The suitcases are in the boot, Waze is set for your dream destination… but before you drive, take five minutes. Five small minutes that can change the whole road ahead.
The boot takes some thought. The cabin is sacred.
It's a bit like a game of Tetris. A load that's too heavy or poorly distributed changes how the car behaves on the road. Heavy items go at the bottom, lying flat, and never block the rear view. Simple, but easily forgotten in the rush of leaving.
A water bottle rolling around at your feet, a bag on the rear shelf… In the event of sudden braking, everything becomes a projectile. Keep the cabin clear and check your roof box is properly secured: badly fastened, it can become a danger to other road users. Straps need checking before you set off.
Tyres don't get enough thought.
Check the cold tyre pressure before you leave: under-inflation increases fuel consumption and, more importantly, risk. In summer, with the heat and long motorway stretches, this matters even more. For the right figures, check what the manufacturer recommends, usually shown on the driver's door.
A break every two hours, no exceptions.
This isn't advice for "other people": driver fatigue can happen to anyone. Use the stop to stretch your legs, hydrate, and let passengers (and the driver!) catch their breath. Our service areas are there for exactly that.
What if your break became a real bargain?
A €5.50 lunch deal, €1.10 coffee, €1 water: across our 11 Bon Plan service areas in Hauts-de-France, Grand Est, Île-de-France and Normandy, the break is designed to stay affordable. A chance to recharge without breaking the bank before getting back on the road.
Feeling the heat on the road?
When a heatwave is part of the journey, stay extra vigilant. Always keep cool water in the car, take more frequent breaks ideally at our air-conditioned service areas and keep an eye on your passengers, especially children and anyone vulnerable. And never leave animals in the cabin: they need to cool down too.
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The first-aid kit and the yellow vest
Keep them within reach in case of emergency not buried under the luggage. And if you do break down, remember to get out of the vehicle, put on your hi-vis vest, and wait for the response team on the other side of the barrier.
Safe travels, everyone. See you back in September. 🌞