I have my Greencard for France, most of my 2k will be done at night to maximise MPG and minimise traffic.

I'll swip a warning triangle from our Smart car, one less thing to buy. and I require advice on the other items.

First Aid kit, was just going to make up my own.

Spare bulbs, the kits for me are a waste as I have Xenon's, what do I need as a minimum?

Lens reflectors, was going to buy a standard Halford's kit but again because of the Xenon thang, anything I should look out for?

Fire Extinguisher, again a Halfords job.

Before the trip carry out the usual job's, air pressure, Oil check, water, diesel cannister, anything else?

Cheers

Des

Before the trip carry out the usual job's, air pressure, Oil check, water, diesel cannister, anything else?

An up-to-date map covering your route?

Chris

Take coolant, oil and brake fluid too - unless you know enough French to buy them.

I've been told that you can't put lens reflectors on xenon headlights as they get so hot they will melt the reflector. You will need to ge the headlight aim changed at Skoda or an MOT testing centre. (so I'm told, it be a load of rubbibsh), worth looking into though.

sounds like you're pretty much sorted, and the Fabia should do just fine..

i'm just back from 16 countries, 6500 miles in 13 days in a £300 18year old BMW-never gave it a second thought!

dont bother with maps,use this instead-

Church= Your on the right road

Fountain= you're at the middle of wherever you are (IE town centre)

Do not forget.. you're yellowy/green night jacket

Provided you have passports and a credit card you can usually get by. However you may want to refer to the packing list on this link.

http://www.alpclub.dircon.co.uk/sumpack.htm

You will kick yourself if you're stopped and can't produce things like your MOT, insurance and V5/letter from the owner/leasing company confirming you are allowed to be driving the vehicle. Especially as the French police always carry guns...

You need to carry Hi-Viz yellow jackets in France now, incase of a break down. It's a legal requiremant and if you are stopped with out, there is a fine upto

Getting the xenons adjusted to point to the right is allegedly a real pain. I opted for Skoda lens covers from my main dealer and put Halfords beam deflectors on them to block out the left beam. They also do 'Touring' covers that have the beam deflectors printed on them. Check out the following thread:

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/fabia/xenons-beam-adaptors-driving-wrong-side/55627

I have 2 long 4 figure mileage trips to do in the next 8 weeks, so keep the tips coming.

Just had my tyres changed to cope with milage over next few weeks!

Taking all 4 "spare" wheels to Germany, but thats just so I have the option of what tyres to use, depending on the conditions. Think I may have to bring a damn big cloth as well to keep stuff in the cabin and not get muck anywhere.

You can get the xenon light beam switched over to RHD settings. I can post a note from the maintenance manual on how to do it, but it's real fiddly, requires thin thingers and should be done by a dealer (don't fancy electrocuting yourself).

I do wonder where the thought of hot temperature melting lens convers comes from when using xenon lights. XID bulbs dissipate far less thermal energy than halogen :confused:

Taking all 4 "spare" wheels to Germany, but thats just so I have the option of what tyres to use, depending on the conditions. Think I may have to bring a damn big cloth as well to keep stuff in the cabin and not get muck anywhere.

Funny you should say that, as if i go in the Fabia, i'll be taking 4 spares too

Just spotted this:

http://cars.uk.msn.com/news/car_news_article.aspx?cp-documentid=474726

Hewesy

Cruise Control

Cruise Control

Good job I have it then

Des

Below is my check list for the Furball & Cannonball, OBVIOUSLY more than you need but might give a few pointers

The RAC site is worth a scan & DONT FORGET the spare key, Ive seen a brit with his only key in his wifes bag in the boot !!!, took a dealer 2 days to get a spare key

Also take your log book, Insurance Certificate & if you have a card licence the paper bit as well, the foreign Police may ask for the log book, the swiss did for me a couple of weeks ago, & you will need the paper bit of your license should you break down & need a renter.

Watch out for speed traps, especially when you are coming back up through France, I saw 4 on one day a couple of weeks ago

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Things to take

Anything required legally in the countries we are visiting, the RAC site has a good country by country guide. http://www.rac.co.uk/web/travelservices/european_motoring_advisor/

Dont forget 2 luminous vests kept in the car, not in the boot (might not be reqd just in France)

First Aid Kit

Fire Extinguisher

Spare bulbs

Any parts that are known to be suspect on your car & can be carried easily

List showing where dealers for your car are located in the countries we are visiting if applicable

Full sized spare if your car has a space saver

Basic tool kit + a hammer (how often have you needed something heavy)

Check the jack & wheelbrace are servicable

Key for locknuts if fitted + a spare wheel nut

Selection of cable ties

Roll of duck tape

Halfords do a set of tapes to repair broken lenses in red orange etc, very usefull

Can of flat tyre inflator

Can of Petrol

Bottle of brake/clutch fluid

Spare set of car keys (not kept in the car)

Tow rope

A decent recovery insurance & check the small print, some include hire cars, some just include a taxi to the nearest airport & a standby budget flight home

Copious supply of Red Bull

A few non perishable snacks & some water

Decent maps, Michelin Europe is fairly comprehensive, **** navs Ok until you want to divert for a blocked road so a map as well is IMO essential

Hope this helps any novices

Below is my check list for the Furball & Cannonball, OBVIOUSLY more than you need but might give a few pointers

The RAC site is worth a scan & DONT FORGET the spare key, Ive seen a brit with his only key in his wifes bag in the boot !!!, took a dealer 2 days to get a spare key

Also take your log book, Insurance Certificate & if you have a card licence the paper bit as well, the foreign Police may ask for the log book, the swiss did for me a couple of weeks ago, & you will need the paper bit of your license should you break down & need a renter.

Watch out for speed traps, especially when you are coming back up through France, I saw 4 on one day a couple of weeks ago

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Things to take

Anything required legally in the countries we are visiting, the RAC site has a good country by country guide. http://www.rac.co.uk/web/knowhow/going_on_a_journey/driving_abroad/european_motoring_advisor/

Dont forget 2 luminous vests kept in the car, not in the boot (might not be reqd just in France)

First Aid Kit

Fire Extinguisher

Spare bulbs

Any parts that are known to be suspect on your car & can be carried easily

List showing where dealers for your car are located in the countries we are visiting if applicable

Full sized spare if your car has a space saver

Basic tool kit + a hammer (how often have you needed something heavy)

Check the jack & wheelbrace are servicable

Key for locknuts if fitted + a spare wheel nut

Selection of cable ties

Roll of duck tape

Halfords do a set of tapes to repair broken lenses in red orange etc, very usefull

Can of flat tyre inflator

Can of Petrol

Bottle of brake/clutch fluid

Spare set of car keys (not kept in the car)

Tow rope

A decent recovery insurance & check the small print, some include hire cars, some just include a taxi to the nearest airport & a standby budget flight home

Copious supply of Red Bull

A few non perishable snacks & some water

Decent maps, Michelin Europe is fairly comprehensive, **** navs Ok until you want to divert for a blocked road so a map as well is IMO essential

Hope this helps any novices

Hear you loud and clear on the Red Bull. I plan to take several outers of the Aldi equivalent.

I only have one set of keys, but I need them to lock the car from the outside so would never be able to lock them in.

Hear you loud and clear on the Red Bull. I plan to take several outers of the Aldi equivalent.

I only have one set of keys' date=' but I need them to lock the car from the outside so would never be able to lock them in. [/quote']

But you might loose them :eek: :eek: :eek:

Most people think spare bulb kits, hi viz jackets, warning triangles, ect and all that get are legall requirements in France. But it is an urban myth, take a look...

Requirements for driving in France from the RAC

The *only* things legally required are a GB sticker if you don't have Euro plates, insurance green card, and headlamp convertors... Everything, and I do mean *everything* else is advisory... And I'll bet you won't find any of it in a French car if you pulled one over!

Hmm watch it with red bull.

It's illegal in France now due to the amount of taurine and caffeine in it. A bit ironic considering coffee is one of the national drinks

Hmm watch it with red bull.

It's illegal in France now due to the amount of taurine and caffeine in it. A bit ironic considering coffee is one of the national drinks

From what I gather it can not be sold but you wont get tugged for drinking it, thats why I always take a couple of Cases, if you are in southern France & desperate you can get it in Monaco