Driving Holiday Checklist: Five Checks You Need to Make

Heading abroad in your own car can be an incredibly effective way of seeing the sights. Not having to rely on public transport while you’re away can open up the opportunity to see and experience more of the country in question than you could have otherwise hoped for.

That said, taking your own transport comes with its own issues. If a train or bus breaks down while you’re away then it’s a minor inconvenience -- but if your own vehicle takes a turn for a worse then it could become a major headache working out how to get it back home again. To avoid such issues it’s an idea to double check a number of things before you set off.

Tyre Depth/Pressure

If you’re going to be putting in some major mileage during the weeks that you’re away then you owe it to yourself to check that your tyres are up to scratch. Grab a tread depth checking tool to ensure that the tread on your tyres is well within the legal limit -- and refer to your vehicle’s handbook to check that they’re inflated to optimum levels.

Oil and Water

Both of these might be something you generally take for granted but it’s vital that you check the levels of both before you set off -- and several times while you’re away. If you’re unsure of where your levels should be, don’t take any chances. Consult a professional at your local garage to give the all clear before you leave.

Local Laws

Remember that things like the speed limit or maximum legal blood alcohol limit may differ in your destination country than in the UK. Ignorance of local laws won’t be a good enough excuse if you get caught breaking the law, so read up well in advance.

Insurance details

Does your car insurance policy cover you in the country you’ll be driving in? If you’re not sure, get on the phone to your provider and find out. It may be that you have to pay extra to get covered while you’re away -- if so, don’t be tempted to skip it and save some cash. It really isn’t worth the risk.

Breakdown Blues

Similarly, your breakdown cover won’t necessarily stretch to the country you’ll be visiting -- although some providers will happily cover you in Europe, for instance. Check with the company you have cover with and extend your cover to the country in question if needs be.

Does My Breakdown Cover Policy Cover Me in Europe?

To do true justice to many of Europe’s more scenic and rural holiday destinations, either taking your own car (and thereby being all but bound to the consequences and limitations of travelling by ferry) or alternatively taking up the option to hire a car upon arrival at your destination is all but essential if you are to get the maximum enjoyment out of your trip. I would suggest that it is all but impossible to fully enjoy all the stunning natural beauty of some of the greatest European holiday destinations such as for example Tuscany, The Greek Islands, Ireland etc. without the freedom to drive off and explore these brilliant places and their unspoilt natural scenery without having a car at your disposal.

    

But what happens if the worst comes to the worst and you have a breakdown or mechanical fault with your vehicle? If you are based living in the UK, does your current breakdown cover policy cover you for travel overseas and in Europe? Are there any limitations to the length of period of which you are covered in such territories?  Such factors are key things to consider if you are planning on using your own car or hiring a car in Europe. If in doubt, it is highly recommended that you take the time to study your existing policy documents or contact your insurer directly to establish the limitations and terms of your breakdown cover.

    

There is nothing worse than having a dream holiday ruined by unforeseen problems, and unfortunately such things can happen to any of us. By establishing whether or not you are covered prior to departure you may save yourself a whole heap of hassle in the long-term. Even if your current policy does not cover you for breakdowns outside of your country of residence, there are now short term breakdown policies available that can for example, cover you for short holiday periods ranging from 1 to 30 days, based on which region of Europe to which you are driving. Investing in such as policy will give you greater peace of mind and freedom to enjoy your holiday and explore the rural reaches of Europe without the fear of being stranded should your car break down.