ARTICLE: Preparation for an Indian Road Trip

[jits_1998]

I think I will go with Abhi's suggestion, to get the service and figure the rest for myself later. As it is I have a small car and the boot is full with my woofer and speakers .

Worse, I don't know anything about types of bulbs and fuses. What will I do with them.hehehe.

I will carry maruti on road service numbers card, that should fit in somewhere

Cheers!

[rmonie]

Anyone remember the old must have's as part of your emergency repair kit:

1. Sunlight Soap - to fix small holes in the fuel tank.

2. Raw Turmeric - for leaky radiators!!

[naikpranav]

Originally Posted by akroy

First thing first, since your car is serviced quit long ago, I would recommend you to do a full service. Looks like your oils have not been changed in the last 1.5 years. I would recommend you to replace all the oils. If the oils has not been changed for more than 2 years then it has to be changed ASAP, no matter what is ODO reading.

before the journey
1) Check your tyre pressures (Keep 2-3psi more than recommended cold pressure, for Alto it should be 32-33psi)
2) Carry lots of water...
3) Stepney Jack: Take it out and put back in (sometimes it gets jammed if you have not used it for long time)

It is just 570km / 9-10hours journey, so nothing much to worry about assuming that your car has no pending issues before the journey.

Enjoy
Abhi

my trips where i have to check the car thoroughly are only >500 km, otherwise its in a state of always ready for the trip outside (almost once a week)

1) should the tyre pressure be 2-3 psi higher or lower ? cuz my tyre guy fills it slightly lower (cold) cuz it will expand, so if its s'posed to be 33 for the wagon r, he makes it 30, and 28 in summer, i haven't had any problems with that so far...
2) if im travelling to remote places (like i usually am), i carry 2 litres of water per day for the three of us minimum, or 20 litres , whichever is more.
we buy the rest of the water on the way in big towns.

[akroy]

Originally Posted by naikpranav

1) should the tyre pressure be 2-3 psi higher or lower ? cuz my tyre guy fills it slightly lower (cold) cuz it will expand, so if its s'posed to be 33 for the wagon r, he makes it 30, and 28 in summer, i haven't had any problems with that so far...

Always 2-3psi higher that cold pressure when you are doing high speed / long distance drivings.
You will not realize any problems untill you have a tyre burst at high speed. Luckily you hadnt had that. Also by keep low psi in highways your tyre life is getting reduced as well.

Originally Posted by naikpranav

2) if im travelling to remote places (like i usually am), i carry 2 litres of water per day for the three of us minimum, or 20 litres , whichever is more.
we buy the rest of the water on the way in big towns.

Actually it is always better to carry more water, even if you get stuck somewhere there is ample water to support you.
I always carry a 20lit bottle in the boot if the trip distance/days are more. You also save lots of money rather than buying those bottles at 10-15rs/lit.

Abhi

[vasudeva]

I know that there a lot of people here on this forum who routinely go on long trips. But not me, although I would like to. This is because I consider 300-400 km to be better covered by train (Chandigarh or Jalandhar is where I go because of my wife's family there). In my nearly 186,000 km of car driving, I have not driven ever even 50 km outside Delhi!. However, I would like to make a start soon.

I would be grateful if people with long experience of out of town driving will help me address these fears (I am aware of the things to take and care when going out of town): These fears are in order of preference

1. Tiredness: I have an automatic, but does driving for 5-6 hrs causes tiredness, sore limbs, etc.
2. Breakdown fear: I do not even know to replace a tyre (+ve is that my car has tubeless).
3. Since the above 2 could be addressed to a large extent by an automatic and tubeless tyres, the remaining biggest fear is of loss of life and limbs because of high speeds and reckless driving (own and others). What do I do about this.

[iraghava]

Originally Posted by vasudeva

I would be grateful if people with long experience of out of town driving will help me address these fears (I am aware of the things to take and care when going out of town): These fears are in order of preference

1. Tiredness: I have an automatic, but does driving for 5-6 hrs causes tiredness, sore limbs, etc.
2. Breakdown fear: I do not even know to replace a tyre (+ve is that my car has tubeless).
3. Since the above 2 could be addressed to a large extent by an automatic and tubeless tyres, the remaining biggest fear is of loss of life and limbs because of high speeds and reckless driving (own and others). What do I do about this.

I do highway runs every week & have over a few lakh kms driving experience on them, mostly alone. Here are my viewpoints on your questions:

1. In a car like the Corolla which is not only a breeze to drive but an AT too this should not be a factor at all. But it depends more on the driver than the car to be frank, I can drive 8-12 hours straight without a single break without any issues but know people who need a break every couple of hours or so just to relieve their fatigue. This is more or less dependent upon your stamina while driving & how used to you are in maintaining your concentration on the road without feeling tired. If you like cars & enjoy driving it helps a lot.

Best thing to do especially if you're on your first long distance drive is to take it easy & play it by the ear. Drive for a couple of hours & see how you feel, if you feel a little tired or cramped & feel the need to stretch your body then do so at the next dhaba/petrol pump. After all what is the hurry? And if you don't feel the need to stop then continue on your way till you feel the need to stop. However, if at any time you feel drowsy or sleepy stop IMMEDIATELY, even the slightest wink or dozing off can have dire consequences.

To ease the drive further carry some fluids & eatables in the car, Mints & Chewing gum help a lot & also carry your favourite music to pass your time. And whatever you do, don't be tense while driving, take it easy, relax & it'll be a breeze.

2. Modern cars which have been maintained properly hardly ever have a breakdown. Jap cars brought this reliability phenomenon to the world & are dead reliable if you service the regularly & do preventive maintenance. But in our conditions a puncture or a tyre failure can happen at times so I would suggest you learn how to change a flat tyre at least, it can come in handy since you can carry a portable air compressor & all that but in case of a sidewall failure or something like that you will need to change the tyre.

Apart from that you need basic skills like checking all the vital fluids, checking the fuses if needed & as a precaution always carry a tow rope just in case you need it. With the widespread reach of Mobile networks today help is always at hand unless you're going to a very remote area.

3. The situation is not as bad as is portrayed by a lot of people out there. Sure, it is dangerous but not as if you're going into a death trap every time. The correct thing to do is take it easy (no rush to reach the destination) and find a speed that you're comfortable about maintaining give the situation prevailing around you. And you don't have to be rigid, if the situation changes & the roads empty you can pick up the pace & if the traffic is more then you slow down, as simple as that.

For a first timer, you would be best of if you drive defensively and keep an eye out for the heavy vehicles around you. Use anticipation on what they're about to do rather then waiting for them to make their move & then reacting. When overtaking them give them a toot since these vehicle's have large blind spots & at times can't register that there is a car besides them.

And the most important thing is to enjoy the drive, take it easy & have fun out there!

[shatrughna]

While iraghava has covered it so well, I would also like to share my experiences of long drives. Longest I have travelled so far is approx 950 kms in 17 hours with few breaks for tea snacks food etc ( Mumbai to Jaipur) and approx. 1100 kms from Nagpur to Pune in approx. 19 hours. Both the trips I took in a sedan. Mumbai to goa - number of times in hatch as well ( approx.10 hours).

1. What I do for a trip: for business or pleasure - it may just be without much preparation except that I keep my car regularly serviced and well maintained and depending on where I am going and who is accompanying, I keep sufficient cash, a pair of sandals ( summers), a shawl in winters, a hand towel handy and few litres of water for emergency. Basic testing of cars water oil and fuel , air pressure including that of steppnae, spare headlight bulbs, tool kit, jack etc., some first aid medicine, depending on your requirement( I need disprins most) and also something for stomach upset ( OTC drugs) , torch- I have dynamo one so no need for battery just a spare bulb , jackknife, lighter and match box and a big stick ( I have never needed to use it though). For eats - some toffees, chocs, drinking water and aerated drinks, little hearts, some fruits, all the music I want to listen to , soap strips, tissues and lastly old newspapers( very useful for cleaning windshileds and headlights at night when insects stick on). This is a list that is needed for the car and me, rest for kids and family, depends and you know its usual. The nos. baggage and load increases but fun is multiplied . I am sure you would agree.

2. Next is knowing the FE of the car- you need to plan how much fuel is there and how far can you go till you need a refill. This is one reason for which sure, one has to stop. I have been fortunate enough not to have encountered any breakdown or punctured tyre so far on any long drive that I have taken but I guess one needs to be ready to meet such an eventuality. Must keep the nos. of roadside assistance available through dealers handy, carry your rc book, user manual ( it has nos.)insurance and driving licence - all originals as well including nos. of other manufacturers and Exide helpline. A car charger for mobile phone is must. I assumed that you have roaming activated on your cellphone.Keep a screwdriver and better still a tool kit in boot. I was trying to change the tyre of Verna and I was aghast when there was no screwdriver in it and there is no way that you can remove the hub cap on the wheels without it as even a coin was not able to do this. Luckily, I was just practicing so, learnt it.

3. The biggest problem you face is on the narrower highways/ roads(e.g. Delhi - Dehradun road till last year- I heard that bypass roads are ready around muzaffarnagar and meerut) where oncoming vehicles , while trying to overtake block the road in front. This problem is worse in nights and worst in nights in monsoons with potholes paving the road sides and slippery muddy patches that you may have to stick to save your car. If you are not very comfortable, best is to avoid driving at nights in monsoons. However, Goa trip is so much romantic in these conditions- so you have to decide.

4. Depending on your driving style, other passengers, you may take breaks as required. Most of the co-paasengers dont disturb you at nights but day time, kids specially need more frequent breaks for refreshment. 1- 2 hours of contiunous driving is ok and after that take a short break to rest your eyes. You can stretch that depending on your moods and the scenery around. Reliance pumps are very good at almost all the places I been recently.

5. In day use goggles and wash your eyes and face whenever you take a break. Its very soothing for eyes. Eat lightly and less oily stuff- they make you feel more sleepy. In case, you must carry on, sip a cup of tea/ coffee after moderate lunch / dinner and drive slowly for first half an hour and take longer break if you are feeling sleepy. In case, you smoke- go ahead.

6. Avoid cities as far as possible in day as well as night to save time unless you are visiting the city. Take bypass, keep reading road signs and boards for directions. If you feel, dizziness, tired, burning sensation in eyes, pain in the neck or back or knees, take a break- stretch yourself, moisten your eyes by frequently winking and keep your windows if not fully then partly, closed in dusty conditions and at night as lot of insects tend to hit the vehicle.

7. In crowded areas, narrow roads it helps to follow a bigger vehicle like a scorpio/ safari/truck in case, you cant overtake it. It saves a lot of efforts as you dont have to honk and it acts as your guide and also keep a safe distance as you cant see potholes in front , if any. The brakelights ahead warn you in advance so it helps.

8. keep some cash / change handy for tolls else you will be scrampling for your wallet while driving. Check tyre pressure whenever you take a break and also if it is getting overheated( beyond normal).

Hey it actually is not so complicated - I am sure most of us keep doing so. Changing gears is not much of a problem in long drives unlike city driving hence, auto tranny may not be such a big advantage or disadvantage but definitely it makes life easy but bit tougher on pocket as you know it and sometimes, you may wish to switch to lower gear to overtake that stupid lorry/ truck throwing black fumes at you.

Let me share that it is so addictive , once you get used to long trips in car. Its fun, convenient ( unless you love to sleep on a berth in ac coach). The sights that you get to see, the options that you get on the dhabas enroute etc. is all such fun and there is no distraction for days together - you are with your family in such closed space- you cant get closer.
And remember- fun is in the journey, enroute not at the destination- so enjoy while you are driving.

[vasudeva]

Thanks a lot to both iraghava and shatrughana. I have planned for some time now to go on an outstation trip (last year I went to Shimla/Jalandhar but took a hired Innova, which cost me around Rs. 16K). I am going next week to Jalandhar by train, but I shall definitely go from Delhi to Chandigarh in June by car. That road is familiar and pretty good.

I am aware of the enjoyment, convenience, and comfort; and also some precautions. Only point is (perhaps I did not make it clear): tiredness and feeling of being wiped out after the trip. When you go out of town, you want to up and running the minute you hit your destination.