Preparing your car

Preparation is everything! Especially if you want to stay on the right side of the law and enjoy a stress-free trip.

Before you go, put your car in for a service so you’re less likely to have the hassle of breaking down while you’re away. Pay special attention to tyre tread and pressures, headlamps, brake lights and wiper blades.
When you’re packing the car for the journey, make sure you don’t overload it. Not only will it effect road handling and stopping distance but it could invalidate your insurance.
Carry a spare set of keys - don’t leave your spare set of keys tucked up in a drawer at home!

Items to pack

It’s important to check the legal requirements of every country you are intending to visit before you leave - so pack light because as a general rule it’s best to make room for the following in the boot:

Fire extinguisher
First aid kit
Tool kit
Spare headlamp bulbs
Warning triangle
Reflective jacket/waistcoat (not compulsory in all EU countries but recommended for many)

Headlamp converters

If you’re driving on the continent it is compulsory to adjust your headlamps in most countries to prevent the dipped beam from dazzling oncoming drivers. Headlamp beam converter kids are available from most good motor accessory stores and come with easy-to-follow instructions. However, sometimes it’s necessary for the headlamps to be adjusted at your dealership. This may be the case with HID, xenon or halogen headlights. So don’t leave it until the night before you set off to adjust your headlights.

GB stickers

It is compulsory to apply GB stickers when driving your car in EU countries unless your car already has a Europlate.

The Europlate is a number plate that incorporates the symbol of the European Union (a circle of 12 stars on a blue background) with the national identification letters of the member state below. This symbol is located on the left-hand side of the number plate.

Vehicles displaying this symbol do not need to apply the GB sticker when travelling within the European Union.

However if you are travelling outside of the EU remember that there are some countries where GB stickers are still necessary, even if you have Europlates. They don’t cost much to buy so it’s probably best to apply them wherever you’re driving to so you know you’re not breaking any laws. Stickers are available at motoring accessory stores.