These are the top tips from motoring organizations for those who intend to drive in Europe this summer:
• Driving license: Ensure that you carry both your local and international driving licenses when driving. You are expected to produce your driving license when required and it is also needed to hire a car.
• Traveling with children: Children aged up to 12 years old (or 135cm in height) must sit in a suitable child car seat while traveling in a car. Older children must use seatbelts.
• Satnavs and maps: Check that your satnav covers the countries you’ll be traveling through as well as the one you’re heading for. Good satnav brands offer extra maps for a nominal fee — either to download directly to your satnav or better still, supplied on a memory card. Don’t wait until the night before departure to download the maps, as it can be a tricky and time-consuming process. Paper and booklet maps are a good idea for backup.
• Get your car serviced: Garages are usually at their busiest in the run up to peak holiday seasons. So book your car in now if the annual service is due soon. Knowing your car has just been checked over will also give you extra peace of mind when you do set off.
• Insurance cover: Insurance is a requirement for driving in Europe and it must cover all drivers of a vehicle.
• Breakdown cover: Breakdown cover for Europe is necessary. It is worth choosing pan-European cover to make sure the car is covered across European borders.
• Useful kit: An emergency spare wheel in good condition is a good idea. A bulb kit is a legal requirement in France and is useful everywhere. Make sure you carry also screwdrivers to access the bulbs and fit the new ones. A fire extinguisher is worth carrying too in addition to a warning triangle which is also a legal requirement in many European countries.
Crucial suggestions for motorists
