The Car Traveler’s Guide

Here are some useful tips to help you plan your driving tours.

Some notes before you begin planning:

We all know that planning is boring but it is essential to help you have un-spoilt fun so that you look forward to the drive. We recommend that you gang up with people whose company you enjoy. Ensure that there are a few who share a passion for motoring. Now, get together for coffee and start preparing for the trip using our guide.

Planning your holiday:

• Choose the right time
  Check your schedule(s) for long weekends or times when everyone would be relatively free from work pressure. Planning in advance would allow everyone to apply for leave and service the vehicle(s).
• Choose the right destination
  Choose a destination that is suited for that time of the year. Also, ensure that there is enough time to soak yourselves at the chosen holiday spot. You don’t want to spend most of the time on the road.
• Choose your vehicle(s)
  You must consider the number of people traveling, the luggage to be carried, distance to be traveled before deciding on the vehicle(s) to be taken.
• Draw up a rough budget
  Consider expenditure for fuel, consumables, and accommodation over the number of days you plan to spend. It is recommended that you carry twice that amount to meet any emergency situations like a breakdown.
• Arrange for accommodation
  This is especially important f you plan to travel during peak tourist season. As interesting as it may sound, you don’t want to end up sleeping in your car or under the open sky.
• Chart out an itinerary
  Read about the roads that would take you to your holiday spot(s), the time taken to cover the distance, the places you would like to see and the time you have to stay at each place. A timetable gives you the freedom to change your plans with greater confidence.

Readying the car(s):

Check the following aspects in your car while preparing it:

• Mechanical fitness: Tune the engine; check the brakes and the clutch
• Fluid leakages
• Condition of hoses and belts
• Proper function of electrical equipment like lights, indicators and fuses
• Condition of tyres

Things to carry for your car - Brake fluid, engine oil, coolant, distilled water for the battery, spare hoses and belts, tool kit, torch, owner’s manual, car documents, road maps, music.

Packing luggage

• Pack minimum including only the most essential things you need unless you’re traveling with children. Try to restrict luggage so that it can all fit in the boot. Carrying luggage on a roof rack is not advisable as the additional air friction hampers the car’s aerodynamics and the luggage may fall off at times. All items in the cabin should be securely placed and should not move about during hard braking and cornering.
• Keep the food and camera(s) in a handbag that can be accommodated in the passenger cabin. Also, drinking water, napkins and the first aid kit should be kept within reach.
• Do not place anything on board in front of the rear windshield, as it will obstruct the drivers view.

First aid kit

A first aid kit is very important and should always be a part and parcel of your car. Also it should be kept within immediate reach.

Items in the kit should include:

• Adhesive bandages of different sizes
• A roll of sticking plaster
• Sterile gauze pads and rolls of 1 and 2 inch gauze
• Set of paper tissues
• Scissors, tweezers, safety pins
• Antiseptic spray
• Thermometer
• Basic medicines for fever, headache and stomach disorders

Keep a record of the journey

Keep a track of the distances you travel and the fuel spent so that later on it will help you calculate the costs in terms of fuel. Also make a note of the refueling stations on route so that you can share your notes with someone who wants to venture on a similar trip.

For your convenience, we have created a PDF file that can be printed and carried along to make your Tour Notes. Click here to download.

Other points to note

• Make an early start. This helps you avoid traffic so that you can hit the highway in no time.
• Switch drivers at regular intervals. You can enjoy the driver better if you are able to switch driving with someone else. This way it also gives you time to relax, take a nap or two. Also a spare driver could help in situations where one driver is not too confident driving through different terrains.
• Don’t stop too often. Minimize your breaks on the way as it will not only break a drivers rhythm, it will also reduce the speed and the traveling time. Try combining fuel and refreshment stops.
• Keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. You can still have a good time doing both. Avoid eating while driving and if you need to drink water or use your mobile phone you can always pull the car aside to do so.
• Drive safely & keep your cool. Do not break rules just because you are on the highway. Also, keep your cool even if you see others driving irresponsibly. Get into the holiday mood and enjoy your drive.
• Handling breakdowns. Always keep emergency help line numbers with you in case of a breakdown. Also, ensure passenger safety in case you have to go seek help.

Handling accidents

If any individual (passenger in your car or outsider) is injured in an accident, get immediate medical attention. The first aid kit should come in handy but drive to a hospital in case of serious injuries. If the accident involves other people, try to resolve the matter amicably. Drive down to the police station and report the matter only if necessary.

Make sure you have your driver’s licence, registration book and insurance policy when you file a complaint. These will have to be handed over to the police. Also, the police may take possession of the car for inspection by the Regional Transport Office (RTO).