Tag: warning triangle

Often, during a car breakdown, a longer trip, or even a daily drive, there is a shortage that, although apparently trivial, could solve the problem at once. So what is it worth to have with you to feel comfortable in almost every situation, but at the same time do not play a car?

 

Mandatory and recommended equipment of the car

The catalog of useful things in the car without a doubt should start with those whose possession is required by Polish law. They are a fire extinguisher and a warning triangle. You do not have to explain that having these things is an absolute minimum for security. When choosing a triangle, it is important to note that it has the appropriate approval mark. Such products have a large reflective surface, which significantly increases our safety.

 

We also need to take care of the proper condition of the fire extinguisher. – According to the law, the fire extinguisher should be kept in a proper condition so that it works efficiently and efficiently. Moreover, it should be placed in a place easily accessible if needed, explains Inspector Mares from the Police Headquarters. In many European countries a reflective vest is also compulsory. In Poland this is not necessary, which does not mean that this element is superfluous? Interestingly, the required items also do not include first aid – this is only a recommended item. Nevertheless, it should appear with the basic elements in our car.

 

Useful tools in case of damage to the car may seem like unnecessary ballast only to the first failure. It is always a good idea to keep the items in your car in an emergency. These items include, for example, a set of keys, a tow rope, a pocket knife and a rectifier. You need to adapt the kit to the car model – you only have to bring with you the tools by which we are able to correct minor defects themselves. – New car models in many cases are only able to fix the specialist. Therefore, if we are not convinced that we can fix the problem, it is better to call for help – says Pewee, Auto Express consultant. It may also be useful to have spare parts such as a wheel or bulbs. If you decide to repair the problem yourself, you should bring accessories that will make it easier for us to work with. So we should pack the work gloves with reflective tape, the blanket for the car, and the torch.

 

The requirements for the equipment of a car traveling on Polish roads are the result of the Regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure and should be known to all who have passed the driving test. In the car you need a fire extinguisher (approved, with valid expiry date) and a warning triangle. Without these two elements, police control can cost a lot – from 20 to 500 gold. Not all drivers know that there is no obligation to have a first aid kit or reflective vest, though it is worth having them in the car.

 

Meanwhile, traveling around Europe involves the necessity to have more useful elements, other than in Poland. For example: you do not have to have a fire extinguisher everywhere. It is not compulsory in Switzerland. It is hard to imagine that someone crossing the border will throw it out of the car.

 

It is therefore imperative that you add the following items to your vehicle’s equipment, generally improving safety in case of emergency or unforeseen problems. And so, the main thing you need when traveling – apart from a triangle and a fire extinguisher – is a reflective vest. It is mandatory in many countries of the European Union, including: Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Spain, France and Slovakia. In some countries, such as Germany or Austria, in the event of a breakdown, you must not leave the car without a vest on highways or motorways. Switzerland, on the other hand, is harsh in terms of warning triangles, as regulations require two such security measures.

 

The absolutely unknown law in Poland is the necessity to carry spare bulbs with you. Many drivers from our country have them “just in case” but there are countries where they need to have them. This applies, inter alia, to Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Italy.

Scandinavian countries are not allowed to ride on “bald tires” – the tread thickness must be at least 1.6 millimeters, and in Spain blind drivers must drive in the car a second pair of glasses. Mountainous countries, in turn, require snow chains and require them to be used on certain roads.

 

The most restrictive and demanding country for motorized tourists is our neighboring Slovakia. Road law is exceptionally detailed in it. In addition to obvious requirements – such as having a triangle or fire extinguisher, you need to have spare fuses, bulbs, full-sized wheels, a lift, a wrench, and a tow rope. First aid kit in this country must be equipped with slices, dressings, isothermal foil, rubber gloves with reflective tape, safety pins and elastic bands.

 

The regulations on the compulsory equipment of the car in each country are slightly different, so before each trip make sure that we absolutely should take with us on the road.