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Long Distance Driving Tips

There are many challenges to long distance driving, but it can be a great time with a little bit of preparation. In this post by North American Wholesale in Jackson, we’ll go over some tips for your next long-distance trip.

Service Your Car Before Leaving

Ensuring your safety on the road goes well beyond driving techniques or plans; it starts even before you leave the house. Before you leave for a long distance driving trip, make sure you check the following points on your car:

Fluids: Ensure that your engine oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid are all at the correct level. It’s also important to check your engine oil for cleanliness and ensure it hasn’t caught any dirt or debris. If it’s been a while since your last oil change, make sure to change it as well as your oil filter.
Engine: If your engine has the “check engine” light on, make sure to take it to a mechanic for a complete diagnosis before your trip. Other signs of engine trouble are weird noises while you drive and less fuel efficiency.
Brakes: It’s essential to ensure that your brakes have enough brake fluid and that the pads aren’t worn. Brake pads should be at least 1/4 inch thick for them to work correctly.
Tires: Check your tire’s condition by ensuring that the tread is in good shape and doesn’t have any cracks or bulges. Likewise, make sure that they’re inflated to the indicated air pressure.
Lights: Test out your lights before heading out. Make sure they light up correctly and that they’re angled in the right direction.

Proper car maintenance is key to an excellent long distance driving experience. Use the best products on the market like AMSOIL’s Signature Series 0W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil. The experts at Vaughan Distributing can help you choose the right products by calling them at (307) 413-1011 or visiting their online shop to see their full range of products.

Set a Driving Plan

While you’re getting your car ready for the road, you can start coming up with a driving plan for your trip. Having a plan that you can use as a guide for the whole trip is a way to make it more manageable and enjoyable. Think of the route you want to take, where you can stop for brakes and any road conditions you need to be aware of. It’s also a good idea to check the weather forecast and make sure it will be safe to drive. Pro tip: If you don’t know the road very well and you’ll be relying on your phone’s map app as a guide, make sure to take a physical map as well to avoid any connectivity issues.

Follow the Rules of the Road

Many accidents on the road are avoidable if drivers follow the rules of the road while long distance driving. Make sure to keep an eye on speed limits and remember to share the road with other drivers. Another good thing to remember is to avoid using your phone while driving, as even a few seconds of being distracted could cause an accident. Lastly, we’re all trying to get somewhere, so try to leave with enough time and be courteous on the road.

Vaughan Distributing has the best products for your next long distance drive. Call them today at (307) 413-1011 and ask about their entire line of AMSOIL products, or visit their online store to place your order.

Take Breaks and Rest When Possible

Driving long distances can be tiring and sometimes, depending on the road, a bit monotonous, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your stamina. Try going to sleep early the day before leaving so that you’re not overly tired the next day. It’s also a good idea to have breakfast before leaving so that you’re fueled up and don’t feel groggy behind the wheel. A light but filling breakfast is best, as a heavier one could have the opposite effect. Once you’re driving, make sure to take brakes when you feel tired, bathroom breaks are great for this as you can stretch your legs and shake off drowsiness. It’s also a good idea to pack some energizing snacks. And lastly, if possible, share your driving responsibilities with another driver so that you can rest and recover.