Irish Mini Owners Club

Hello,

I am looking at taking the car through Europe, it will be driven on "the opposite" side of the road for the foreseeable future.

As a few of the people on the forum will have more experience driving in Europe than me they might be able to tell me.

Should I get the headlights changed so they are suited to European driving, is there much impact if I do not.

Thanks
Craig

Craig,

If you are only planning to drive in daytime, I wouldn't worry about it. In France last year, I was flashed several times at night as the lights aren't focussed appropriately but it was only one night in the whole trip that I drove after dark.

Billy

Thanks Billy,

I will be driving at both night and day and it will be for a few months, so I guess I will change them then.

It has been suggested to me that you can get deflector stickers but I would be happy to get the lens changed if it was a case of just an easy swap on the front either.

If you know how easy this is let me know.

Thanks
Craig

if it was me, and "the foreseeable future" was say, 3 moths or more, id change the headlights. its not a big job, you just need "continental" focused lamps.

keith wrote:if it was me, and "the foreseeable future" was say, 3 moths or more, id change the headlights. its not a big job, you just need "continental" focused lamps.

as the man says!

Craig,

Here's a pair of continental lights for sale on the forum:

http://irishminis.ie/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=7915

Billy

thank you both for the replies, I´ll most likely go ahead and change them as it will be longer than 3 months, with a bit of luck.


Craig

Don't forget your personal breathalyser if you are driving through France. As well as your high viz jacket, spare bulbs, warning triangle and first aid kit.

you may also need your E111, and europian insurance, but then you already know that.

So far - and in the event that it is of any use to others who may find themselves in this situation.

I called around a few places in Spain and got a broker in Cadiz who is among the very few who are willing to quote a car remaining on Irish plates in Spain. There are lots who will quote UK registered cars but few for Irish cars.

The car will be underwritten by tradewise insurance who have operations in Ireland, England and around Europe - I have looked into them and they are 100% legitimate. Though they only operate through brokers so if anyone needs details please feel free to contact me - they operate in Portugal too if info is of any use.

The upside to this is I am getting comprehensive insurance - it is not much cheaper than my Irish insurance - but it is slightly cheaper - and where the Irish policy will only cover on a 3rd party basis the insurance here covers on fully comprehensive basis.

Anyway - thought this might be of use.