Europe - what do I need to know?
Discussion
Hi
I usually take the plane to go skiing in Austria, but it occurred to me why not think about driving, and the satnav says it is only 950miles away.
So that got me thinking, what do I need to have on my car to make it Europe-compliant. I was thinking of taking the DB9 but the problem here is space for skis (I would welcome your thoughts on this and how you did it), whereas my other car has space and it also has winter tyres and GB on the number plates, so I was thinking that is more prudent for such a journey.
I would be grateful to hear what I need. I basically need to to go through France, Germany and then into Austria so any thoughts including members who have possibly done this trip or gone into Europe and what they did to their cars would be well received.
Neil
I usually take the plane to go skiing in Austria, but it occurred to me why not think about driving, and the satnav says it is only 950miles away.
So that got me thinking, what do I need to have on my car to make it Europe-compliant. I was thinking of taking the DB9 but the problem here is space for skis (I would welcome your thoughts on this and how you did it), whereas my other car has space and it also has winter tyres and GB on the number plates, so I was thinking that is more prudent for such a journey.
I would be grateful to hear what I need. I basically need to to go through France, Germany and then into Austria so any thoughts including members who have possibly done this trip or gone into Europe and what they did to their cars would be well received.
Neil
Looks like if your really determined to take the 9 skiing, there is a way!!!
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=950...
http://www.thelotusforums.com/forums/topic/50788-w...
http://forums.finalgear.com/general-automotive/wha...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=950...
http://www.thelotusforums.com/forums/topic/50788-w...
http://forums.finalgear.com/general-automotive/wha...
In my experiences with the Gendarmes (and there have been a few believe me) as long as you have MOT, insurance and driving license on you and the car is in good condition (tyres etc) you will have no bother. Technically you should have spare bulbs etc and a Europe kit from Halfords will contain other bits such as fluorescent jacket. In reality, I have never been asked for any of those things, they are simply interested in the legal documents and that the car is roadworthy. The funniest one was where they brought in a law that everyone should carry a breathalyser, yet there was no penalty for not carrying one! Needless to say it's being repealed.
There have been issues with cars not carrying snow chains being turned back by the Gendarmes on the way to ski stations if the conditions are bad.
On the whole I find the French plod a lot less pedantic than British plod, particularly if you drive an Aston, they love them!
There have been issues with cars not carrying snow chains being turned back by the Gendarmes on the way to ski stations if the conditions are bad.
On the whole I find the French plod a lot less pedantic than British plod, particularly if you drive an Aston, they love them!
If you are looking at it as "only" 950 miles it is pointless driving as you are noth thinking about enjoying the drive
If you are sure you want to drive the AA link above is good, you might want to think a Sanef tag to save time at tolls
If you are sure you want to drive the AA link above is good, you might want to think a Sanef tag to save time at tolls
Edited by mikey k on Saturday 18th January 13:52
mikey k said:
you might want to think a Sanef tag to save time at tolls
If you're going across France, a Sanef tag is definitely worth getting. And if you're travelling via the Eurotunnel (why wouldn't you???), then you can get it a bit cheaper here: https://www.saneftolling.co.uk/Eurotunnel-Le-Shutt...Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff