Driving through Europe

Summer holidays are approaching, and many of us will travel by car to our destinations. In this miniseries, we will guide you through necessary preparations and present some of the most attractive holiday destinations. It’s time to pack up and hit the road!

4. 7. 2017 Škoda World

Observing the Earth from a high-flying plane has a certain charm, but if you want to be truly free on your vacation there is no better way than to drive. You decide the departure time, avoid boring hours at the airport awaiting check-in, and can pack a whole house (on wheels) if you need it. And the only children who may scream or cry on board will be your own. What’s more, when you see a beautiful panorama you can stop and admire it for as long as you like instead of just flying by at 800 km/h.

With its unlimited possibilities, travelling by car has many fans who criss-cross their home countries or travel across Europe for new experiences, rest and relaxation. In the following articles, we present to you seven European countries and their most attractive destinations. We also let you know about some local transportation particularities so that you can avoid unpleasant surprises along the way.

UPDATING MAPS IN YOUR SATNAV

Road networks are always changing. Travelling with an old map may lead to long and unnecessary detours, so it’s a good idea to update your navigation data regularly. For ŠKODA vehicles you can do so easily at updateportal.skoda-auto.com. After entering your car’s VIN code, the system automatically identifies which updates are necessary for your device and immediately makes them available to download from the comfort of your home. Online map updates are available for vehicles with MIB infotainment. For older vehicles, we recommend updating maps using the SD card available from any ŠKODA dealer.

	REFLECTIVE VEST These are mandatory in many countries, sometimes even for everyone in the vehicle. They’ll be useless at the bottom of the luggage compartment, so be sure to keep them within reach.
	NEXT SERVICE INSPECTION Check the date and kilometres remaining before your next regular service inspection. You don’t want to be worrying about it while travelling.
	SET OF REPLACEMENT BULBS You can’t drive in the dark. In some countries these are even mandatory. If you don’t feel up to changing them yourself, ŠKODA Assistance will help you free of charge.
	TYRE PRESSURE Tyres with too low or even too high pressure have a substantially negative impact on driving characteristics and occupant safety, and especially so when the car is fully loaded.
	WARNING TRIANGLE This is an absolute necessity and an integral part of a car’s mandatory equipment. It must be placed where it is easily visible at a distance of at least 50 m behind the car (at least 100 m on a motorway).
	FULLY FUNCTIONAL AIR CONDITIONING Without your AC, you will get baked in the summer. It should be checked periodically by an expert. If necessary, the pollen filter should be replaced, the system disinfected, and the coolant refilled.
	FIRST-AID KIT Check its location in the car and expiration date. We hope you will never have to use it.
	SUMMER WINDSCREEN WASHER FLUID Good visibility is basic to safety, and that means you should keep the windscreen clean. A special summer washer fluid helps to remove insects more effectively, so don’t forget to fill up the reservoir.
	EUROPEAN ACCIDENT REPORTING FORM Although the official European accident reporting form is not part of the mandatory equipment, having it will substantially facilitate potential negotiations with insurance companies in the event of an accident.

A lifetime ŠKODA Mobility Guarantee is provided free of charge with every new ŠKODA vehicle. For older cars, it can be extended upon passing a service inspection at an authorized service centre.

The mobility guarantee also provides access to the non-stop ŠKODA Assistance service to help you on the road 365 days a year all across Europe.

The assistance service helps you on the spot. If the problem cannot be repaired while you wait, towing to the nearest ŠKODA authorized service centre will be arranged. In case of need, you will be provided with a replacement car or a hotel stay. All free of charge!