first!
- Reflective Jackets: Some European countries require you to carry one for each passenger. Check the requirements for any countries you’re planning to drive through and stock up if need be.
- Breathalyser Test: France still lists this as a legal requirement, even though it’s not strictly enforced.
- First Aid Kit: While most cars come equipped with a first aid kit, it’s often one of those items that we forget to check. So, give it a once over. Make sure it’s fully stocked and that the items within haven’t expired. A well-prepared first aid kit can make a significant difference in the event of an emergency. Better safe than sorry!
Don’t forget the extra comforts that will make your road trip more enjoyable – snacks, blankets, travel games, and a well-curated playlist can turn a good journey into an unforgettable one.
Whether you’re a road trip veteran or a first-timer, preparation is the key to enjoying a smooth and memorable journey. With these tips and checklists, you’re well on your way to experiencing the ultimate European summer holiday. Pack your bags, prep your car, and set off on an incredible summer adventure!
We hope this checklist helps in planning your ultimate summer getaway. Hit the road with confidence, knowing you’re well-prepared for the adventure that lies ahead. Bon Voyage!