Pre Le Mans Vantage Prep

[jonamv8]

Other than detailing the hell out of it I've got most things covered. Couple of questions if anyone would be kind enough to advise:

1. Mandatory requirement to carry spare bulbs in France - Is this headlamps or rears as well? The rears are LED (I think) so if they are required where does that leave me in the event of getting pulled by Gendarmerie? Front lights - where is the best place to get a spare bulb?

2. First Aid kit only advised - My 911 had one, do Astons? I've never found one? Where might it be if there is one?

3. I have Extended Warranty, does this cover me fully in Europe for breakdown recovery, replacement hire car etc etc

Thanks in advance

[George H]

First aid kit is an option, I would assume it is in the boot, never had to use mine.

Do you not require a fluorescent vest per passanger to drive in France too? I know you do in Spain but unsure about France.

[JohnG1]

First aid kit - behind the seats under the flat panel where the battery sits. Battery is behind driver, first aid kit on the other side if it's been bought (not a standard item).

[Southwestdave]

You do need a fluorescent jacket for each person in the car. They also need to be kept in the car, not in the boot.

[macpaul]

Whatever the law may be, I've never had any French policemen show the slightest interest in lightbulbs, jackets, headlight alignment, anything, except fining us.

My experience is up to limit + 30kph = 90 Euros

Limit + 31 kph = 700 Euros. Cash.

As 'etrangers' we get an extra 10kph allowance on top of the locals' figures according to one bloke who stopped me.

There still aren't many policiers on the roads but there's a lot more than there used to be.

Enjoy, but keep your eyes open.

[Neil1300R]

jonamv8 said:

Other than detailing the hell out of it I've got most things covered. Couple of questions if anyone would be kind enough to advise:

1. Mandatory requirement to carry spare bulbs in France - Is this headlamps or rears as well? The rears are LED (I think) so if they are required where does that leave me in the event of getting pulled by Gendarmerie? Front lights - where is the best place to get a spare bulb?

2. First Aid kit only advised - My 911 had one, do Astons? I've never found one? Where might it be if there is one?

3. I have Extended Warranty, does this cover me fully in Europe for breakdown recovery, replacement hire car etc etc

Thanks in advance

1. yes mandatory. Bt of a waste of time as like you say the rear is LED, so can't be replaced. Fronts / indcators are with the 'toolkit' behind passenger seat under the little shelf next to the battery. - assuming its not a roadster. If you have none, just buy a couple of bulbs - no need to get the right omnes as you wont be able to change them at the roadside anyway
2. First aid kit is mandatory - can buy them at hellfrauds/ chunnel shop / on board ferry.
3. yes extended warranty does cover breakdown in Europe.

Legally only need a fluorescent jacket for the driver in France - advised to have one each. Keep it in the cabin not in the boot.
Speeding - same rules as the UK - its OK as fast as you want, just don't get caught! Its the getting caught you get fined for

[oblio]

Th AA website is good for what you need etc and the laws of each country from memory

[jonamv8]

Cool - Thanks guys.

Have the hi-vis vests, didn't realise my spare bulbs were in the toolkit will go and have a look at those now.

[clorenzen]

Last bit of advice: Check with your insurance company whether they need notification if you take the car abroad.

[Good Soil (Pete)]

Here you go.....

http://www.maplin.co.uk/high-brightness-red-leds-2...

44 of the queens English pence!
:-)

That's the rear bulb taken care of......pelase let me know if you need my 'help' in any other matters!

[David W.]

I take copy of all relevant docs + 1 hi-viz and a generic bulb kit that I found cheap at a local parts counter, I read somewhere about a fire extinguisher too but haven't bothered with this in the past.

[Neil1300R]

Forgot to ask, are you going by ferry or Chunnel? if the latter absolutely refuse to go on the top deck. They will not mind and will load you on the lower deck.

[jonamv8]

Neil - why is that mate?

[George H]

Would it not be for the salt water? Doesn't do metal any good.

[Neil1300R]

Top deck involves a really nasty steep slope / ramp with a slight turn at the top. You can see fk all, so will almost certainly scrape the alloys. Lower deck OK, but take it slow its still a bit eighties crap pop group (Tight Fit). Couple of inches per side. I put the wing mirros in when going past the stairs etc.
You don't need to pre book the lower deck, just ask the loaders if they try to put you on the top deck. To be fair they normally know and will direct you to lower deck.
Oh, and everyone appreciates the Aston with Fuse22 out driving through the train

[V8LM]

Easier to go in the high-vehicle lane.

[GingerWizard]

when you book always state you will have a bike on the roof.

I use it every day to go to work.

Car, + roof bike, = highline carriages, easy on the supercar, I see them every day.