The holiday season is here and most people take long road trips to visit their friends or family. If you are not renting a car but using your own, make sure your car is mechanically sound for that trip. Therefore, it is important that you make sure your car can endure a long distance drive with your family in it. Here are a few tips on how to make your long distance trip safer and more enjoyable.
Tip 1 – Get your full eight hours sleep to make sure that you are well rested the day before you leave.
Tip 2 – Pack a basket of tasty and energy filled goodies for the road so that you have something eat while you are on the road. Eating or chewing can minimise fatigue and boredom. Also stay hydrated by drinking lots of water or juice. Never drink any alcohol before your trip as this will make you sleepy and, possibly, hungover. Avoid excessive sugar and salt as the sugar will affect with your mood and salt will make you unpleasant. Avoid food that will melt as it can be messy which could make you take your eyes off the road. Eating gum can also help you stay awake for longer as your jaw keeps moving.
Tip 3 – Make sure you have some lively music to listen to while driving so that you can sing along. Listen to music that will keep your spirits high until you get to your next stop.
Tip 4 – Do not speed as it will burn fuel faster and can tire you quicker. When you do stop, take a brisk walk to the bathroom and back to avoid blood clots from forming in your legs. Use the bathroom so that you can be comfortable on the next leg of your journey.
Tip 5 – Share the driving responsibilities with someone else, if you can. This allows you to keep an eye on each other and you can also take a quick nap if you need to.
Tip 6 – Before you leave on your trip, pump the spare wheel too, just in case. When you stop to fill your fuel tank, check your wheels and tyres too. Make sure it is properly inflated.
Tip 7 – Pack an emergency kit. Be prepared for unexpected breakdowns or a tyre burst. Pack a pair of gloves, a flashlight, a jack, a spanner, and an emergency triangle. Don’t forget a medical kit for those long trip mishaps in the car.
Tip 8 – Have some cash on hand in case you need to pay for tolls and parking.
Tip 9 – Make use of sunglasses while driving as the sun can be very heavy on the eyes, especially when driving in the direction of a sunrise or sunset.
Tip 10 – Keep a safe following distance from the car in front of you so that you have enough stopping space when that car suddenly brakes.
A1 Wheel and Tyre is a private family owned and operated company specialising in the warehouse and distribution of wheels and tyres to the automotive fitment trade. The company has a well established operation in Johannesburg, South Africa.
