Many of us will be travelling abroad this year and will be taking our cars with us.

Doing so gives us the freedom and convenience to go where we like and at least we are familiar with the car we are driving if not the roads we will be travelling on.

If you are taking you car abroad this summer York Trading Standards advises that a few preparations beforehand may save headaches whilst away.

Remember to take all your paperwork with you - full and up to date driving licence, vehicle registration document and valid car insurance. You don't need an International Driving Permit if you are driving within the EU but it is compulsory in many other countries. If you have an old-style driving licence consider an International Driving Permit, or obtaining a new style licence because in some EU countries you may have difficulties with the older type of licence.

Check your insurance cover. Contact your insurance company to see if you get the same cover abroad as at home, and to let them know you will be driving your car abroad. Ask them for a European Accident Statement - you can use this if you are unfortunate enough to have an accident to record all the details you will need to make a claim.

Think about breakdown cover. Even if you don't have cover at home it is worth considering this for your time abroad to save you from being stranded if the worst happens. Take an emergency bulb kit with you. Bulbs always seem to go at night when you cannot get a replacement. In most countries you will need to carry a red warning triangle and in others a first-aid kit is compulsory. Find out before you go. Don't forget you will need a GB sticker and headlight deflectors.

Remember drink-driving limits and speed limits are different abroad, and that most countries impose on-the-spot fines for minor offences. If you want to use motorways abroad you may have to pay extra, either in tolls or by purchasing and displaying a disc. For the latest information contact tourist offices for the countries you are visiting or one of the motoring organisations.

Finally leaving yourself plenty of time to get wherever you are going will help you arrive at your destination safely and hopefully stress free.

For information on this or any other consumer matter contact City of York Trading Standards on 01904 551562 or call in at 9 St Leonard's Place, York. The fax number is 01904 551590 and the email address is trading.standards@york.gov.uk

Updated: 09:47 Thursday, June 27, 2002