Some tips for the 17% of drivers who plan to take cars abroad this year

11 October 2008 :

by compareandsave.com Editors

Sainsbury’s Car Insurance recently conducted research and found that 17% of UK drivers are planning on taking their cars abroad this year.

We thought we would bring you some top tips to help if you decide to take a road trip abroad in 2008.

Minimise the risk of a breakdown

By doing some basic checks on your car before you set off, you could drastically reduce the risk of a breakdown while you are driving abroad

Check:
- Tyre pressures
- Your spare wheel (that you have one that is pumped up and roadworthy for several hundred miles)
- Oil levels
- Brake fluid levels
- Water levels
Be prepared in case you do breakdown

There are a number of items that you can carry that could help you repair basic problems with your car if you did breakdown and don’t have European Breakdown Cover.

Carry:
- A jack
- A tool to undo wheel nuts (including your locking wheel nut key f you have alloy wheels)
- Jump leads
- Set of spare bulbs and tools to change them
- A spare fan belt and tools to change it
- Necessary high visibility warnings for the country you are travelling in (some countries require you to carry red warning triangles or high visibility jackets)
- Spare water, oil and brake fluid
- Contact details of your breakdown cover provider and a mobile phone (plus an in-car charger for the mobile)
Plan your route

Buy a map or use an online route planner before you go. This will reduce your chances of getting lost and should make for a less stressful trip.
Ensure your car conforms to road laws

Many European countries have different road laws to the UK. Be sure you familiarise yourself with these and make the necessary provisions so that your car conforms to the road laws of the countries you will be driving in.

Note down the different rules and be sure you adhere to them before you enter the country. Remember to pay specific attention to speed limits, car modifications required and take into account drink-driving laws. You can do this for free at www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo
Speak to your car insurance provider

The majority of car insurers will provide you with car insurance cover for driving in Europe. However, in most cases, the policyholder needs to inform the insurer before departing on the trip because if they don’t their UK comprehensive cover will probably reduce to third party, fire and theft cover.
Don’t rush your journey

Set aside plenty of time to get to your destination so that you drive at the right speed and get the necessary rest breaks. Driving abroad will likely be more tiring that driving in the UK because you will be on roads that aren’t familiar and driving on the other side of the road. Try to avoid built up areas like major cities as these will likely be very stressful.
Ask for hints and tips

If you know anyone who has been to the places in Europe you plan to visit, ask them about their experiences and see if they have any more handy hints and tips for you to make your journey even more enjoyable. They may know about short cuts, lovely scenic routes or about some nice rest stops with affordable restaurants.
Consider European Breakdown Cover

If you don’t feel comfortable with the thought of changing a tyre or asking a stranger for a push/jump start, you may benefit from taking out European Breakdown Cover or adding it on to your existing UK Breakdown Cover policy, if you have one. Remember to Compare Breakdown Cover before you buy.