Just be careful about doing warp speed as if you are caught doing 50+ kmph over the limit they will confiscate your license for 15 days on the spot and if you don't have a passenger that means you cannot drive.

 

Irrespective of local laws (and back on topic) here is what I suggest you take.

Get a small plastic storage box from B&Q and stuff it with the following:

1. 5l of petrol
2. 2l of water
3. 2l of oil (more if long trip)
4. 1l of screen wash
5. Funnel
6. Folding warning triangle
7. High-vis vests (2)
8. Clean rag
9. Kitchen/Toilet Roll
10. Torch
11. Bulb kit (Halfords)

You will use all of these items (maybe not the bulbs) at some point on a Euro trip.

Also... Essential item is the European breakdown cover (europ assist or similar). You will need it one day and when that day comes if you dont have it be prepared to pay thousands and get very very stressed.. Don't skimp. Get good thorough cover with flatbed home option. They provide translation service when you have a problem and organise everything. You may need to pay the local call out fees etc but they will send you a cheque once you provide your receipts.

When things go wrong they tend to go wrong after blatting south for 5 hours! I have needed it and I swear by it - as have a lot of people on here. Dont be stupid and forget this.

One other thing.. tell your insurance company before you go. If you tell them up front it will make your life easier in the event of an issue. The majority will not charge you extra and some like to send you an international policy for the time away, again at no extra cost.

Maybe Im just a boring old sod but I have done enough long and short trips through Europe and know my preperation has never been wasted effort. And the best thing - when you return home just take your euro box out of the boot and store it away for you next trip (maybe not the petrol though... you would probaby have used it when you couldnt find a petrol station in the middle of nowhere... ask Chris )

 

Not sure why you think your post is more on topic than the previous ones as the OP was asking for what you need to have in the car, which to me is a question about the local laws

Each to their own I guess, but all the items in your Euro box can be purchased anywhere in Europe with little difficulty, making them no more essential than when out and about in the UK.

The Euro breakdown cover is a good recommendation though, and regarding telling your insurance company, on some policies if you don't advise them in advance then you may find yourself covered third party only.

 

I was only saying off topic since it was turning into a speed fest.. chill dude

Re buying out there.. sure you could but then... maybe it is just me. I could be the unlucky bastard but whenever I go I tend to find everything shut for miles around (sunday / monday / countryside) and you dont necessarily want to drive 50 miles to find water when the rad switch failed and the rad overheated (yup. it happened to me) or I'm really short on fuel and the only (unmanned card charging) petrol station for 50 miles didnt accept my visacard (yup that happened too) or you cant see for shit since a million flies have stuck to your screen and you have run out of water (yup.. that always happens to me.....) then I kinda find it useful having it in the boot

Those pesky petrol stations I once had to pay an old dear cash to use her card as my visa wouldnt work at the pump. It was a bloody monday too - signs suggested it was manned tue-sat. lazy bastards

As I say though maybe Im just an unlucky bastard but I feel a little more secure knowing I have what I would need in an emergency in the boot. Ditch all of that if you want sure, but don't leave the oil at home if you are planning a long trip.. unless you want to mix your brands of course

 

though this is probably because both of us have lived in "Europe"..and realise it's not such a drama as some of these "europe" threads tend to make it..

 

Make sure your car is serviced and fettled in good time before you leave. Don't leave it until the last minute. Get everything done about a month before you go, oil change, new tyres, brakes, etc. By doing this you get a chance to bed in and use the car before you go away. If there are any problems with the work that has been done you can get it sorted beforte you go away.

I had a new set of tyres fitted a week before leaving for a big Euro tour. Didn't do much driving the week before I left. Once we started the trip I found that the wheels were incorrectly balanced and had a vibration at 90. Very annoying!

HTH - Dave

 

People do tend to worry about running out of petrol. It's really something I've never had a problem with. Just needs a bit of planning and all will be fine.

 

an portable navi units are so cheap now.. I would put that on the list of things that can help in an emergency.

 

Don't forget the key for your locking wheel nuts.

I put together a list of stuff a while back. I'll see if I can find it tonight.

 

Great thread

Would you class a 2 way radio and an inflatable sheep as essential items?