Drive from UK to Northern Spain (Salou)

pd001

Before you all say 'don't do it', I fancy driving to the Salou area.

I have never driven abroad so any decent tips would be appreciated.
IE, where to go for a puncture repair? Do the French / Spanish have their own versions of kwikfit etc?
I realise that I will need European breakdown cover but how does it work?
If I have a major breakdown then even though my car still has a manufacturers warranty over here, does it cover me in France and Spain.

I already know about the hi viz thing, the headlight beam benders, spare bulb kit, breathalyser (not clear on that one though)

Anyway, plenty to go at there. All useful advice would be appreciated.

richardw

How much will the fuel be?

benjus

There are plenty of Kwik-Fit style places in France and Spain. A big one in France is called Feu Vert, can't remember the Spanish ones off the top of my head. They are unlikely to be open 7 days a week like they are here, though.

European breakdown cover - just call the number they give you if you break down and they will contact a local recovery firm.

Warranty - don't know - you'll need to check the T&C.

You'll also need a warning triangle, and a set of spare bulbs is a good idea. Check AA website etc for a full list. The breathalyser isn't actually needed.

Make sure you budget for both fuel and tolls, which can add up to quite a lot if you're using the motorways (viamichelin is a good site for pricing journeys). Of course you can take the smaller roads but it'll take a fair bit longer.

zagfles

pd001 wrote: »

Before you all say 'don't do it', I fancy driving to the Salou area.

I have never driven abroad so any decent tips would be appreciated.
IE, where to go for a puncture repair? Do the French / Spanish have their own versions of kwikfit etc?

What, you mean places to avoid

I realise that I will need European breakdown cover but how does it work?
If I have a major breakdown then even though my car still has a manufacturers warranty over here, does it cover me in France and Spain.

Probably, check the terms.

I already know about the hi viz thing, the headlight beam benders, spare bulb kit, breathalyser (not clear on that one though)

You're supposed to have a couple for France though I think they can't yet do anything if you don't have them. But they're cheap so you may as well order a couple.

Anyway, plenty to go at there. All useful advice would be appreciated.

Make sure you understand the road rules, particularly stuff like town borders mean 50kph speed limit, yellow diamond, lower drink-drive limits etc. Oh, and drive on the right

missbiggles1

I'd try a short trip first before committing to driving such a long distance.

InsideInsurance

pd001 wrote: »

breathalyser (not clear on that one though)

Thats because its currently in limbo. Its a legal requirement to carry one but there is currently no consequence for not having one. Similar to the story last week of the young girl cycling on the pavement here where she is committing a criminal offence by cycling on a pavement but her age means she cannot commit an offence


Read the rules on the likes of the AA website for each country you intend to drive through. Be aware that in some countries "on the spot fines" are literal in that you have to pay on the spot or will be taken to a cashpoint to get the money to pay if you dont have an acceptable method of payment on you.

Some countries are also much more strict on enforcing their rules on foreign motorists than we are

As with others, not sure on how international manufacturers warranties are.

mgdavid

Wanting to do it is half the battle, so you'll be fine
Depending on where in the UK you start from it's a pleasant 2-day drive. Or do it in one hit with 2 drivers, it's only 12 hours actual driving from Calais. Or make the journey part of the holiday and take 3 days either way. Whichever, you'll see and learn more about France and Spain than anyone who flies.
Car warranty abroad will depend - talk to your dealer or manufacturer. What make is it? Some will honour FOC warranty anywhere, others will want you to pay at a franchised garage and claim it back in the UK.

maman

We've done that trip, actually further down the Costa Dorada. I'd recommend making a holiday of the trip as well as the time spent in Salou. So perhaps allow best part of a week for the trip there and back. You can do it more quickly but you'll see far more of the countryside taking your time.

agrinnall

If you, or any driver, wear glasses for driving then you are supposed to have a spare pair in the car in France - no idea what the likelihood of a punishment for not having them is though.

pd001

I have pressed all of your thanks buttons.
I will try and deal with all of he points that have been brought up so far.

Fuel cost...
Not only that to take into account, but road toll fees to factor in too.
Not really bothered about the cost. We did a return trip to the south of France a couple of years ago by using land based public transport. Not cheap but great fun.

Starting point...
Manchester, so therefore we ll be taking the outward and return trip over 2 days each. The total driving time is about 18 hours non stop but, of course, we will be stopping now and then, and overnight.

Puncture repairs..
nice to know that France at least has a national chain of repairers

European breakdown cover..
Just wondering if it covers repatriation should the need arise. I will look into this further.

Warranty..
I drive a Kia so I will take this up with them.

Warning triangles..
got that.

Breathalyser...
got that

All other bits stuff...
I was aware of the spare glasses in the vehicle thing. A hi viz for each occupant of the vehicle must also be available to put on whilst in the vehicle, before you get out of it. A spare bulb kit is also required as is a copy of the insurance document and the vehicle registration certificate.

Keep it coming

zagfles

Most decent European breakdown cover will include repatriation of vehicle if it's damaged and can't be driven, or if the only driver is taken ill and can't drive. Check the terms of course, but it's likely to be covered.