Vehicle condition

Tyres

• For motorway driving, your tyres should be inflated at a higher pressure than for ordinary roads.
  - The right pressure is given under "motorway pressure” on the front door plate and in the vehicle owner’s manual. You don’t need to deflate the tyres on leaving the motorway.
  Check the inflation pressure before setting out, with the tyres cold. If you check the pressure after driving 5 km or more, add 0.3 bar to the “motorway pressure" specification.
  - Don’t forget to check the pressure of the spare wheel too!
• Check the tyre wear. Worn tyres in wet weather greatly increase the risk of losing control over the vehicle.
  - Check tyre wear by examining the indicators in the tread grooves. If the tread is below the indicator level, your tyres need changing. (A tread depth of at least 1.6 mm is required by law.)
  - If you’re towing a caravan or trailer, check the pressure and wear of these tyres too.

Worth knowing:

• There are free automatic inflation stations at all main toll plazas.
• Correct tyre pressure is very important:
  - It reduces the risk of blowout.
  - It improves roadholding and braking on wet road surfaces.
  - It reduces fuel consumption.
  - It prolongs tyre life.

Think about it !

Vehicle equipment

• Indicators and lights: Make sure all lamps are working, and clean. (A dirty lamp is only half as bright.)
• Windows and mirrors: For good visibility, windows and mirrors must be clean.
• Load: Make sure any roof luggage is firmly attached. Don’t leave straps with loose ends to flap around. Load heavy items in the boot. Don’t place luggage on the rear shelf.
• Fluids: Check fuel, oil and other fluid levels.
• Useful items:
  - Cloths, gloves, spare bulbs, wiper fluid, oil, warning triangle, etc.
  - Torch and reflective vest.