First Euro Road Trip

First Euro Road Trip

Author
Discussion

wongthecorrupter

Original Poster:

2,382 posts

170 months

Thursday 17th April 2014
quotequote all
Me and my wife are doing our first ever road trip around Europe in our tuscan. Any tips, advice or what spares to take. Any advice is welcome

jayemm89

4,003 posts

129 months

Thursday 17th April 2014
quotequote all
I suppose potentially ear plugs if the car is that loud.

Otherwise things you are required to take in Europe:

Hi-Vis Jackets for you both
Warning Triangle
First aid kit
Spare Bulb Kit

Don't forget the other usual suspects - headlight adapters, GB sticker (or number plate), etc..

Are you passing through Germany? Plenty of places there I can recommend if I know which bit you're going through/near!

wongthecorrupter

Original Poster:

2,382 posts

170 months

Thursday 17th April 2014
quotequote all
Hi thanks

i was planning on going down to Monaco then head back up towards Baden Baden and the black forest

phillpot

17,105 posts

182 months

Thursday 17th April 2014
quotequote all


Worth getting one of these if you plan on using French motorways to get you through the boring bit to some good roads a bit quicker?

Macey

1,326 posts

192 months

Thursday 17th April 2014
quotequote all
I would check the accelerator cable, they do tend to snap near the peddle so I carry a spare inner.

jayemm89

4,003 posts

129 months

Thursday 17th April 2014
quotequote all
Oh, for France don't forget your breathalyzer!

In the Black Forest, Triberg is worth visiting as it is the home of the original Black Forest Gateau, as well as several cuckoo clock museums!

wongthecorrupter

Original Poster:

2,382 posts

170 months

Thursday 17th April 2014
quotequote all
Cheers.
I will get the car a good working over before i go

wongthecorrupter

Original Poster:

2,382 posts

170 months

Thursday 17th April 2014
quotequote all
cheers. i have got the high viz , triangle and all that stuff sorted. I need to get a booze tester though

jayemm89

4,003 posts

129 months

Thursday 17th April 2014
quotequote all
Also, a top tip for driving through Germany - when filling up just go on the web http://www.clever-tanken.de/

You can find the cheapest fuel near you, the difference in price can be monumental - a 1km detour off the Autobahn can save over 20c a litre sometimes!

If driving through Austria, don't forget you will need a Vignette, but i doubt you will be?

wongthecorrupter

Original Poster:

2,382 posts

170 months

Thursday 17th April 2014
quotequote all
Did you find super unleaded in most fuel stations, i always use shell v power, but i do not think i will get that at every fuel stop

Cats

993 posts

173 months

Thursday 17th April 2014
quotequote all
Don't forget to get your satnav adapted so that you don't pick up the speed cameras in France. Big fines and confiscation of aparatus apparently. I understand that Tomtom give / provide a certificate when you upload the modified software. Not tried it myself mind.

Tuscan Wil

417 posts

185 months

Thursday 17th April 2014
quotequote all
wongthecorrupter said:
Hi thanks

i was planning on going down to Monaco then head back up towards Baden Baden and the black forest
I did the exact trip two years ago, but opposite direction, due to the Ring public track day. Have your car serviced first would be a good idea. Most things you need have been mentioned. Don't forget the engine oil too and a Jerry can. I ran out of petrol in Monaco, when I was doing a Singapore style GP. getmecoat

jayemm89

4,003 posts

129 months

Thursday 17th April 2014
quotequote all
wongthecorrupter said:
Did you find super unleaded in most fuel stations, i always use shell v power, but i do not think i will get that at every fuel stop
Yes, it is very easy to find over there. Bear in mind that what they call "super" is what we call regular. You can often get 93 octane over there too. Fortunately most pumps have the octane number written on them so it is easy to see what you're getting. What we call Super, they usually call "Super Plus" or similar.

You can also find 100 or even 102 octane over there, I usually treat my cars to at least a tank of that and it isn't as hideously priced as you think it might be. I believe a lot of ARAL stations have 102. I think I paid about 1.70 euros a litre for it or something. Worth it just for bragging rights smile

If I'm not mistaken though, I don't believe the TVR has any knock sensors to really take advantage of the better fuel?

wongthecorrupter

Original Poster:

2,382 posts

170 months

Thursday 17th April 2014
quotequote all
jayemm89 said:
Yes, it is very easy to find over there. Bear in mind that what they call "super" is what we call regular. You can often get 93 octane over there too. Fortunately most pumps have the octane number written on them so it is easy to see what you're getting. What we call Super, they usually call "Super Plus" or similar.

You can also find 100 or even 102 octane over there, I usually treat my cars to at least a tank of that and it isn't as hideously priced as you think it might be. I believe a lot of ARAL stations have 102. I think I paid about 1.70 euros a litre for it or something. Worth it just for bragging rights smile

If I'm not mistaken though, I don't believe the TVR has any knock sensors to really take advantage of the better fuel?
Superb, thanks a lot that has put my mind at ease

jayemm89

4,003 posts

129 months

Thursday 17th April 2014
quotequote all
My pleasure smile

If you are super-paranoid about it, use the site I linked to earlier and you can find exactly what is stocked by which petrol station.

I don't know how you are getting over there, but make sure not to use the first or last petrol station in any country - they are hideously overpriced!

wongthecorrupter

Original Poster:

2,382 posts

170 months

Thursday 17th April 2014
quotequote all
jayemm89 said:
My pleasure smile

If you are super-paranoid about it, use the site I linked to earlier and you can find exactly what is stocked by which petrol station.

I don't know how you are getting over there, but make sure not to use the first or last petrol station in any country - they are hideously overpriced!
We drive down to the tunnel from just north of Birmingham on the Friday night and we get the tunnel on Saturday morning. We will use almost a tank before we get out of the country.

R7EBO

501 posts

141 months

Friday 18th April 2014
quotequote all
Take some tools, but don't leave them in the boot! My first fuel stop in Germany the boot release wouldn't work & my tools were locked in there, so had to borrow a screwdriver to access via an alternative method.

You will also need a vignette if you drive in Switzerland & from experience is cheaper to buy before hand than at a checkpoint.

CHECK YOUR WHEEL BALANCES IF USING THE AUTOBAHNS!!

I run my Tuscan on 'normal' unleaded every day as per the owners manual & I can't tell any difference to using super, so don't worry about it.

Have a great time!

s p a c e m a n

10,752 posts

147 months

Friday 18th April 2014
quotequote all
You don't need a breathalyser anymore, well there is still a requirement to carry one but it is no longer enforced and there is no fine for not having one..

January 2013 - the French government announced that the implementation of the sanction for drivers not carrying a breathalyser – a fine of €11 – has been postponed indefinitely.

wongthecorrupter

Original Poster:

2,382 posts

170 months

Saturday 19th April 2014
quotequote all
Thanks you have all been very helpfull. I'm really looking forward to it