The car opens up borders that are inaccessible to passengers on trains and planes. Freedom of movement This is the main advantage of personal transport, which allows you to turn from the highway to a picturesque lake or a waterfall lost in the mountains at any second. Planning a trip does not begin with the purchase of tickets, but with the choice of a destination that will be interesting to all participants of the voyage.
Many drivers mistakenly believe that a road trip is necessarily a journey of thousands of kilometers on monotonous highways. Actually, road trip It can be a weekend when you just change the bustle of the city for the silence of the forest roads. It is important to correctly calculate the strength and technical condition of your ironhorse before the start.
In this article, we will discuss how to choose the perfect destination, what to take with you and how to avoid typical mistakes on the road. Travel safety is always more important than scheduleTherefore, you can not ignore the preparation even for short distances.
Choice of direction: mountains, sea or forest
The first question that comes up when planning is: where exactly are we going? Not only the route depends on the type of terrain, but also the requirements for the car. If you own a low sedan, rock serpentine with broken surfaces can be a serious test for suspension.
Mountain routes give breathtaking views and clean air, but require careful attention to the braking system. Brake overheating On long descents - a common problem that beginners forget. Forest roads, in turn, can present a surprise in the form of a soured track after rain, which will require at least a basic set for calling out of the mud.
The sea coasts attract millions of tourists, but in summer turn into traffic jams. Movement in a dense flow with air conditioning and a full load of the trunk creates an extreme load on the vehicle. cooling-system engine. When choosing resort destinations, plan more time on the way or move at night.
Do not discount the small towns of the Golden Ring or historical centers, which are difficult to reach by public transport. There you will find silence, architecture and the opportunity to learn history as you move from object to object in your car.
Technical preparation of the car for the long way
Before you ask where to go, you need to make sure that the car will get there and back without breakdowns. Diagnosis should be comprehensive: from the level of oil in the engine to the state of rubber on the spare wheel, which is often forgotten.
Pay special attention running-piece and steering. A thud or knock that seems insignificant in the city can escalate into a serious accident on the track. Check the Silentblocks, ball supports and steering tips.
⚠️ Warning: Never ignore a lighted indicator Check Engine before the long road. Even if the car is “going normally,” the error can signal problems with the catalyst or lambda probe, leading to fuel overruns and power loss in the mountains.
The cooling system is the second most important node. A boiling engine in traffic or on the rise is a classic of the genre, which is easy to avoid by checking the density of antifreeze and the integrity of the pipes. Bring a can of distilled water with you just in case.
☑️ Technical checklist before departure
Don't forget. clearance your car. If you plan to move off the pavement, the protection of the crankcase engine will be a mandatory element of equipment. A blow against a grass-hidden stump or stone can pierce a pallet and leave you without oil in the middle of nowhere.
Equipment: What to take in the trunk
The list of things depends on the season and the length of the trip, but there is a basic set that should lie in the trunk all year round. First of all, these are tools for minor repairs and survival in unforeseen situations.
It is necessary to fire extinguisher with a current expiration date and a first aid kit, equipped with modern standards. It is also critically important to have a rope for towing, wires for “lighting” and a set of fuses.
| Category | Subject matter | Why do you need it? |
|---|---|---|
| Security | reflective vest | Mandatory when entering the track at night |
| Repairs | Toolkit | Minimum: screwdrivers, passages, keys |
| Comfort. | Powerbank (external battery) | Charging gadgets without a working motor |
| Navigation | Paper map of the region | It works where there is no GPS or internet. |
For a comfortable sleep or rest in the car (if the design allows) tourist mats and blankets are useful. In the summer, sunscreens on windows are indispensable, which will help to create darkness for resting the day.
Buy or download offline maps of the regions through which your route runs. In remote areas, the mobile network signal can disappear for hundreds of kilometers, and a navigator without the Internet will become useless.
Psychological travel and rest regime
The monotony of the road is sedating faster than it seems. The brain gets used to the rhythm of flashing bands and the sound of the motor, dulling the reaction. That is why the two-hour rule is the gold standard of safety: every two hours or 200 km of travel, a stop is required.
During the parking, you need not just to go out to smoke, but to warm up. Physical activity It helps to disperse the blood and restore concentration. Walking around the car, light gymnastics or simply washing with cold water work wonders.
If you are traveling with a company, share the roles. The person sitting in the front passenger seat is obliged to monitor the road and the driver’s condition, not to sleep or to duck in the phone. Navigator It is the second pair of eyes and ears.
⚠️ Warning: If you feel your eyelids are getting heavier and your thoughts are getting confused, stop right away. No energy drinks or loud music can replace a 20-minute nap. The risk of falling asleep while driving is deadly.
Plan your overnight stays in advance. You can sleep as a savage in the car, but it is better to find an equipped parking lot or camping place where there is light and, possibly, security. This will ensure you a good rest and security of property.
Travel budget: where to save money
Motor travel is often chosen for the sake of saving, but gasoline, overnight accommodation and food can quickly eat up the budget. Planning expenses is as much a part of preparation as checking the oil. Pre-assess the approximate mileage and multiply by the average consumption of your car.
Overnights in a tent or directly in the car (weather and equipment permitting) can significantly reduce costs. Rent a camping is cheaper than a hotel, and sometimes free in specially designated places.
Food in road cafes is a lottery, where high price and low quality often win. Thermos With hot tea, sandwiches and fruits taken from home will save your stomach and purse. Stay at local markets in small towns – it’s fresh and cheaper.
The secret to saving on fuel
Smooth driving without sharp accelerations and braking reduces fuel consumption by up to 15-20%. Also avoid driving at high speeds (above 110-120 km / h), as the aerodynamic drag increases sharply, causing the engine to consume more gasoline.
Legal nuances and documents
When traveling by car, you should always be ready to communicate with traffic police. The full package of documents should lie in an easily accessible place, and not be buried at the bottom of the trunk under the tent.
It is necessary to driver's license, CTS, CTP policy (or "Green Card" when traveling abroad). If the car is not yours, you need a document confirming the right to use (free power of attorney or lease agreement).
When crossing borders of regions or states, additional permits may be required, for example, to enter a border zone or national parks. Study the rules in advance so as not to turn around at the barrier.
All documents are better to scan and save in the cloud or send to the messenger. In the event of loss of originals, this will speed up the process of recovery and verification of identity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often do I need to stop on the road?
It is recommended to stop every 2 hours or 200 km of run. The minimum parking time is 15 minutes. This is necessary to restore the concentration of the driver's attention and warm up the stiff muscles.
What to do if the car is stuck in a deserted place?
Don't panic. Turn on the alarm, put the sign of the emergency stop (day - 30 meters, at night - 100 meters). Stay in the car if it is dangerous to go overboard or get behind the fence. Contact the emergency or evacuation service.
Do I need to bring a can of gasoline with me?
It's a personal matter. On the one hand, it is insurance against the “dry tank” in the wilderness. On the other hand, a canister of gasoline in the cabin or trunk is a potential source of vapor and fire. It is better to carefully plan refueling and have a stock at least 50-70 km.
Can I sleep in the car in the parking lot?
This is often not prohibited by law unless you are breaking parking rules. However, it is better to choose illuminated places, gas stations or special campsites. Avoid spending the night in the center of major cities or in suspicious areas.