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Going on a long drive, especially on extended holidays, is tempting. However, these long drives can be challenging not only for you but for your car as well.
Aside from the fact that it's already summer, your vehicle will have to deal with sustained high speeds and overtaking, along with the heat of the road and traffic.
On the other hand, you will have to deal with driving for long hours and even through traffic, which can put you through mental and physical strain. With that in mind, we have created a quick list of things you should bring on a long drive.
License and registration
First off, don’t forget your paperwork. Have all the required documents for your long trip. Don’t forget your driver’s license and registration. Make sure that the registration is updated.
Food
You will likely get hungry on your way to your destination, so bring some food for the journey. You can get food from your house or one of the gas stations along the way, as snacks will be handy. You will never know when you might get stuck in a traffic jam for hours with no place to buy food.
Water
Aside from food, make sure that you also bring along some drinkable water with you. It's great to help keep you hydrated while on the road and can come in handy if your car overheats. It's also good to have if you get in a long traffic jam. You can also bring your favorite soda or even some coffee to help keep you awake.
Tools
All cars will come with a standard set of tools. These tools are enough for essential duties such as changing a tire. However, the standard jack that comes with any vehicle can be cumbersome to use. That is why we recommend bringing a bottle or alligator jack along to help speed up the process.
You can even bring an extra set of wrenches and sockets to help you when you need to do more than just change a tire.
Fluids for your car
If you are planning to go on a long drive with an older vehicle, it is highly recommended that you bring fluids for your car. It can come in the form of extra oil, extra coolant, and even extra power steering fluid.
We understand that newer vehicles may not need these extra fluids as most will still be in top condition, but it doesn’t hurt to keep an extra liter or two on hand, just in case. Who knows, you might even be able to help someone who might need it.
Spare tire
It is important to remember that not all cars available on the market come with a spare wheel. Some just have a tire repair kit that is great for plugging small holes but isn’t as helpful when a tire sustains more significant damage.
However, if you know your route well and trust that the roads won’t come with any objects that may destroy your tires, you can proceed without worry.
A spare tire could keep you on the move even if the previous tire sustained severe damage. Just ensure that it is in good condition and that there are no cracks on the side wall or deep cracks in the tread.
Fuel container
This isn’t needed unless you plan to travel off the beaten path. If you are sure you won’t be encountering any gas stations on your long drive, make sure that you bring an extra fuel container. It will ensure you have a few additional liters of gasoline when you need it the most.
It can save you from getting stranded in the middle of nowhere or using local gas that may not have the proper octane rating.
What are other things that you would bring on a long drive? Let us know in the comments down below.