Occasionally, a road trip is on the cards, which can offer countless exciting opportunities! However, it’s also potentially risky, and ensuring you’re prepared for your road trip in advance is hence vital. Thus, today’s brief guide outlines some of the key things you need to know about long distance driving tips to help you get the most from your time on the road.
7 Long Distance Driving Tips You Should Know
Before heading out on that long journey, make sure you’ve planned in advance with the following six long distance driving tips (they might come in more handy than you realise!)
#1 Carry Out a Car Check
Before setting on out your long journey it is important check the cars tyre pressure, fluid levels, lights and brakes. Staying ontop of these factors can help prevent the car from breaking down. It is also important to carry out a car check to confirm the vehicle has a valid MOT, road tax and insurance for the duration of your drive.
#2 Plan Ahead for Fuel or Charge
The most vital tip we can give for a long distance drive is simple: plan in advance for fuel or charging. Making sure your car is filled up with power before you head out can help give you much greater confidence in your ability to get to your destination, and looking out for garages on the way can also help take the burden off.
This is especially true if you’re driving mainly on backroads (where garages may be fewer and farther between) or if you have an electric vehicle (for which charging points are often less common).
#3 Check the Battery
You’ve checked your fuel, but making sure your car’s battery is in good shape is also vital. Having a spare is a simple way to reduce the chances of getting caught out and needing someone to jump-start your car.
#4 Monitor the Tyres
Your car’s tyres see a lot of wear and tear – but nothing’s more frustrating than noticing you’ve got a flat when you’re half way up the country. As such, always check your tyres for tread depth and any signs of damage before leaving, and try to bring a pump and a repair kit (as a back-up) or even a spare tyre with you for the journey.
#5 Get Enough Rest
Long periods on the road can be very tiring. As such, getting plenty of rest before the trip is vital – and always make sure that you’ve planned any rest breaks along the way as well to give yourself a chance to stretch your legs and refresh yourself.
#6 Bring Snacks to Keep Everyone Happy
There’s a good chance you or your companions may begin to get peckish during the trip. Bringing snacks is a great way to keep everyone happy and on the same page (and cut the cost of expensive roadside garages, too).
#7 Keep an Emergency Kit To Hand
Even the best planned road trips can go wrong. So, ensure you have an emergency kit to hand in case you get stuck somewhere. This should include (at minimum) plenty of water and a first aid kit; non-perishable food, a torch, and some basic tools – e.g., jump leads – can all be a big help in this regard.
Final Thoughts
If a long trip is on the cards, making sure you’re prepared for this is hugely important. If you’re not sure where to start, though, don’t panic; today’s long distance driving tips should have prepared you for the key things you need to know.
