At a glance
Heading off on a road trip? Below, we ask you a dozen questions to help you see whether you're truly ready for the road...
Heading off on a road trip? Below, we ask you a dozen questions to help you see whether you're truly ready for the road...
Some of the questions below might make you smile, but they reflect the kinds of basic problems many drivers face, and which regularly lead to distress calls to assistance centres!
1- Do you know the meaning of the warning lights or indicators on your vehicle's dashboard?
Many drivers don't know them all (especially the warning lights) and don't know how to react if they start flashing. (E.g. battery problem, insufficient oil level, coolant, tyre pressure, etc.).
Tip: Take the time to go through your vehicle's manual, which will give you all the useful explanations.
Do the same if it's a rental car you're not familiar with.
2- Have you checked the condition and pressure of your tyres?
Tyres are one of the elements that determine your safety and that of other road users. Make sure your tyres are in good condition and don't hesitate to replace them if they're too worn. Also check their pressure. The recommended tyre pressure varies depending on the vehicle's load.
Our short video explains how to check the condition of your tyres.
3- Do you know your vehicle's fuel type?
Be careful not to make a mistake when filling up abroad: the reference colours and names for fuels aren't always the same as in Belgium!
Do you know roughly how many km your vehicle can travel on a full tank? Fill up in good time, as continuing to drive in the hope of finding a cheaper petrol station further down the road can be risky!
Also read: Where to find the cheapest fuel?
4- Have you checked the oil level?
The oil level is a key element for your vehicle to run properly. See how to check the oil level by watching our short video.
5- Have you filled the windscreen washer fluid reservoir? Are your wipers too worn?
Nothing is more annoying (and dangerous) than being unable to properly wipe your windows...
6- Do you know where your spare wheel is?
Do you know how to access it and what type of spare wheel it is? Do you know where the jack is?
More and more cars no longer have a spare wheel, or have a wheel that only allows driving for a limited number of kilometres.
7- Do you know where your warning triangle is? Can you access it easily?
The triangle is essential for showing other road users that you have a technical problem. But you still need to be able to reach it easily. Don't make it inaccessible under a heavy pile of luggage!
Don't forget that the fire extinguisher must also be easily accessible in the spot intended by the manufacturer.
8- Do you know where your first aid kit is?
The small car first aid kit can be very useful in case of injury. Check its contents before setting off.
9- Do you have the equipment recommended or required for the countries you're travelling through or visiting?
(Red background = compulsory, blue background = recommended)
(*) Vehicles registered in Spain must carry two warning triangles.
Note: since 2022, the first aid kit must include 2 respiratory protection masks when driving in Germany.
And don't forget a small torch either...
10- Do you have the essential vehicle documents (registration document, insurance card, vehicle conformity certificate)?
Note that the new "green cards" have become white and digital.
Don't forget your (international) driving licence either.
11- Do you have a few copies of the European Accident Report?
Do you know how to react in the event of a road accident and how to fill in the report?
Do you have something to write with on hand to fill in the declaration?
12- Have you found out about the main traffic rules?
Do you know the specific rules of the country/countries you're travelling through (maximum speed on (motor)ways, blood alcohol limits, right-of-way and parking rules (parking disc), use of dipped headlights, use of mobile phones or of speed camera detection systems, tolls, child seats, environmental stickers...)?
Official bodies or tourist offices for each country can also provide information.
One last tip: don't get distracted by your smartphone or your vehicle's central console while driving (to make calls, check emails, set up a route, etc.), but take advantage of a stop in a safe car park for these tasks.
Just a few seconds of distraction is sometimes enough to cause the irreparable!
You can view all these recommendations here in a visual.
First published: 07/2014 - Updated: 03/2022
