1. Check your tyres
Checking your tyres before a long journey is essential. Make sure they're properly inflated, and have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm (the legal minimum). It's also a good idea to make sure your spare tyre and tyre changing kit are present and correct.
2. Insurance
It's vital to check if your car insurance will cover you for driving abroad. Many insurance policies automatically cover drivers for the minimum level of insurance required in other countries (usually third party only), and most companies offer further protection for an increased premium.
3. Extra kit
Items of driving kit like fire extinguishers are always a good idea when driving in the UK, but a reflective warning triangle, a spare set of light bulbs, a first-aid kit and a couple of high-visibility jackets are a legal requirement when driving in many countries.
4. International Driving Permit
While the standard UK driving licence is all you'll require for most European countries, International Driving Permits (IDPs) are recommended for driving in Italy and Spain, and required for Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania. UK drivers visiting the Czech Republic without a photographic licence also need an IDP. The permits are valid for twelve months from the issue date.
5. Water and oil levels
Checking your oil and water levels are topped up before you set off could save you a lot of time and frustration later on. It's best to do both checks when the engine is cold.
6. Sat-nav maps
Many sat-nav units support the download of overseas maps – make sure you have the most up to date information.
7. Breakdown cover
For peace of mind it's well worth getting breakdown cover for other countries. It could save you a packet if your car breaks down in foreign climes.
8. Alcohol limits
The UK blood-alcohol concentration limit of 0.08 per cent is one of the highest in the world, but in countries such as Hungary it's zero. Check the limits of the countries you'll be visiting before you set off. As always the best advice is to avoid alcohol completely when you're driving.
9. Speed limits
Check up on overseas speed limits before you start your journey. One of the biggest driving myths is that German autobahns don’t have speed limits. This isn’t the case - many stretches of the road have speed restrictions.
10. Headlight beam deflectors
If you're planning on driving on the right side of the road with a right-hand drive car, you'll need opaque headlight stickers. Their function is to prevent oncoming drivers being dazzled by the part of the beam which would normally illuminate the side of the road. It's also worth noting driving with dipped headlights at all times is now a legal requirement in many European countries.
