No set departure times, always a seat available and as much luggage as you can fit in the boot: going on holiday by car can give you a certain degree of freedom – provided everything goes smoothly along the way. Here are some pointers to ensure you have a pleasant, stress-free and safe road trip.

Get your car ready for the holidays

Long journeys are demanding for your car. Make sure you get your car serviced at the garage in good time before heading off. The following things should be checked before going on holiday:

• Engine oil
• Brake fluid
• Cooling agent
• Lights and indicators
• Battery
• Brakes
• Windscreen wipers, windscreen cleaning solution
• Tyres
• Air conditioning/ventilation

Do you also travel by motorcycle? For tips on motorcycle tours in Switzerland and how to prepare for them, read the article “Motorcycle tours: the most beautiful motorcycle passes in Switzerland”.

Make sure you adhere to the regulations in other countries

Different countries, different customs – the same applies to driving. What are the speed limits and are there any road charges to pay? Which documents and safety equipment need to be kept in the car and what is the legal alcohol limit? You can find out about the traffic regulations for numerous countries in this overview.

Important: don’t forget that the CH sticker must be displayed when travelling abroad.

Protect your car and any belongings inside it

Watch out for thieves! In some countries, there is a greater risk of theft – for both your vehicle and your belongings. Partially comprehensive insurance provides you with vehicle theft protection. However, if personal items are stolen from your car, the “Personal belongings” coverage option offered by PostFinance car insurance will help you.

Breakdown cover

Roadside assistance cover ensures you don’t just receive help if your car breaks down, but even if you run out of fuel. It also covers the costs of continuing your journey or returning home. It’s worth noting that not all roadside assistance policies provide protection outside of Switzerland. The roadside assistance policy from PostFinance car insurance will cover you throughout Europe.

Pack your luggage carefully into your vehicle

Load your luggage and items into your car carefully. Make sure you distribute the weight equally on both sides of the car.

• Put your luggage into the boot and don’t leave it loose on the back seat.
• Make sure you have important things like the warning triangle and first-aid kit ready to hand.
• Make certain that you haven’t exceeded the total permitted load for your vehicle.

Plan the journey carefully

It’s worth planning your trip in advance to help you arrive safely at your destination. Let somebody else take over at the wheel as soon as you feel the first signs of tiredness while driving. If you start to feel tired when driving alone, it is vitally important that you take a break and have a power nap. Make sure that you eat well and drink enough on your journey. Remember to pack your credit card. You can find out why using a credit card whilst travelling abroad pays off in our article, “How does a credit card benefit me on my travels? Tips for stress-free travel abroad”.

Keep the emergency number of your car insurance ready to hand

Store the emergency number of your car insurance provider in your mobile phone so you can find it immediately.

A special tip for driving during the summer – keep an eye on the temperature

Cars heat up quickly in the sunshine. Even a short trip in a closed car can be life-threatening for children and pets. So never leave children or animals alone in the car. And make sure that all passengers drink regularly and sufficiently.

PostFinance car insurance hopes you have a good journey.

With PostFinance legal protection insurance, you can travel with even greater peace of mind.