Driving from England to Poland - what parts/mods do I need?

[Adam D]

Thanks so much, Justinitus!! ARGH rear mudflaps :-( - Hope they wont look too bad. Does anyone have them fitted? Will just get the rear ones then!
Didnt think you could change Xenons yourself, so I was surprised to see that they are obligatory!

Xenon/HID usually state in the manual that they should be replaced at the dealer and to continue your journey using the main beams. The high voltage system is regarded as a bit more dangerous than the 12v DC.

Are HID bulbs not £100 each?

 

[Justinitus]

Regarding the Xenon bulbs, I would have thought so too - I remember my Renault having stickers on the headlights saying they should only be changed by a professional mechanic...Maybe the requirement is to carry them and then if needed, they can be fitted at the roadside by a breakdown firm.

The rear mudflaps also sound a little odd for Poland, but both Lonely Planet and BMW Mag state they are needed and so does this:

http://www.drivingabroad.co.uk/content.aspx?page=driving-in-poland&navid=30

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/touring_tips/aa-compulsory-equipment-Jan2008.doc

Looks like it might be an idea to pack your registration document as well.

It all sounds a lot, but once underway I'm sure it will be a trip to remember!

 

[Andrew_Morris]

In BMW Car Mag this month it states you need rear mud flaps fitted for driving in Poland.....

My Lonely Planet guide also states:

Warning Triangle
Tow Rope (proper tow rope with eyeleted ends, not ordinary thick rope)
Fire Extinguiser in car cabin fixed to secure bracket and easily accessible (ie not behind seat but underneath front is ok)
If you wear glasses, A spare pair of prescription glasses (not sunglasses) to be kept inside car cabin (Belguim)
Spare bulbs (inc Xenon if you have them fitted)
Spare fuses
High-Vis Jackets - 1 for each passenger to be kept in car cabin
First Aid Kit
Blanket (Germany/Holland)
Rear Mudflaps (Poland)
Both Parts of UK Driving Licence
Insurance Documents inc Certificate (not copies)
GB Sticker or licence plate with EU blue bar and UK or GB in yellow print

It is illegal to run ot of fuel on the Autobahn
If travelling through Luxembourg, you have to flash your lights if overtaking at night

Good luck with the trip, the Salt Mines are well worth a visit near Krakow

I wonder how many of the clapped out, rustly old Polish cars that are on our local roads have brought that complete list with them on their trip to the west?

That wouldn't leave enough room for the paint brusher, brick hod and plumbing kit, 1980's clothing, and Lidl shopping bags