What to Check Before Driving Abroad This Summer

Planning a European road trip this summer? Whether you're heading through France, Spain, Italy, or beyond, a detailed driving abroad checklist can make all the difference.

At Gerry Caffrey Motors, we regularly help Dublin motorists get their cars ready for holiday driving. From checking tyres to ensuring your paperwork and other important documents are in order, taking the time to prepare helps you avoid unnecessary stress once you're on the road.

If you're driving a Suzuki Vitara, Swift, or S-Cross, here's everything you should check before leaving Ireland.

Why Preparing Your Car Before a European Road Trip Matters

Long-distance driving places different demands on your vehicle than everyday commuting around Dublin and South Dublin. You'll likely cover hundreds of kilometres in warmer temperatures, carry extra luggage such as spare fuel, and spend long hours on motorways and scenic routes.

In our experience, most people find that many issues interrupting summer holidays could have been prevented with a simple car inspection before departure.

A little preparation now can save time, little money, and hassle once you're abroad.

Book a Car Inspection Before You Leave

A thorough car inspection is one of the smartest things you can do before travelling abroad.

Check the following before setting off:

  • Air conditioning
  • Lights and indicators, including replacement bulbs
  • Belts and hoses
  • Battery condition
  • Windscreen washer fluid
  • Brake fluid
  • Coolant and antifreeze
  • Engine oil

If your vehicle is due a service or your NCT is approaching, it's worth getting everything sorted before your holiday.

We often see customers assume their car is fine because it handles short journeys around Dublin with no issues. Long motorway drives and higher summer temperatures can quickly expose worn tyres, ageing batteries, or brakes that need attention.

Check Your Tyres

Your tyres are one of the most important safety features on your vehicle.

Before travelling, inspect:

  • Spare wheel (if fitted)
  • Uneven wear
  • Sidewall damage
  • Tread depth
  • Tyre pressure

Irish roads can be wet and unpredictable, while continental Europe often means hotter road surfaces and extended motorway driving. Correct tyre pressures improve fuel economy, braking performance, and comfort throughout your trip.

If you're travelling with a fully loaded boot, remember to check your manufacturer's recommended tyre pressures for additional weight.

Make Sure Your Vehicle Documents Are Ready

Before driving abroad, make sure you have all the necessary important documents with you.

This should include:

  • Ferry or travel bookings
  • Passport
  • Travel insurance documents (travel insurance also covers health emergencies abroad)
  • European breakdown assistance information and breakdown cover details
  • Insurance green card if applicable (note: UK drivers do not need to carry a green card for EU insurance, but it’s worth double checking)
  • Motor insurance details (confirm your insurance cover with your insurance company or insurance provider)
  • Vehicle registration certificate (a must-have among other important documents)
  • Driving licence (check if you need an international driving permit for certain countries)

It's worth double checking that your insurance policy covers driving in a foreign country and notifying your insurance company or insurance provider before you leave home. Some insurance providers require this to ensure full insurance cover abroad.

If your vehicle is recently imported or newly registered in Ireland, ensure all VRT and Revenue documentation is fully completed before leaving the country.

Know the Local Driving Rules and Legal Requirements

Every European country has its own driving regulations and laws.

Depending on where you're travelling, you may need to carry:

  • Toll passes or motorway vignettes
  • Environmental stickers
  • Fire extinguisher (required by law in certain countries)
  • Spare bulbs and replacement bulbs
  • Headlamp beam deflectors (adjust headlights for driving on the right side of the road)
  • Warning triangle
  • High-visibility jackets (usually one for each passenger)

Be aware of applicable restrictions like speed limits (usually in kilometres per hour), drink-driving laws, mobile phone usage rules, and minimum legal driving ages (often 18). It's worth double checking these details ahead of your trip to avoid fines or penalties.

Also, familiarise yourself with local traffic signs and rules to drive safely and legally at your destination.

Prepare for Different Driving Conditions

Irish weather doesn't always prepare us for driving in 30°C heat.

Check Your Air Conditioning

A properly working air conditioning system keeps everyone comfortable and helps reduce driver fatigue during long journeys.

Inspect the Cooling System

Your engine cooling system works much harder during summer motorway driving than it does on shorter trips around Ireland.

Check coolant levels and watch for any signs of overheating before you leave.

Pack a Travel Pack and Emergency Kit

It's always worth carrying a travel pack containing:

  • Basic tools and games for passengers
  • Jump leads
  • High-visibility vests
  • Torch
  • Phone charger and mobile phone
  • Drinking water and spare fuel
  • First aid kit (mandatory in many EU countries)
  • Important documents and other items

Hopefully, you won't need them, but they're invaluable if something unexpected happens.

Insurance and Breakdown Cover

Check that your insurance cover includes driving abroad and European breakdown cover.

Some insurance policies may require you to purchase additional cover for the rental car excess or breakdown cover overseas.

European breakdown cover is worth double checking, as it can save you paying for expensive repairs or repatriation of your vehicle. Some policies cover repairs over £500 or vehicle repatriation.

What to Do in Case of an Accident or Repairs Abroad

If you're involved in an accident, contact your insurance company immediately and report the incident.

Make sure to exchange contact details with other parties and take photos of the damage.

Keep emergency contact numbers handy and know the local emergency services number.

If your car needs repairs, check if your insurance provider or breakdown cover includes roadside assistance or replacement vehicles.

Is Your Suzuki Ready for Holiday Driving?

Suzuki vehicles have built a strong reputation for reliability, efficiency, and practicality, making them an excellent choice for a European road trip.

Suzuki Vitara

The Vitara offers excellent comfort, generous luggage space, and efficient fuel economy, making it ideal for family holidays and adventurous weekend journeys.

Suzuki S-Cross

The S-Cross combines practicality with modern driver assistance features, helping make long motorway journeys more relaxed.

Suzuki Swift

Compact, economical, and easy to park, the Swift is a fantastic option for couples exploring European cities and coastal routes.

In our experience, Suzuki owners appreciate the confidence that comes from driving a dependable vehicle when travelling abroad.

Thinking About Upgrading Before Your Holiday?

If your current vehicle is beginning to show its age, upgrading before your summer trip could make every journey more enjoyable.

At Gerry Caffrey Motors in Terenure, Dublin 6W, we stock a carefully selected range of new and premium used cars including Suzuki models. We also offer flexible finance options and welcome trade-ins, making it easier to upgrade before your next adventure.

Whether you're planning one European road trip or regular family holidays, a newer vehicle can provide improved safety, greater fuel efficiency, and extra peace of mind.