Driving over long distances can be fun and exploratory but going in unprepared, you can encounter all sorts of trouble. The further away you drive from home, the more you rely on what you’ve packed and the resources around you.
Even if it’s only a few hours away, being ready for the road is necessary. Plan and prepare your car before you embark on your next road trip. Here are eleven long-distance driving tips to practice:
Tip #1: Don’t speed when driving
It may seem like an idea to drive a little faster to get to where you’re going quicker. However, don’t. Firstly, it’s illegal to drive over the speed limit. Secondly, you don’t know these roads and the ones around your home. The likelihood of a vehicular accident goes up with long-term drives.
Tip #2: Time your trip correctly
There are delays on the road, especially if you’re driving across major roadways. Minimize the interruptions to your scheduled trip by timing it correctly. Try to avoid major cities during lunch and dinner hours.
Scan ahead for construction and detours. Depending on the distance you hope to travel, you may want to leave very early in the morning or even the night before.
Tip #3: Note where to stop for fuel
Fuel up your car before you go and note where you intend to stop along the route to fill up. A quick fuel up here and there is an opportunity to get out of the car, stretch your legs, and pick up some caffeine or food if you’re running low. Check ahead to verify that the gas stations you’re using are open, especially if you’re driving overnight.
Tip #4: Expect the unexpected
Don’t commit to arriving at your destination at a specific time because anything can happen. From traffic jams to a tire blowout, these are setbacks when driving.
You may also experience roadblocks, detours, and delays. You may need to stop for a bathroom trip, food, or rest. Assign yourself plenty of time in case anything happens. Make sure your vehicle is ready, and you have more than what you need packed.
Tip #5: Stay hydrated and fed
As a driver, you don’t want to be fatigued at any time. Stay hydrated while driving and have snacks at the ready. Simple water or soda is good for snacks, trail mix, dried fruits, or easy-to-handle food. If you are particularly hungry, pull off the road and get something to feed your appetite.
Tip #6: Check your vehicle
Before you leave for a long-distance driving trip, check your vehicle. Fill your tires. Ensure your oil is filled. Make sure the windshield washer fluid and coolant are topped up.
If there are things that need to be removed from your vehicle before you leave, do so the day before. If nagging issues interrupt your trip, have them repaired or addressed beforehand.
Tip #7: Have clean headlights and tail lights
Whether driving at night or during the day, make sure your headlights and tail lights are clean, clear, and working. Automotive lights are more important than a lot of drivers realize. You don’t want to be pulled off the road by a traffic cop and given a ticket for bad light.
Strong, clear exterior car lights will help you navigate, no matter the weather conditions. You may also consider getting automotive LED lights to give your vehicle a more stylish look.
Tip #8: Get rest the day and night before
Do not drive while tired. Ensure you get enough sleep the night before. If it’s a multi-day trip, do your best to get maximum rest before jumping back in the vehicle and continuing your drive.
Furthermore, if you are driving and you feel tiredness coming on, it’s best to pull off and take a short nap or find a hotel to get some rest in, continuing your drive later.
Tip #9: Prioritize comfort and take breaks when driving
A long-distance drive, at some point, will prove to be challenging. Drivers and passengers alike will get bored. Take occasional breaks. Every few hours pull off somewhere. Rest. It’s more enjoyable to get somewhere with everyone in a good mood than to arrive somewhere fast with everyone a little grumpy from the road.
Tip #10: Secure your items in your vehicle
Make sure what you’ve packed is secure. If things are attached to your roof rack, ensure that the item or materials are properly buckled down. Inside the vehicle, you also want any suitcases, boxes, or items to be secure. If you make a sharp turn, nothing should come out of where it is and cause a hazard.
Tip #11: Have your phone charged and data on
Make sure your phone or GPS is charged, and you have access to a map at all times during your journey. This will make things a lot less stressful if you accidentally get lost. You can continually check where you’re at along the way, which is extremely helpful if you’re driving a significant distance.
