Basic reminders when preparing for a long road trip

AS THE Holy Week break approaches, the road beckons for many motorists. If you’re embarking on a long road trip in the next few days, here are some reminders that may help make your journey smoother:

1. Prepare your car.
This is the time to crack open that engine bay and top up the fluids: engine oil, coolant, transmission and power steering fluid. Check if the belts and hoses are in good condition. Check your tires’ conditions and inflate them to their proper pressure, including the spare. The correct pressure is usually marked on a plate mounted on the driver’s door sill. Familiarize yourself with the location of the car’s tools and jack. Remove all unnecessary items from the car, as they will add weight and reduce fuel efficiency.

2. Map out your route in advance.
If you can, get a reliable navigation system. Phones may have good navigation apps these days, but there are times when a dedicated GPS system is still the most reliable way. We’ve tried Garmin’s GPS units, and they are among the best available. When you get down to the last few km, having a local spell out or draw the landmarks will help you avoid hunting for that house or resort.
3. If possible, arrange to share driving responsibilities.
Three to four hours behind the wheel is enough to cause fatigue and wandering attention. That would be a good time to swap drivers.

4. Maintain proper speed on highways.
Although it may be tempting to open up the engine when seeing a clear road ahead, patrolmen with radar guns will not take kindly to that. Moreover, speeding will cause your car to consume more fuel. Use the cruise control on these sections to help maintain your speed. Make sure you know how the system works before using it.
5.  Maintain a safe distance from the car in front.
Tuason Racing School’s Ford Driving Skills for Life program reminded us of the three-second rule. Pick a stationary object—sign or lamppost—and start counting the number of seconds after the car in front passes it. You should reach the same object after three seconds. This will allow you enough time to brake when needed.
For rainy days or at night, count to six; and in heavy rain or thick fog, count to nine.

6. Don’t give in to distractions.
A car at 45 kph travels more than two car lengths every second. Looking at your phone while driving makes you a candidate four times more likely to crash.

7. Prepare yourself for the long drive.
Get enough sleep the night before, and eat nutritious food before the trip. Avoid taking too much caffeine. Although caffeine may boost your alertness for a few minutes, it may cause you to feel tired after the effect wears off.

8. Above all else, make sure everyone buckles up at all times during the trip. Secure children in appropriate child seats.