Quick tips for long distance driving these holidays

Planning on going away these holidays? We all know how tiring driving can be, and long distance driving takes an even greater toll on both the driver and the car. Therefore it’s important to make sure that both you and your car are ready for the big trip ahead.

Here are our top tips for safe long distance driving this holiday season:


1. Make a plan

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Make sure to leave plenty of time to get to your destination. Factor in rest stops every 2 hours, as well as weather conditions for your trip by checking the weather report the day before you leave home.

Adverse weather will make driving more challenging, and after an extended dry period, rain can also cause oil to rise to the road surface, increasing its slipperiness dramatically.

Also ensure that you tell close family members or friends who aren’t coming with you, your trip plans, and ideally don’t drive alone. That way, if any problems occur they can contact the appropriate emergency services.


2. Prepare your car

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Get your car ready by performing a basic service yourself or having one completed professionally. Check your fluid levels, or even better, replace them. Your car will run much more efficiently if your car’s fluids are fresh.

Also remember to check your brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid and that your spark plugs are clean. Your car will love you for it!

Perform a tow check if you’re towing a trailer, boat or caravan. Check that your:

• Towing equipment is correctly secured;

• Electrical connections are properly fitted and working correctly;

• Trailer isn’t overloaded, and all loads are evenly distributed and properly secured;

• Brakes are working correctly;

• Rear view mirrors are properly adjusted.



3. Prepare your tyres

Get your wheels aligned and tyres balanced

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Misaligned wheels can lower your car’s steering control, while unbalanced tyres can cause vibration in your steering, and these effect will be amplified at highway speeds. You don’t want to be driving at over 100km/h and be questioning the steering ability of your car!

A wheel alignment and tyre balance done by your local Bridgestone technician can quickly and easily correct any misalignment or imbalance in your wheels and tyres.

Make sure your tyres are correctly inflated

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Improperly inflated tyres will compromise your ability to brake and manoeuvre safely, as well as increasing fuel consumption and introducing uneven tyre wear.

You can find the inflation specifications on the sidewall of your tyres, or in the glove box, fuel filler flap or door jamb of your car.Check your tyre pressures when your tyres are cold, and remember that the correct tyre pressure will be different for a fully-loaded car.

If you are ever in doubt, simply visit your local Bridgestone Store for advice!

Check tread depth

As tread depth lowers, so does a tyre’s ability to grip in wet conditions. Most tyres now have tread depth indicators moulded into the grooves of the tyre, or alternatively, check your tread depth with a depth gauge.

The minimum legal tread depth in Australia is 1.6mm across the full tyre width, so if your tread depth indicators are flush with the tyre tread then it’s time to change your tyres immediately.

Inspect your tyres for damage or irregular wear

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Look after your tyres and they will look after you. Inspect them for signs of irregular wear, objects lodged in the tread, or any cuts, scuffs or other damage which can worsen over a long journey and cause blowouts while driving.

Bridgestone’s Safe Drive Tyre Road Hazard Warranty covers your tyres for accidental damage, including gutter damage, irreparable punctures, or breaks or cuts from foreign objects on the road.

If accidental damage occurs to one of your Bridgestone tyres you can call 131 229 for your nearest Bridgestone Service Centre or Bridgestone Tyre Centre and your damaged tyre will be replaced.



4. Prepare yourself

Make sure you have a good night’s sleep before heading off, and don’t drive when you would normally be sleeping as your body clock is programmed to slow down your body during this time. Research has shown that going without sleep for 17 hours has the same effect on your driving ability as a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05, which is the legal Australian limit.

Don’t drive impaired, which means stay away from alcohol and beware of some medications! You don’t need to be drunk to be affected by alcohol. Even a small amount will affect your driving skills and greater your chances of having an accident by increasing reaction times, reducing concentration and impairing your judgement.

Starting your day with a proper breakfast is a sure-fire way to help you feel energised whilst driving. The best breakfast will include at least four different food groups: dairy, fruit and vegetables, grains and supplements.



5. Pack smart

Pack a bag full of nutritious foods which are easily digestible, such as salads, fruit or grilled fish. Spicy and fatty foods are more difficult for your body to digest, and can make you feel more tired.

Most importantly, stay hydrated! Water is the easiest and cheapest choice for keeping fatigue at bay. It can also save you from leg cramps, which are almost always linked to dehydration and are difficult to get rid of.

Also ensure all passengers wear the appropriate seatbelts or child restraints, including pets, and keep your luggage properly secured.



6. Better late than never

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It’s not a race, so stay safe by driving to the road conditions and practicing safe driving techniques, including:

• Maintaining a 3 second gap between you and the car in front. Double it to 6 seconds in adverse conditions, like during heavy rain;

• Driving smoothly to improve fuel economy and decrease the wear on your car and tyres;

• Always keeping left unless overtaking;

• Indicating early when making manoeuvres, especially if your view may be obscured when towing a trailer;

• Looking further into the distance whilst driving, so that you’re more prepared for any occurrences ahead;

Remember that the faster you drive and the heavier the load, the longer it will take to stop. This is why properly checking your tyres is so important.


7. Fight fatigue with regular breaks

Take a 15 minute break for every 2 hours that you drive, or pull over for a power nap as soon as you start to feel tired or fatigued. Common signs of fatigue include yawning, tired eyes, restlessness and poor concentration.

Sharing the driving duties when possible is another great way to avoid fatigue and keep the trip lively and fun!


While the information provided here is only a guide, you can always talk to your local Bridgestone technician for more friendly advice about tyres and staying safe on our roads.


To find your local Bridgestone Store, visit: https://www.bridgestonetyres.com.au/find-stores