Top Tips - How can drivers prepare for a European Roadtrip?

With pandemic-related travel restrictions still in place for many parts of Europe, many would-be holidaymakers are looking to salvage their vacations by jumping in the car and disappearing to Europe.   Whether it’s a short trip to the South of France or a longer journey through Eastern Europe, we have pulled together a checklist for drivers to tick-off before they embark on the trip of a lifetime.  

8 Top Tips for drivers prepping for a European Road Trip

 

Plan Ahead

If travelling internationally, check quarantine requirements and prepare all necessary paperwork ahead of time to avoid disappointment. For overnight stops, you should also plan ahead so you can choose a property based on price as well as cleanliness. For the most up-to-date information, check out the re-op EU site, an interactive tool providing travellers with information to confidently plan a trip. 

Make Sure You Have Insurance

A national survey by Chipex found 26% of respondents claimed they had to SORN their car in lockdown, due to the fact it had been sitting in a garage or driveway for longer than usual. If you damage another car abroad and are not insured, you could be in serious trouble. Avoid this by checking that your car insurance covers you across Europe.  

Check Your Drivers License

London’s road traffic dropped by 78% three weeks into the U.K-wide lockdown, so it might come as no surprise to find out some people haven’t been behind the wheel in months. That said, a quick check to make sure you have your license and that it’s valid could help you have a smoother journey.  

Check The Oil And Water Levels In Your Car

This one is especially important in hot weather, where a lack of these two checks could cause your car to overheat. Simply look at the oil and water levels before you start your trip and ensure that they’re filled up and good to go.  

Practice Driving On The Right Somewhere Quiet

It can be a weird experience driving on ‘the wrong side of the road’ especially if you’ve never done it before, so it’s worth stopping on some quiet roads to get some practise in before you hit the big roads.  

Check Your MOT Is Up-To-Date

Obviously it’s illegal to drive without an MOT, but it’s also essential to ensure that your insurance works. Don’t be without it when you drive in Europe this summer.  

Be Identified

Did you know that if you’re taking your own vehicle over, it needs to display a GB sign? Most number plates already have the EU/GB sign, in which case you’re covered. However, if your car number plate doesn’t have the identification then you’ll need to buy a GB sticker before you start driving in Europe.  

Check Your Tyre Pressure

Tyre pressure affects everything from control of the vehicle, running costs and ultimately your safety, so it’s worth checking it before you take a big journey.   Chipex Founder, Johnny Graham, recognises that many people are eager to return to normality but he urges drivers to take extra care when returning to the fast lane. A national survey by Chipex found 26% of respondents claimed they had to SORN their car in lockdown, due to the fact it had been sitting in a garage or driveway for longer than usual.   “Some people might be a little bit rusty after having so many months off driving or are part of that 42% of people in the Chipex survey that haven’t invested in their cars since lockdown. As restrictions ease, we urge people to take extra care on the roads,” Mr Graham said.