School's out for summer, which means an overseas road trip beckons. But before heading down the M2 to Dover or the M3 to Portsmouth to catch the Eurotunnel Shuttle or ferry, there are a few precautions to take so it's an enjoyable journey rather than one to forget. This includes general car maintenance, plus country specific driving rules which can catch out unwary motorists.
Fluid Thinking
It's sensible to check all of the car's vital fluids before hitting the autoroute or autobahn. These include oil levels, coolant and windscreen wash. If these are running low, then your dreams of driving through the French Riviera might be over before you get to the end of your street.
Take Time For Tyres
Tyres are a safety critical item, so need to be properly maintained at all times. The main things to remember are tread depth, air pressure levels and overall condition.
There are plenty of websites that provide the correct tyre pressure for a vehicle by putting in the registration number. Related to tyres, it's also important to check brake pads and discs for wear.
Emergency Kit
Make sure to include an emergency kit, even if you think you won't ever need one. Items to pack include a warning triangle, high-vis jackets, a first-aid kit, jumper cables and a torch. As the Scouts say, be prepared.
Nearest Neighbour
At its closest point, only 20 miles or so of water separates the UK from France. But its proximity shouldn't fool drivers into a sense of ease, as there are some motoring rules that must be adhered to.
These include displaying a UK sticker on the rear of the car, carrying a triangle and a reflective high-vis jacket per person. Road rules include giving way to traffic approaching from the right "priorité à droite" at some junctions.
Expect The Unexpected
If you're planning on driving further afield, then it will pay to read up on motoring laws, as there are some quite obscure ones depending on the country. For instance, it's a no no in Cyprus to drive while eating or drinking, and that includes even a sip of water. Heading to Thailand? Remember to keep a shirt on at all times when driving.
Compare this to Germany, where you are allowed to drive while naked, although it's probably not advisable. Meanwhile, drivers in Denmark should check for people underneath their car before setting off.
Not to be outdone, little known driving rules in the US make it illegal to drive while blindfolded in Alabama and in Oklahoma it's forbidden to read a comic book while driving.
Play It Safe
Given all the unknowns, perhaps it's best to stay in the UK and enjoy a driving experience at a local race track or airfield.
Here you can enjoy some of the very best European motors, including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche and Audi without having to go abroad.
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