There are certain items that you must carry when driving abroad – here’s a selection, along with other equipment we’d recommend taking with you
KNOW-HOW // CONTINENTAL TRAVEL
UK STICKER
Following Brexit, the rules covering which country stickers you must display have changed. The GB sticker is no longer valid, and the UK sticker is its replacement. The AA says these must be at least 80mm high, with a stroke width of 10mm.
Price £3.99 Web halfords.com
HEADLIGHT DEFLECTORS
It’s easy to forget to fit these, but you can be fined (and potentially cause other drivers problems) if you don’t use headlight beam deflectors in a right-hand-drive car when you can’t alter the beams via the dash.
Be sure to fit them before you leave the ferry/Channel Tunnel, even if it’s not dark when you do so.
Price £4.99 Web amazon.co.uk
WARNING TRIANGLE
An essential in most countries, you should carry a good-quality warning triangle at all times, and be sure to use it if you break down, to alert other drivers to the hazard. Keep it somewhere within easy reach inside your tow car. Bear in mind that you’ll require two warning triangles if you’re touring in Spain.
Price £9.99 Web halfords.com
FIRE EXTINGUISHER
You should always carry a fire extinguisher in your caravan (located close to hand in the event of an emergency). It’s worth checking that the expiry date on yours hasn’t passed; it will need replacing if it has.
This 1kg Streetwize unit from Towsure comes with an installation bracket.
Price £19.95 Web towsure.com
FIRST-AID KIT
A good first-aid kit is another essential that you should carry at all times, and it’s also worth checking that the expiry date of the contents hasn’t passed. Always make sure that you replace any items that you use as soon as possible – it’s easy to forget and then be left short when you next need a plaster, bandage or antiseptic wipe.
Price £12 Web halfords.com
WINTER TYRES OR SNOW CHAINS
A legal requirement in some countries, you should double check whether you will require winter tyres or snow chains before you set off.
You’ll also need to know the exact size of your wheels before you buy.
Price From about £50 for snow chains, depending on size Web amazon.co.uk
HEADLIGHT BULBS
If your headlight bulb blows while you’re on tour abroad, you could end up receiving a fine, so it’s sensible (and a legal requirement in some countries) to carry some spares. A universal-fit set, such as this AA example, is a good idea, but before buying, double check that the bulbs contained in it will suit your tow car and caravan – and make sure that you know how to
