Posted on 11/30/21

Professional Auto Transport Tips

Professional Auto Transport Tips

There are many reasons why you may find yourself behind the wheel for a long time. Perhaps you are moving and have decided to drive your car to the new place instead of hiring a professional auto transport company. It's possible that you are even hauling a trailer. Long-distance driving might be a way to make it more affordable to visit the country's top vacation spots. Perhaps your employer sends you to a distant meeting but doesn't want you to pay for airfare. You'll still drive a lot, regardless of whether you're driving for work and/or for fun. It's important to be knowledgeable about what you're doing.

What is long-distance driving?

Although a half-day trip to grandma's house can feel tedious, especially in holiday traffic, it is not considered a long driving distance. Long-distance drives generally last ten hours or longer. Drivers who drive long distances need to be extra vigilant for several reasons.

  • Long driving distances can cause you to feel tired and your mind may wander. It's important to take a break every now and again.
  • You will drive long distances to get home. This means that you may be driving on unfamiliar roads and under unfamiliar conditions. To be able to adapt to changing road conditions and understand signage, you must be alert, especially at night, to follow the directions.
  • Towing a trailer requires you to pay attention to how your vehicle handles the extra weight and how much space it takes up.

Safety should always be your top priority when driving long distances. This is why we have compiled a list of experienced road trippers and professional auto transport drivers.

How to prepare your car

  1. Check your tires. Even if your tires are fine on a drive around town, check the tire pressure before you go. As you fill-up, the tires, be sure to inspect the treads. Although it may seem excessive to replace your tires, it is better than dealing with a flat tire on the highway just two days after you start driving.
  2. Have your wheels aligned? Badly aligned wheels can lead to major wear over the course of long trips or even accidents.
  3. Get a tune-up. You can skip this step if your car received a clean bill of fitness a few weeks back. However, if your last service visit was more than a week ago, bring her in. Your professional auto transport mechanic should be notified that you are planning to travel long distances and they will confirm all details (including the battery).
  4. Check your fluids. Even if you aren't scheduled, get an oil change. Make sure to check the coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid.
  5. Wash your car. This step can make it more enjoyable to spend time inside your vehicle.

    Prepare for the unexpected with a professional driver of auto transport

  6. Check that your insurance is up to date. Is your car insurance sufficient to cover you and your passengers in case of an accident? What about the trailer that you are renting? You might want to consider upgrading to the next level of coverage if you are unsure.
  7. Double-check your registration and license. In some states, renewal forms are automatically sent to drivers when expiration dates approach. However, in other states, drivers must ensure that this paperwork is current. You should not drive your vehicle on the edge or with an expired license.
  8. Get roadside assistance.it's normal for things to go wrong but It's nice to know that you can call for help, regardless of whether you need a locksmith or a tow.
    How to plan your route

  9. It's possible to map it. You can use the Waze or GPS app to find the fastest route, but professional drivers who drive long distances will tell you it's not a race. Safety is paramount when planning your route ahead of time and reviewing it before you drive.
  10. Plan your stops. Fatigue can cause you to be less alert and distracted. If you fall asleep while driving, your car could end up in a multi-car pileup. On a regular basis, you should stop every 2 to 3 hours. You might be tempted to keep going, but the consequences can be fatal.
  11. Download Waze, or another similar app. They allow you to respond quickly to any unexpected delays along the route. Although you have already mapped your route, it is nice to be able to see where traffic is and how to avoid them.
  12. Take a map. Low-tech solutions are best when you travel outside the coverage area of the country's mobile network. Without a backup, no signal means no map.
  13. Trackable. Google Maps and similar apps can be used to let your family know where you are, and what your ETA is. They'll also be able see if you are in an emergency situation and need to stop suddenly.
  14. Add side-trips to your route. If you plan on visiting any roadside attractions, you can map your entire route.
  15. You should know where you will sleep each night. Before you drive even one mile, you should know exactly where you will end up every night.

    How to make long-distance driving more fun

  16. Establish daily driving limits. Pushing through can lead to stress. Set a limit and stay with it. Be realistic about how many miles you will cover each day. Do not allow yourself to miss the breaks that you have built into your route.
  17. Create a playlist for your road trip. Download them before you leave. Mixing new content with old favorites will keep you from getting bored. Choose high-energy music over those that are more relaxing.
  18. Truck stops are better than rest areas. While state rest stops and gas station restrooms will work in an emergency, truck stops can be a more convenient option if you need a longer break. You will find gas, snacks, and coffee as well as hot food, toys, gifts, and books. There are many great opportunities for people to watch.
  19. Take a moment to stretch and walk around every stop. Long-distance driving can be very tiring on your body. Long stretches can cause pain in your back, shoulders, hips, legs, and hips.
  20. Pre-pack healthy fuel. While roadside burgers or greasy truck stop fries can be fun to enjoy on your first day, you will need better fuel if you plan to drive for some time. Sandwiches, baby carrots, and cut vegetables will all last longer than junk food and can be stored in small coolers.
  21. Comfortable clothes are important. It's likely you will be sitting for quite some time so dress comfortably. You don't have to dress up for long-distance driving. Instead, choose clothes that are breathable, soft, and appropriate for the weather.

    How to be alert while driving long distances

  22. Get enough rest. This is one of the best things you can do to combat fatigue while driving. You shouldn't be driving if you haven't slept a single night.
  23. Take extra cold water. You may be tempted to drink another energy drink or high-octane espresso, but you might end up feeling dangerously tired after the caffeine has worn off. Coldwater can keep you awake without the crash and prevent you from becoming drowsy.
  24. Take power napping. Even just 20 minutes can make a huge difference in your reaction time. If you feel like you are struggling, pull into a spot near the truck stop entrance, lock the doors and take a catnap.
  25. Eat healthy snacks. While candy can wake you up temporarily, a sugar crash could cause serious problems in the long term. Healthy food can give you endurance for long-distance driving.
  26. Take a few vitamins. Vitamin C and Complex B can help you feel more energetic. Are you unsure which vitamins are best for you? Talk to your doctor about recommending a supplement prior to your trip.
  27. When you are tired, move. You can move in your chair if there is no rest stop or pull over. Next, clench and unclench each muscle group. Begin by wagging your jaw, then your eyebrows. Press the steering wheel. To keep your blood pumping, do whatever you can safely.
  28. Turn up the volume. This can help you get out of a rut and give you energy.
  29. Turn on the windows. You can feel more alert when there is a roaring highway or fresh air. Fresh air is particularly effective when it's cold.
  30. Don't be irritable. If all else fails and there is no place to pull over, it's unsafe for you to do so. If you're worried about your back, then slap your cheeks. You should not bother yourself with irritation. If you reach this point, it is best to get off the road as soon as possible.
  31. Take turns driving. Driver fatigue can lead to accidents on the road. If you are able to travel with another person, please do so for safety's sake. You can switch off often, wait for your lunch break, and then nap whenever you can.
  32. Get help from passengers. Your passengers should be alerted if you show signs of fatigue such as eyelid drooping and head nodding.

Driving long distances can be difficult. However, if you have to fly, a professional auto transport company will take care of your vehicle. You, your passengers and other road users can all benefit from some planning and patience. A professional auto transport company is the best choice if you plan to ship your car across the country.

Drive safely!