What to look out for when preparing to travel in the UK? What should you do if you find your car’s water pump malfunctioning?

Car travel in the UK has a number of peculiarities, from the specific rules of behaviour on the road to the list of documents required for travelling in the country. You will need to get used to left-hand traffic, overtaking on the right-hand side of the road only, the advantage of cars that go to the right on roundabouts. In addition, remember that at the intersection of roads advantage is given to those who move on the main road. You should also know that not giving way to a pedestrian at a crossing is a mauvais. Such a manoeuvre as turning left at a red traffic signal is a prohibited action. It is also forbidden to drive unbelted. And this applies to everyone in the vehicle. Also note that each type of road has its own speed limits. Regarding parking: parking is strictly prohibited on sections of road where there is a double solid line along the road. Also, just because you have paid for parking does not mean that the area is protected.

Documents for travelling on UK roads for a foreigner

So, to travel around the country you will need:

● passport;
● a driving licence;
● insurance;
● a visa.

A common question is whether you can drive in the country with a non-UK licence? The answer is in the affirmative. Yes, you can. However, if you stay in the country for a long time, you will need to exchange them after 12 months.

What to use if you don’t have your own car: public transport or rented car?

So, if you don’t want to use your own car, you can rent one. There are a few tips:

  1. Book a vehicle well in advance (at least a couple of weeks in advance). This will help you in saving money.
  2. Airport rental centres are an ideal option with a wide variety of cars.
  3. Always check invoices and car documents by comparing them with your voucher.
  4. Always make sure the car is in good working order when you rent it.

As for public transport: it is quite expensive. To save money, you may need to buy an Oyster card (covers travel in Greater Londonon the metro, bus and tram). The UK transport network is very well developed: you can easily travel around the country by bus or train. The first option will be more economical. In addition, in some areas you can use water transport.

Where to live in the UK?

  1. There are three types of hotels:
    1. ● Hotel – a hotel where full service accommodation is provided;
      ● B&B and Inn – provide the necessary bed and breakfast service;
      ● Motel – budget or roadside accommodation for a simple overnight stay only.

    What is the climate in the country?

    Any traveller should be prepared for the fact that the country has a temperate oceanic climate. Its climate is characterised by a large amount of rainfall. This is the case throughout the year. The air temperature is also variable and depends on the time of year. Of course, in winter the temperature can drop to -12 degrees, and in summer it can rise to +35 degrees.

    The importance of checking the technical condition of the vehicle

    It is recommended to carry out maintenance and inspection of the car after running-in (after passing 3000 kilometres) and after every 10000 kilometres. It is necessary to check regularly the oil and brake fluid level, the presence of window washer, the condition of lighting equipment, pressure, seasonality and tyre tread. Why do I need to do this? Let me give you a simple example: if your water pump fails (seemingly not so terrible), the coolant will stop circulating through the engine, which will lead to its overheating and, subsequently, to expensive repairs. Signs of such a breakdown are considered uncharacteristic sounds from the pump, a constant smell of coolant, play of the pump pulley, the appearance of leaks.

Photo of water pump and timing belt kit - www.buycarparts.co.uk

Photo of water pump and timing belt kit – www.buycarparts.co.uk

What should you do if your car breaks down in the middle of the road?

The most popular companies for repairing the car and towing it to the service are TheAA, RAC, Green line. More often than not, help arrives within an hour. There are faults that you will be helped to solve on the spot. But, if you are sure that the car will need to be pulled to a workshop, ask the company if they have such a service.

A few conclusions:

Any journey needs careful preparation. However, if you follow all the recommendations above, it will be an exciting adventure full of surprising discoveries and heartwarming interactions with the locals.