When you are taking a long road trip, it is always a good idea to prepare ahead. You're probably going to stress yourself out and make the journey more complicated if you don't.
You need to prepare in advance for your road trip, and we're not just talking about packing. You also need to make sure you are physically ready to get on the road and so is your car.
Before you get behind the wheels, take measures to plan for long drives to remain alert and energized on your ride. Up next are some long road trip tips to use before your next long ride.
Know Where You're Going
Using GPS or maps, chart your route and the roads you're going to take. You should also note where you can stop along the way for fuel, food, and places to rest.
Make sure the road you are going to take is in good shape and drivable. You should check out weather forecasts pertaining to the places you plan to drive through. It would also be a good idea to check into road closures too.
Keep in contact with someone during your trip for added protection so they know where you are at all times.
Prepare the Gear
Know that you must be just as prepared as your vehicle to hit the road. It is also essential to check your mobile phone's range to ensure that you can contact emergency operators from anywhere you go.
Get familiar with the routes you ride and the weather forecast before your journey. Be sure to wear clothes that are comfortable and pack necessities like the following.
- Medical kit
- Water and food
- Blankets and pillows
- Travel maps
- Tool kit
- Music, audiobooks
Sleep Before Leaving and Cap Driving Time
Open road exhaustion is dangerous, so make sure you get a good night's rest before leaving. If you leave in the morning, ensure that you go to bed earlier than usual before your trip to get enough sleep.
The day before you leave, do not drink alcohol or other intoxicants. For the driver, long journeys can be tiring, restricting driving to eight hours a day, and taking a break every two hours.
If you're traveling with other people, if possible, change drivers. It also helps to understand exhaustion symptoms, such as yawning, blinking more than usual, and sluggish reaction time, so you know when you feel tired and take a break.
Check Your Car
Check your car's fluid levels, brakes, tires, and anything else that could trigger problems a week before you leave for a long road trip. Ensure that your spare tire is fully inflated and that jumper cables and extra wiper fluid are on hand for you.
Know Basic Car Must-Dos
Keep the windows closed at high speeds while driving. You will decrease the mileage you get on your gas by up to 10 percent with open windows, which is almost the same as air conditioning.
Stop going on rugged roads, and the gas mileage will be cut by 30 percent. By putting them in neutral at long traffic lights or traffic standstills, automatic transmissions cool down.
Remove your car's extra weight, which is something that also reduces mileage on petrol. Make sure that the tires are pressurized to the highest limit that the manufacturer allows.
Be Safe & Alert
Being safe and alert while on the road is the final step to road trip safety. All of the emergencies you just arranged for you want to stop. On your commute, therefore, take the following into account.
- Check the road for risks.
- Be mindful of tailgaters or offensive drivers and be alert.
- If it is an emergency, avoid pulling over on the side of the road - particularly at night.
- Ensure that there is plenty of gas between exits
- To avoid falling asleep at the wheel, take breaks and stretch at well-lit rest stops.
If you feel weary, consider listening to music or rolling the window down. Share driving duties to prevent fatigue or hypnosis on the highway.
Conclusion
Finally, relax and remember why you planned your journey in the first place. You should try to enjoy your road trip as much as you enjoy your intended destination.
