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10 Tips for Long Distance Driving
Are you planning on taking a fun road trip or driving long distance? Safely getting there and back home again isn’t about luck. It’s about planning, maintenance, and a trip to your local Les Schwab. We have some long-distance driving tips to help you and your family enjoy every highway adventure, wherever you plan to go.
Get a Free Pre-Trip Safety Check at Les Schwab:
Our pros will check the air pressure on all your tires including the spare. They’ll also do a visual inspection of your tires, wheels, alignment, shocks and struts, brakes, and battery. If we find anything, we’ll make recommendations to add safety to your road trip. Schedule your safety check now.
Assemble a Road Trip Safety Kit:
Depending on the time of year, must-have items include water (for your vehicle), flares, a battery-operated radio, and a fully-charged jump-starter (which can be used to charge phones if your vehicle battery dies). You’ll also want seasonal or leather gloves, a hat (for either shading your face from the sun or a warm hat for warmth), and blanket to kneel on if you need to change a flat tire on the side of the road. Learn more about what to include in your road trip safety kit as well as these winter-specific driving tips.
Top Off All Fluids:
Fill your gas tank right before you leave. Other fluids to check and fill as needed include your windshield wiper fluid, antifreeze, brake fluid, power-steering fluid, transmission fluid, and oil. For electric vehicles, charge the battery the night before. Double-check that your cup holder has your favorite fluid (soda, coffee, tea) ready to go.
Change the Oil:
If it’s time to change the oil in your car or truck, some Les Schwab locations can help.
Check Your Visibility:
This includes how well you can see the world and how well other drivers can see you. Check your windshield wipers, headlights (including your high and low beam bulbs), taillights, backup lights, and the lights on your rear license plate. Replace them as needed. Clean your side mirrors and remove the film on your headlight and fog light lenses.
Verify the Spare:
Make sure it is properly inflated and that you have a jack. Confirm that your lug wrench fits the lugs on every wheel. If you have a locking lug on each wheel, be sure you have the socket key. Don’t have a spare tire in your vehicle? Check out our article titled Do I Even Need a Spare Tire.
Inspect Your Shocks and Struts:
The shocks and struts on your vehicle help with ride control, comfort, and safety. The pros at Les Schwab can do a free visual inspection of your shocks and struts. If you’ll be towing a trailer, we’ll help ensure your tow vehicle’s shocks and struts can handle the load.
Get Plenty of Sleep Before Every Drive:
This can help keep you awake and alert while behind the wheel. And take a quick pit stop every 100 miles, whether you need it or not. That break will help invigorate you and your passengers.
Bring Some Entertainment:
Find an audiobook everyone will enjoy. Or suggest highway games such as “find all the state license plates,” “I spy,” and “20-questions highway edition.
Pack Snacks and Water:
This can include healthy snacks, fruit, and pre-packaged meals that don’t require refrigeration. And don’t forget to pack plenty of water and other beverages.
Make Sure Your Car Is Ready To Go at Les Schwab
Schedule a free pre-trip safety check at any Les Schwab location. We’ll give your tires, wheels, battery, brakes, shocks, struts, and alignment a visual inspection and make recommendations if anything needs attention.