Tips for European Driving

[dave]

I am planning a holiday to France & Italy at the beginning of June in my 1 year old 450 and wonder what spare parts I should take.I plan to take spare belts and a fan switch. Has anyone any other suggestions??

[HIGHLANDER]

Suggest you take some spare fan fuses, coolant hoses, Mobil 1 and coolant for top-ups. Note that superunleaded is not available in Italy (no probs. in France)so it might be worth taking some octane booster. Arrange for roaming on your mobile phone - expensive but gives you the freedom to call in any emergencies. Oh, and don't forget the sunscreen for top down motoring. We did 3750 mile on the continent last summer - great !! A TVR experience you won't forget.

[trefor]

Cableties and extra cans of tyre sealant might be useful too. Maybe some of that exhaust repair bandage stuff to fix and blown hoses (you never know). Oh, and join the AA. T/.

[richb]

I'll back up the need for some zippy-ties. My throttle cable bust in France a few years ago and I managed to effect a decent trepair with them which lasted some 3 weeks until I replaced the cable!

[.Mark]

Other tips for european driving... 1) Remove indicator stalk and wing mirrors. 2) Rig lights so they are constantly on full beam. 3) Rig horn so it stays stuck on. 4) Drive like a nutter weaving in and out of traffic tapping the side of your head in frustration. 5) Stop and stare - REALLY HARD - at anyone with foriegn number plates. Following the above simple rules should ensure you have a marvellous time fitting in with nicely with our european counterparts.

[andyr]

I've done it a couple of times, and am heading for Umbria again at the end of may. Fuses, and knowing how to wire the fans on full-time are the most important things! Watch out for petrol in Italy - there seem to be very few garages, and they keep going on strike ( I had to fill up from a tanker on one trip! ). Watch out for speeding in france - they take away your driving licence now. In Italy the police just wave. Dont forget to tell your insurance company. You will enjoy every minute of it - the roads are superb and empty. The trip over the Alps is amazing. Have fun!

[dave]

Highlander- where would I be able to obtain octane booster.Local TVR dealer was'nt able to advise and anyway they suggest OK to drive on premium unleaded.

[HIGHLANDER]

Dave, Must admit I have not used the stuff myself, but believe someone like Demon Tweeks might be able to help. When I was in Italy I used standard unleaded and took it easy - didn't have any problems. Not something I would do on a long term basis though. Alternatively I understand a dealer or TVR specialist can adjust the ignition timing to run on unleaded. Enjoy that holiday - best excitement available with your clothes on !

[apache]

Dave, if you've got a late model you should be able to run 95 octane unleaded without any probs