A Guide On Essentials Of A Long Drive.

[SK01]

Hey guys, I have been on quite a few long drives with my family and I think there are certain Do's and Dont's which I believe are necessary before, while and after a long drive. I hope this will give a first timer an idea about how to prepare for a long drive. This article is generic in nature and few points may or may not be applicable.

PREPARATIONS BEFORE THE JOURNEY:

1) Making A Perfect Plan:
Enquire about the routes, road conditions, and hotel conditions in your circle prior to a week and plan your journey accordingly.

 

2) Booking A Vehicle:
This is for those who doesn't own a vehicle or for those who book a self drive vehicle. Know the road conditions, terrain and route before booking your vehicle. This will Help you book a perfect vehicle for the road conditions.
Ex: SUV for forests, 4*4 for worst roads.

3) Vehicle Check Up:
This is one of the most important things that one should do before starting. Many people ignore this and end up with huge losses. Get your vehicle checked with the authorised dealer. See that your vehicle's service is up to date. Top up the fuel gauge before starting.

WHAT STUFF TO CARRY:

1) A Long Nylon Rope:

It'll be needed for toeing your or someone else's Vehicle in case of a break down, or even for tyinh extra baggage. You must have atleast 20 feet of nylon rope for extra strength. It can be doubled.

2) A Pack Of Engine Oil And Coolent:

This is the most probable components which you may run out in a journey .

3) Additional Tyre Tube And Inflates Spare Wheel:
In case of puncture where you can't find a puncture wallah. This can only be done if you know how to change a wheel. Don't venture with the vehicle without proper knowledge.

4) Extra Tool Tool Kit:
This is the one which is not in your regular tool kit box. The regular tool kit in cars do not suffice for various problems which crop out from nowhere during a long journey.

THIS CAN'T BE DONE WITHOUT THE PROPER KNOWLEDGE OF THE VEHICLE. Also carry a cloth for washing. It'll also absorb the noise from the tool kit.

 

5) Some Turmeric Powder:
Now every one of you must be thinking " carry tumeric powder is he made" Now let me explain in case in case of accidents where your radiator starts leaking turmeric powder acts as a sealent. Remember it's only for cranks not for breakdowns of radiator. It also acts an antiseptic when you get hurt while venturing in forests.

6) Some Weapons For Destruction: This is again very impressed of you're covering agency areas.
* Pepper spray
* Chili powder packets
* Swiss Army knife.

 

TIPS:
In case you're driving in the night try to drive between two trucks and that too which together ( Check there are no plates and overall looks) The reason is decoits very rarely loot the trucks, it'll help in hiding you from direct view as they move in constant speeds. Trucks will not stop what ever may come.

On The Road:
1) Follow the sings and rules
2) Driving At Nights: Not recommended. If traveling follow rules and sign boards. Use indicators and blinkers where ever necessary.
2) Clean all the mirrors properly otherwise this may cause visibility problems.
3) Take proper halts.
5) Use Proper Signalling: many drivers in India neglect this. Use indicators and blinkers where ever necessary and follow lane discipline.
 

Some Signalling Techniques Used On Highways:
1) Many bus and truck drivers who move at a constant speed keep their right indicator on, this means that no need to honk proceed and overtake.
But always safe to use horn atleast dippers.
2) Never overtake without getting proper view of the road and clear signal.
3) Use Proper high or low beam while driving.

TIPS:
Maintain A Trip Log
* Places to eat and take rest.
* Road conditions in different patches .
* Time taken between various destinations.
* Fuel and toll gate bills.
PS: Do carry your camera for storing your beautiful memories.
Hope this helps the budding travelers.

A small contribution to the beloved forum from my end. 

[4GSK]

Very helpful post! [emoji3][emoji106][emoji108]

[SK01]

Very helpful post! [emoji3][emoji106][emoji108]

Thank you[emoji4]

[venu]

Superbly written@krish.. such things come to mind only by experience.. Thanks a lot for sharing [emoji3]

[SK01]

Superbly written[mention=342]krish[/mention].. such things come to mind only by experience.. Thanks a lot for sharing [emoji3]

Thank you[emoji4]

[SagarSS]

Good informative article...

[SK01]

28 minutes ago, SagarSS said:

Good informative article...

?

[Naveen1]

Nice article, I feel like going on a long drive after reading your article.

[SK01]

13 hours ago, driveking said:

Nice article, I feel like going on a long drive after reading your article.

Hehe.. I'm so happy that my article could give such an impact.

 

[Saran]

Very useful one! Appreciate it..[emoji122]

[SK01]

Very useful one! Appreciate it..[emoji122]

[emoji3] [emoji4]

Miles to go before I sleep
Sent from my Asus using India-Drive app

[sagar]

Nice article @Krish ..These points must have definitely come experience, Nice way you put them up.. Appreciate the effort. 

[SK01]

Nice article [mention=342]Krish[/mention] ..These points must have definitely come experience, Nice way you put them up.. Appreciate the effort. [emoji4]

Thank you [emoji4].
Actually this article is a mix of my experience and my friend's experience.

Miles to go before I sleep
Sent from my Asus using India-Drive app

[Gowtham]

Very useful information, more helpful for people travelling to remote areas.
Thank you for sharing.
 

[balag]

Excellent information @Krish . Very informative post

[SK01]

Thank you@gowtham@balag

[Srinivas Motupalli]

Good and informative article Krish 

Particularly the nylon rope and turmeric powder tips would be helpful

[SK01]

Thank you

[venu]

Great points covered@krish Appreciate it!

[SK01]

1 hour ago, venu said:

Great points covered@krish Appreciate it!

Thank you ? 

[mit1682]

Thanks @SK01. This is much needed information. Will add this to my checklist.

[bagchi14]

I had a very unfortunate incident while I was driving from Digha to Bhubaneswar via Baleswar. It was just after Diwali. Pandals were in the process of pulling down.  I always try to avoid pandals in their pulling down stage because nails and screws are strewn on the road before them. I had a misfortune as one long screw pierced my front tire. I changed it and was looking for a puncture shop. I had to drive around 10 kilometers. In between I got another rear tire punctured. I had to drive the car in that horrible state for around 3 kilometers before I got a shop for fixing the punctures in both these tires. The rear tire was tubeless but because of wear and tear from the 3 km drive I had to make it a tube tire. I don't know whether anybody here met with this kind of unfortunate incident. I am also seeking advice from the forum members. 

[uday]

2 hours ago, bagchi14 said:

  I always try to avoid pandals in their pulling down stage because nails and screws are strewn on the road before them.

 

Never heard of such cases. Thank you for sharing the information. May I know how many kilometres your tyres clocked before this incident and what brand the tyres are?
If you maintain correct tyre pressure, chances of puncture are pretty low. 

 

[bagchi14]

Tire maker - MRF

KM done - 14000

Tire pressure was correct at 32psi but due to leakage it was low at that time

 

Thanks

[Bandari]

Hey guys, I have been on quite a few long drives with my family and I think there are certain Do's and Dont's which I believe are necessary before, while and after a long drive. I hope this will give a first timer an idea about how to prepare for a long drive. This article is generic in nature and few points may or may not be applicable.

PREPARATIONS BEFORE THE JOURNEY:

1) Making A Perfect Plan:
Enquire about the routes, road conditions, and hotel conditions in your circle prior to a week and plan your journey accordingly.
 
2) Booking A Vehicle:
This is for those who doesn't own a vehicle or for those who book a self drive vehicle. Know the road conditions, terrain and route before booking your vehicle. This will Help you book a perfect vehicle for the road conditions.
Ex: SUV for forests, 4*4 for worst roads.

3) Vehicle Check Up:
This is one of the most important things that one should do before starting. Many people ignore this and end up with huge losses. Get your vehicle checked with the authorised dealer. See that your vehicle's service is up to date. Top up the fuel gauge before starting.

WHAT STUFF TO CARRY:

1) A Long Nylon Rope:

It'll be needed for toeing your or someone else's Vehicle in case of a break down, or even for tyinh extra baggage. You must have atleast 20 feet of nylon rope for extra strength. It can be doubled.

2) A Pack Of Engine Oil And Coolent:
This is the most probable components which you may run out in a journey .

3) Additional Tyre Tube And Inflates Spare Wheel:
In case of puncture where you can't find a puncture wallah. This can only be done if you know how to change a wheel. Don't venture with the vehicle without proper knowledge.

4) Extra Tool Tool Kit:
This is the one which is not in your regular tool kit box. The regular tool kit in cars do not suffice for various problems which crop out from nowhere during a long journey.
THIS CAN'T BE DONE WITHOUT THE PROPER KNOWLEDGE OF THE VEHICLE. Also carry a cloth for washing. It'll also absorb the noise from the tool kit.
 
5) Some Turmeric Powder:
Now every one of you must be thinking " carry tumeric powder is he made" Now let me explain in case in case of accidents where your radiator starts leaking turmeric powder acts as a sealent. Remember it's only for cranks not for breakdowns of radiator. It also acts an antiseptic when you get hurt while venturing in forests.

6) Some Weapons For Destruction: This is again very impressed of you're covering agency areas.
* Pepper spray
* Chili powder packets
* Swiss Army knife.
 
TIPS:
In case you're driving in the night try to drive between two trucks and that too which together ( Check there are no plates and overall looks) The reason is decoits very rarely loot the trucks, it'll help in hiding you from direct view as they move in constant speeds. Trucks will not stop what ever may come.

On The Road:
1) Follow the sings and rules
2) Driving At Nights: Not recommended. If traveling follow rules and sign boards. Use indicators and blinkers where ever necessary.
2) Clean all the mirrors properly otherwise this may cause visibility problems.
3) Take proper halts.
5) Use Proper Signalling: many drivers in India neglect this. Use indicators and blinkers where ever necessary and follow lane discipline.
 
Some Signalling Techniques Used On Highways:
1) Many bus and truck drivers who move at a constant speed keep their right indicator on, this means that no need to honk proceed and overtake.
But always safe to use horn atleast dippers.
2) Never overtake without getting proper view of the road and clear signal.
3) Use Proper high or low beam while driving.

TIPS:
Maintain A Trip Log
* Places to eat and take rest.
* Road conditions in different patches .
* Time taken between various destinations.
* Fuel and toll gate bills.
PS: Do carry your camera for storing your beautiful memories.
Hope this helps the budding travelers.

A small contribution to the beloved forum from my end. 

Good and valuable tips.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6000 using Tapatalk

[Gowtham]

Our roads are unpredictable without any doubt.
We never know when we will face a flat tyre.

I have faced a tyres burst on a smooth Hyderabad - Vijayawada section due to scrap metal fallen from a truck.

During our drive to Goa (2010)
There was a pothole on the middle of a smooth highway.
We managed to avoid it.

But we found around 4-cars with flat tyres after crossing the pothole.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk