Whether it
be the long hours behind the wheel, the weather conditions, or the state of the
road, long distance road trips are always a challenge. For that reason, we have
prepared a checklist with recommendations for drivers.
Prepare Yourself for your
Next Road Trip
Get your
pad and pen ready or bookmark this article as you’ll want to remember these
tips.
1. Prep
your car
The
first thing you want to do is make sure your vehicle is in perfect condition
for a safe ride. This is something you should do a week or two before your road
trip. Make sure
each and every one of the systems of your vehicle work correctly. If not, take
the corresponding measures or simply take your car to the garage.
Here is
what you should look out for:
· Tyre wear/pressure: You might have
heard that tyres constitute a key element when it comes to the vehicle’s
safety. That’s why you should check the tyre pressure and tread depth.
·
Oil level: Make sure the oil level is between the minimum and maximum
markers, otherwise your car might break down during your trip.
· Coolant: Coolant removes excessive
heat from your engine. So, always check your coolant level, or ask a technician
to do it for you.
· Battery: Make sure the terminals are
clean and check that the engine starts correctly.
· Lights: Make sure all your vehicle’s
lights work correctly.
· Brake fluid: Check the level and if
it is low, top it up.
·
Fuel: The last thing you need to do is checking the fuel tank. Just make
sure there’s enough fuel to complete the trip, and you´ll be good to go.
2. Bring
all the necessary documents with you
These may
include:
· Driving licence.
· Log Book.
· Car insurance details.
· Vehicle inspection certificate.
· It is also advisable to note down roadside assistance and emergency numbers.
3. GPS
Navigation device:
As well as
giving you directions, it will remind you of the speed limit and help you find
service stations, as well as rest areas. Anyway, keep an old-school map at hand
just in case, and if something seems off, always trust your own judgement over
the GPS instructions.
4. Some
cash and loose change
During long
road trips, it is important to keep a few coins and some cash available to pay
for tolls or parking charges or maybe you just need it for that snack to
recharge your energy levels
5. First-aid
kit:
You
should always keep a first-aid kit that includes plasters, bandages, scissors,
cotton, an antiseptic solution, and a sterile dressing, in case something
happens.
6. Food
and drinks:
Staying hydrated
is always important, but when you are driving, it is vital, especially when it
is hot especially in a humid country like our’s. That’s why you should always
carry enough water and food, and make as many stops as you need to get more.
Additionally,
you shouldn’t drive for intervals longer than 3 hours, so every time you stop
to stretch your legs and catch some fresh air, you might as well take the
opportunity to buy some snacks and drinks. Also, you should not drive for more than 9
hours a day, excluding breaks.
7. Comfortable
clothes:
Drivers
shouldn´t wear bulky clothes inside the vehicle, as they can make the ride particularly
uncomfortable. Also, high temperatures could cause sleepiness, so it is best
to wear lighter clothes. Remember that the perfect temperature inside the
car should be between 21 and 23°C.
For further
advice on road trips, and the latest offers on tyres and car accessories, visit
the Tayaria website or just ask one of our experts from your local Tayaria
outlet. We are always happy to help
Malay 
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