trip to DE

[Emtee]

Haha, Benny did you know that the white flag actually is a French military flag? It pre-dates the Tricolor! As far as vexillology is concerned the French really did invent surrender!

 

[BennyD]

I can believe that Miles. How can you tell a genuine French army rifle? It's never been fired and only dropped once.

 

[2b1ask1]

Regarding brethylizers....

E.LECLERC the French Supermarket are selling them at just one Euro each. They are not legally required before 1st July (just in time to catch out all the British holiday makers no doubt) but be warned you must have two at any time. It is no good getting British ones as the limit will be too high on them!

Not sure about the fire extinguisher requirements but I believe this must also be in the cabin - perhaps someone can check the facts?

 

[Tipmethewink]

Regarding brethylizers....

E.LECLERC the French Supermarket are selling them at just one Euro each. They are not legally required before 1st July (just in time to catch out all the British holiday makers no doubt) but be warned you must have two at any time. It is no good getting British ones as the limit will be too high on them!

There's 3 you can buy in the UK that are NF certified for France, all disposable. I think you can pick them up in Halfords. Also the point about fast cars Mr.Cambio points out is worth baring in mind. I take long hard looks in the mirror on the Auto Bahns as the little lights seemingly miles away can be on you before you've barely pulled out.

 

[TridentTested]

TridentTested, Not that I have an ulterior motif (ahem) but I'd appreciate clarification on this point. I've not heard of fines actually applied as a result to toll timings?

Thanks, Em.

Yup. The last toll gate before Calais is a notorious spot. I've often seen the boys in blue in the car park after the gates. They get the information from the toll booths and wave the offending car over to the car park to be dealt with. I've seen half a dozen offenders queued up on one day.

I've also heard, though can't confirm whether it's an urban myth or not, that penalties can be applied retrospectively to the credit card used to pay the toll. A bit of googling should provide an answer.

Whenever I know my right foot has been a bit heavy I always make sure I stop for fuel or a coffee before the exit - to adjust my average speed - especially when approaching Calais. They know foreigners like to speed, especially those rushing for a ferry.

 

[TridentTested]

Okay, I've googled around a bit and the feeling is the toll tickets business is a myth. What I've seen at the Calais toll plaza must have been the cops using the toll gates as a convenient way to nab drivers who had been radar trapped earlier on.

 

[Parisien]

I can believe that Miles. How can you tell a genuine French army rifle? It's never been fired and only dropped once.

Benny......I take it you've never holidayed there...or bought anything French then.......................apart from that rifle mentioned above ......


P

 

[Parisien]

The average speed thing, not so sure about, I have also seen les Flics dealing with motorists at toll booths, whether reported before the get there or just singled out for a check I don't know, they do things differently there.


P

 

[BennyD]

Benny......I take it you've never holidayed there...or bought anything French then.......................apart from that rifle mentioned above ......

I've holidayed there many times Frank, usually visiting the WW1 and WW11 battlefields. Despite the huge moral debt they owe us, I kinda get the impression that they resent us for it. Now they screw us over in the Euro political arena whilst they cosy up to the same Germans that are responsible for the legions of cemeteries. Go figure that out.

 

[conaero]

Regarding brethylizers....

E.LECLERC the French Supermarket are selling them at just one Euro each.

Just in time for Le Mans classics, I can see us having great fun passing them round the pub to see who can get the highest reading!

 

[EnzoMC]

morning all

I'm getting P0128 code - Coolant Thermostat (Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature), got this error twice in one day car won't start, clear the code and car starts

just what I need right now, looking on eurospare for thermostat and sensor - I think its 230890 and 180137. would someone please check for me that these are the right parts or if I'm miss understanding this error. I also read on another thread that some suggested that the fan sensor could be faulty but can find this on eurospares

 

[EnzoMC]

seems no thormstats in UK, got a sensor which I tried to fit yesterday, can't get access so will look for a mobile merchanic today or garage as won't have much time during the week.

 

[EnzoMC]

now back and the car surived, found the autobahn not that great for high speed, took the car to ~120 which got there fast, 130 then 140 and it seemed I was skimming the surface the road and slightly bouncing with sport mode on or off (not much difference), slowed down and braking also seemed bad on these roads, so didn't go much over 100. had a good time and still some bmw and audi over taking me ~120

just for reference to anyone doing euro trip of some sort, I stopped and asked the french police about the blinkers for the head lights and was told not to worry about them, so if anyone needs a set for another car let me know and I'll post them off, will save you a few pennies.

big thanks to all for their help

 

[conaero]

Enz, the lifting you experianced is normal. What you have to do is push through the 140 barrier then it settles down, honest.

 

[2b1ask1]

Yes I can concur that lifting is experienced in the 4200 between 95 and 120 then it hunkers down I suspect it is for the want of a rear wing but that would spoil it I think. The splitter in the rear bumper is humungus but must need the additional speed to start working properly.

(all tested on private roads naturally)