The Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the way we travel. Public transport was majorly affected as social distancing became the norm. Air travel and train journeys were thrown out of gear, and these modes of travel are still trying to rebound to their pre-pandemic efficiency. In such a scenario, more people have begun to opt for long-distance journeys by road in their cars. Long-distance car rides can be journeys within the state that run into several hours or journeys that take days – a common phenomenon when travelling in countries as expansive as India.
Road trips have an exciting ring to them; however, there are several things to remember before you plan a long journey. While the driver's capabilities with regard to their health conditions and knowledge of road rules are paramount, the vehicle's condition is equally important.
The car’s condition will determine your travel plan and the frequency of upkeep and maintenance checks during the journey. Much like you need a break after long hours behind the wheel, your car also may need a break depending on its condition.
Rest time for your car
A well-maintained vehicle should ideally be fine running continuously for long hours, touching even 7-8 hours at a stretch. This depends on the amount of fuel in the vehicle and the tank capacity. Thanks to technology, we now have highly fuel-efficient vehicles that can run for over 12 hours without any issues.
However, just because a vehicle can drive for 8-12 hours does not mean you should drive that long in one stretch. A car doesn't really need rest if it has no mechanical complaints and works at the top of its form. But this is an ideal situation that various factors can alter.
Therefore, while taking a long road trip, resting yourself and your car every two hours for at least 15 minutes is advisable. These breaks, while allowing you respite from continuously focusing on the road, can also be used to check the condition of the tyres, coolant and air levels, and fuel and engine oil.
Reasons to rest your car
There are various reasons to take short breaks during long drives. Accounting for the human factor, breaks during trips are extremely important for the driver to remain alert and healthy during the drive.
Similarly, cars can also benefit from rest amid travel. Various factors can lead to issues such as overheating of an engine, wear and tear of the car, and excessive pressure on the car's suspensions.
For instance, the age of the vehicle plays a vital role in its performance. Older vehicles may find it tough to keep up with long drives compared to new cars, requiring more breaks and maintenance.
Also, driving during summers in a country like India that records high temperatures may cause the car's engine to overheat. Similarly, driving in high altitudes can adversely affect the engines.
The terrain on which you are driving also plays a role in the car's performance during the long-distance journey. For instance, a bumpy road with excessive potholes can place undue pressure on the vehicle's suspension, leading to wear and tear. Even driving through a traffic jam that lasts several hours or several kilometres will require you to use the brake pedal excessively, leading to potential damage.
Additionally, the engine type also plays a part in determining how a car performs on a long journey. For instance, diesel engine cars are typically better suited for long distances than gas engines.
In such scenarios, resting your car every two hours allows you to reassess the car's condition.
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Prepare your car for a road trip
A long-distance trip ideally has no reason to damage your car. However, it is essential to prepare adequately for the trip. Here are some things you can do:
- Solve all existing issues before you begin the journey. This could range from fixing a faulty wiper to addressing a recurring engine issue. The first step in planning your trip is ensuring the car you travel in is in top form.
- Service your vehicle about a week before you go on the trip. These will help the servicing team address potential issues and solve existing problems. A week should also give you enough time to identify any new issues that may have come up during the servicing.
- Resist the temptation to dump your car with luggage. More luggage means more load for the car to pull along. Too much luggage will impact the mileage adversely.
- The engine is the heart of your car, but other parts are worthy of your attention too. Before you begin your journey, check the finer details, such as engine oil, coolant, brake oil, brake pads, car battery, and lights. Carry a tyre inflator or a Stepney that is functional.
- Don't get adventurous with your fuel levels. The moment it goes below the halfway mark, start finding a place to refuel your car.
Long trips, while safe, can accelerate the wear and tear on your vehicle if you are not mindful. The idea is to treat the car as if you were treating yourself, providing rest and refreshments in the form of fuel at regular intervals. A short break of 15 minutes every two hours will enable the engine to rest, allow you to reassess the condition of your vehicle and provide possible solutions for any problems in the offing.
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