Road trip to Germany - considerations?
Discussion
Aside from making sure insurance is sorted, I already have European breakdown cover because of the Range Rover but I'm taking the 435 so don't think I'd need it but it's peace of mind. I'm doing this mid-November, car is being serviced just before and I'm replacing 2 front tyres which are currently on about 5mm and slightly worn on the edges.
Will be getting into Calais and heading towards Dusseldorf, would you go North of Brussels or South?
From Dusseldorf, we'll be heading to Cologne and then on to Asslar. From Asslar, West to Nurburgring
From Nurburgring, back up towards Cologne then back towards Calais.
Given the various borders, does anyone have any advice? I've never done anything like this before!
Will be getting into Calais and heading towards Dusseldorf, would you go North of Brussels or South?
From Dusseldorf, we'll be heading to Cologne and then on to Asslar. From Asslar, West to Nurburgring
From Nurburgring, back up towards Cologne then back towards Calais.
Given the various borders, does anyone have any advice? I've never done anything like this before!
Thanks guys, I've driven in Europe before albeit in a hire car, and I've done the Autobahn in an S65 AMG
What I haven't done is drive my own car and never the distance taking in a few different countries. I guess I'll be a bit more conspicuous but I don't plan on breaking any speed limits but do plan on enjoying the unrestricted sections.
I've not called my insurance yet, any guesses on how much they'll want to sting me for as until I get home I can't check documents to see what is covered? Really looking forward to it, should be an experience and hopefully the fact I'm visiting nice places including the Nurgurgring should make it seem less like work.
I've done some looking into separate insurance for the 'ring but again any advice appreciated.
But thanks for all the advice thus far, not sure what to do about winter tyres to be honest and I'm not taking the RR as it kind of defeats the object and it probably wouldn't make it there and back anyway!
What I haven't done is drive my own car and never the distance taking in a few different countries. I guess I'll be a bit more conspicuous but I don't plan on breaking any speed limits but do plan on enjoying the unrestricted sections.
I've not called my insurance yet, any guesses on how much they'll want to sting me for as until I get home I can't check documents to see what is covered? Really looking forward to it, should be an experience and hopefully the fact I'm visiting nice places including the Nurgurgring should make it seem less like work.
I've done some looking into separate insurance for the 'ring but again any advice appreciated.
But thanks for all the advice thus far, not sure what to do about winter tyres to be honest and I'm not taking the RR as it kind of defeats the object and it probably wouldn't make it there and back anyway!
TroubledSoul said:
It's great though, enjoy it 
Thanks, really looking forward to it, seems a shame to have to break up this road trip with meetings 
Thanks everyone who has helped, hopefully I have all bases covered in terms of what I need to be carrying with me and what I need to be aware of.
I'll have some fairly expensive gear in the boot which if broken by taking an unexpected corner too fast would result in the entire trip being a complete waste of time. It's likely the only time I'll want to put the foot down is on an autobahn on the way back.
Biggest thing I've taken from this is that I should probably check the weather forecast before I leave so I don't get stuck anywhere in Germany without winter tyres!
Thought I'd update from my hotel room in Asslar.
Left just after 5am on Monday, had to go via Gloucester and Central London for a couple of meetings then headed down to the tunnel. Popped into Halfords in Folkstone for the magnetic GB plate, breathalysers etc then got straight through. We had flexiplus tickets so it was painless (apart from having the car explored top to bottom). We got on 3rd in line and got straight off. We had to be in Dusseldorf yesterday morning but didn't fancy driving all the way so we stopped in Liege which was nice.
Monday night...
Had a day in Dusseldorf then drove the 1hr 45min journey to Asslar which is where I am now. Have a meeting this morning then off to the 'ring - we'll be driving back tomorrow morning, will have to get all the way as close to London as possible as have another meeting 9am Friday.
The car loved being home, and loved the autobahn, treated it to 2 tanks of BP Ultimate 102 which I know will make no difference but couldn't help myself.
Driving is actually very easy, especially with it being mostly motorway, through the towns etc it's no trouble remembering which side of the road you have to be on, was worrying my brain might not work properly with being in my own car.
Standard of driving in Germany is wonderful, Belgium wasn't so great.
Left just after 5am on Monday, had to go via Gloucester and Central London for a couple of meetings then headed down to the tunnel. Popped into Halfords in Folkstone for the magnetic GB plate, breathalysers etc then got straight through. We had flexiplus tickets so it was painless (apart from having the car explored top to bottom). We got on 3rd in line and got straight off. We had to be in Dusseldorf yesterday morning but didn't fancy driving all the way so we stopped in Liege which was nice.
Monday night...
Had a day in Dusseldorf then drove the 1hr 45min journey to Asslar which is where I am now. Have a meeting this morning then off to the 'ring - we'll be driving back tomorrow morning, will have to get all the way as close to London as possible as have another meeting 9am Friday.
The car loved being home, and loved the autobahn, treated it to 2 tanks of BP Ultimate 102 which I know will make no difference but couldn't help myself.
Driving is actually very easy, especially with it being mostly motorway, through the towns etc it's no trouble remembering which side of the road you have to be on, was worrying my brain might not work properly with being in my own car.
Standard of driving in Germany is wonderful, Belgium wasn't so great.
Edited by AB on Thursday 15th November 07:06
Today was a fun day.
https://i.imgur.com/KaqZxxp.mp4
https://i.imgur.com/o6jMxcV.mp4
https://i.imgur.com/KaqZxxp.mp4
https://i.imgur.com/o6jMxcV.mp4
Edited by AB on Thursday 15th November 20:48
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