2,500mile journey in a 14yr old punto 60...

[Sam574]

As the title states, in August I will be driving to and around France for 3 and a bit weeks. I will be having the car checked over by a trusted mechanic but is there anything I should be made aware of driving a little engined car at or above 70mph for around 80% of the journey, and is there anything I can do to increase my chance of making the whole journey with car in one piece? Also anything to make it more efficient? (other than "get a better car" or "walk") I appreciate that I probably have one of the worst selected cars considering my plan but as always any advice would be greatly appreciated

P.s. it will be fully serviced!

 

[austenw90]

I'm no expert but would probably consider a few things...

Go careful how much luggage you have in the car. More weight will put a great deal more stress on the engine, especially a 60hp. Ensure you have a bottle of coolant in the boot as well. Make sure you breakdown cover will cover you in Europe (and insurance.. give them a call if your not sure, they usually do) and have the proper breakdown kit you need for driving in Europe (hi viz, triangle, spare bulbs etc). Don't worry about breathalizers yet as the law isn't going to be enforced until November.

Oh and make sure you have GB on your number plate or a sticker.

The french police are notorious for picking on british motorists so watch your speed!

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas/driving-abroad-whats-new-2012.html

 

[PuntoHowTo]

Worth noting that the speed limits on french motorways is 130kph or 80mph so you'll find yourself doing much faster than you planned you will get people bully you if you don't stick to the speed limits

The normal rules of roundabouts don't apply

Would be well worth changing the coolant in your car for fresh and flushing the radiator well to minimize overheating problems

 

[Sam574]

Thanks for this, I am insured and breakdown covered (holy grammar skillz), planning on getting the breakdown kit as well as the headlight lens things, yeah I didn't think to take anything like coolant in the car, will do along with oil and a nice bottle of water .

Aware of the autoroutes being speeds upto 80mph, Punto can handle that, but if need be people can bully all they like, I'm pretty sure in August they'll be plenty of caravans in the slow lanes to follow beind

So this mission isn't impossible then? I can borrow a Stilo which I think would cope better on the motorways but it does 6-7mpg less than the punto!

 

[AppleSei]

You need a hi viz vest also if you are driving in mainland europe

Mission impossible? with a fully serviced car? Dead easy

Try driving to czech republic doing it in an 18yr old mondeo with a knackered alternator changing the battery every hour