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1. Inspect the vehicle

Checking your car is the best long-distance driving advice. It is best to have your vehicle maintained. However, at the absolute least, make a stop at the gas station:

Purchase petrol.
the oil
water quality
Verify tire pressure, and don’t forget to use the spare.
pristine windows
Turning on your headlights is always a good idea when traveling through rural areas since it helps other drivers see you from a distance.

2. Towing

You need to check a few extra things to be safe on the road if you intend to tow a caravan, trailer, boat, or anything else.

Due to the potential obstruction in your rearview mirror, install towing mirrors.
The significance of towing mirrors and their benefits are discussed in this article.
Make sure your taillights are operational.
The safety chain is connected.
On the car you are towing, don’t forget the spare tires.

3. Emergency supplies

While all this preparedness is excellent, it’s equally critical to plan for unexpected events.

The spare tire is inflated.
To remove the tire nuts, you have a study jack and a socket with a long handle that is the right size.
Safety triangle or cone
spare fuel and water
Springer Leads
a portable fire extinguisher
Pack a medical kit for vacation.
You can purchase one of these pre-made kits* or create your own DIY first aid kit for travel.
Know the country’s emergency contact phone number before you depart.

4. Configure your smartphone

Make sure your phone is mounted on a hands-free device because using a phone while driving is harmful. Hands-on the wheel when using a hands-free phone is essential J

5. Arrange Your Route

You undoubtedly already have a plan that is just loosely organized.

My favorite for planning road trips is Google Maps, which works offline and tells me which lane to be in and when to turn. However, you can use any GPS device or App you like (tell me which one you prefer in the comments). Just be sure you enter the information before you leave.

As an alternative, you might use a traditional paper map. The navigator will hopefully be your “co-pilot” so you can focus on the road.

6. Traffic Conditions

When planning your route, consider the driving conditions you will encounter while traveling a long distance.

In the event of rain, move along a little more slowly and leave extra room between you and the vehicle in front for braking.
If it’s dawn or dusk, be ready for the sun to shine in your eyes by having sunglasses on hand and lowering the visor. Keep an eye out for any animals that wander onto the road because this is also the time of day when they are more likely to be feeding.
Long drives can result in being stuck behind trucks and caravans. Remain calm and wait until extended safe periods have passed. Wait for an overtaking lane rather than passing on bends or slopes for a few more kilometers or miles.

7. Snacks and beverages

On long drives, maintaining alert, keeping your hands on the wheel, and keeping your eyes on the road will keep you safe. You’ll be more attentive if you have a water bottle and healthy food like these close by.

Both fresh and dried fruit
Crackers are excellent Muesli bars and come in wheat, rice, and maize varieties.

8. Rest Periods

On lengthy car trips, fatigue is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents.

Stop if the roadside treats and food haven’t refreshed you.

Get some fresh air, go for a stroll, use the restroom, and grab a cup of coffee. My home state of Western Australia, also known as the “state of the road trip,” has many roadhouses that provide the driver with free coffee. Make use of these possibilities.

9. Packing for a Family Road Trip: Essentials for Kids

Having your children buckled into the proper age-appropriate car seat is the most crucial step in ensuring their safety on a road trip. You can either bring your car seat along with your airline luggage if you are flying before your road trip, or you can rent a car seat when you arrive.

The advantages and disadvantages of these choices will be covered soon; to be notified when it is published, subscribe to the newsletter or “like” Tips 4 Trips on Facebook.
To say nothing of how annoying this noise is, a drive won’t be smooth if there are whining kids in the back. The secret to a good long car ride with kids is entertainment.

Prepare your iPod or CD player with music, and maybe even an iPad with a movie.
Prepare food and beverages as well as entertainment for them. Pick nutritious foods that your youngster will enjoy (to reduce the moaning).
Along with fun car trip activities for youngsters like sticker books, coloring pages, reading materials, or an e-tablet. Choose wisely because some of these items may cause car sickness, and you know your child best.
Oh, and keep a supply of zip-top bags available if you become sick.

10. Set the Pets at Ease

In Western Australia, the police have started harshly prosecuting anyone who drives with their dog perched on the driver’s lap. I admit I’ve also done it, even though I know it’s dangerous.

When traveling with pets in a car, it is ideal to have a travel cage* or the at least a pet car harness* for your dog or cat. It would help if you kept your car’s interior clean using a pet car seat cover*.

Bird travel cages* should be put in a safe location in the car using straps, and the water should be drained. The placement of additional small pets in travel cages is recommended.

Speaking of water, remember to bring a bottle and a bowl for your pets to drink from when you stop. Put your pets on the leash you prepared and take them for a walk to stretch their legs and let them relieve themselves during your rest periods. PS: Don’t forget the poop bags and place them in a trash can.