ARTICLE: Preparation for an Indian Road Trip - Team-BHP

Samurai · 19th October 2006, 20:08

There are few things in life as enjoyable as a simple road trip, and successful drives have always been the result of careful planning. Team-BHP shows you how to plan your trip:

Preparing the car:

• Tune up your car by having it serviced and checked at least a week before the trip. This advance check-up will head off possible problems on the road and give you enough time to fix any errors caused by the mechanic such as loose fuses and filters.

• Start your trip with a full tank of fuel and make it a habit to fill up at the ½ level rather than letting it run down to near empty. We also recommend buying fuel only from company-owned petrol stations in large towns.

• Carry a can of engine oil and radiator coolant in the trunk. If you drive an older car it would be wise to stock up on extra hosepipes and fan belts, too.

• Learn how to change your tyres. In addition to a puncture repair kit, you should bring an extra inner tube. Most highway tyre-repair shops do not have the facilities to repair tubeless tyres.

• Duplicate keys will help if you lock yourself out of the car. Carry them in your wallet so they don’t get locked in the car, too.

• Dont forget to carry a photocopy of the car's documentation i.e. registration book, tax receipts, insurance and so on.

• Have fog-lights fitted on your car in case you encounter extreme weather conditions. They will also be useful if your headlights malfunction.

• Carry the 24-hour roadside assistance number if you have this service.

Other things to carry:

• Cash because credit and ATM cards often don’t work in small towns and villages. Loose change can make toll payments fast and convenient.

• Maps if you are driving on unfamiliar roads. Team-BHPians recommend WIAA, TTK, Eicher and Lonely Planet India maps.

• A mobile phone with a roaming facility and don’t forget the charger.

• A camera with extra film or memory.

• A first aid kit and medicine for common ailments like carsickness, colds, headaches and upset stomachs.

• If you wear prescription glasses, bring an extra pair with you.

• Bring snacks and drinking water; these can be a boon in traffic jams.

• If you are traveling with children, pack some baby food, finger food and juice. You should also think about bringing toys to keep them occupied.

• CDs and cassettes. Music will provide entertainment and keep your mind alert on the long drive.

Planning:

• Plan out a tentative schedule.

• Make hotel reservations well in advance if you are planning an overnight trip.

• Research good restaurants along your route.

• Get a good night’s sleep before your road trip. Being well rested will help you concentrate on the road.

• Wear light, comfortable clothing for the trip.

• Avoid night driving: security is an issue and bad road conditions are hard to see at night.

• Start early to beat the city traffic.

• Take a break every 90 minutes and use this time to get out of the car, stretch and have some refreshments.

Related Article:

Technocrats List of Long-Drive Essentials

rks · 19th October 2006, 22:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samurai

• Learn how to change your tyres. In addition to a puncture repair kit, you should bring an extra inner tube. Most highway tyre-repair shops do not have the facilities to repair tubeless tyres.

Just one small clarification. Along with puncture repair kit, an air pump (either foot or battery operated) would come in handy in case of puncture or air leakage in remote locations. I am assuming that "puncture repair kit" does not normally include air pump.

speedzak · 20th October 2006, 07:26

There's something like a spray which can be used to inflate tubeless tyres incase of puncture/leakage. It'll be a good small thing to carry in the car trunk.
And this can be very helpful in needy times.

naveendhyani · 20th October 2006, 10:01

a tow rope also comes in real handy in tricky situations.

dont listen to soft songs (opinions may vary) but its known to calm our nerves in turn making us lethargic.

in hot weather do use A/C & keep the temperature towards chiller cause it keeps the driver alert (Volvo study showed this, so in their cars the driver's seat gets little extra chill from the air con)

keep a day or two free at the end of the journey to settle back before starting ur work again

also unscrew all the wheel screws & put them back. this is to prevent from not being able to change the tire in need, when we find that the nut has jammed.

keep following this link because loads of more information is on the way

porsche_fan · 20th October 2006, 10:32

One very cool trick, that i learnt from a truck driver on a remote road in Karnataka......

if you have a flat and while unscrewing the nuts from the wheel, the nut slips, pack some sand into the spanner (won't work if you have an open ended, or a regular ring spanner, but most repair kits come with the capped type ring spanner) , and then try and remove the nut....works like a charm............

moralfibre · 29th October 2006, 11:13

Always carry a Fire extinguisher be it a long journey or city driving. The can may also come handy to shatter the window glass just in case you get stuck in your car with jammed doors.

naveendhyani · 30th October 2006, 08:11

well i missed out a big utility item useful to carry at all times named the swiss knife. long journey or short journey or no journey, it always comes in handy.

viper · 30th October 2006, 09:10

Hi,
In addition to what all the others have said make a small tool kit of your own which should comprise of the following:

1> Screw driver + & - both.
2> A monkey spanner
3> A Plier
4> A roll of Electrical insulation tape
5> Monsoon Tape
6> M Seal Fast curing
7> Spare fuses min 2 of each(especially main fuse located in engine compartment)
8> Allen Key set(if you have any gadgets fitted that require the same)
9> small role of 18 guage electrical wire(approx 1 metre)
10> Spare head light bulbs.
11> Spare fanbelts & hosepipes

The above shall keep you equipped for any emergency. Even if you do find assistance more often than not they will lack the basic tools and basic items like the above are difficult to find on the highway or small villages leaving you stranded.

Viper

DRC · 30th October 2006, 11:54

Viper, add the knowledge to use them properly. A frined of mine who has been using various cars for 5 years never changed a tyre. Chat with your mechanic briefly what could be done on your car if you get stuck, what are the likely failures.

Know to locate and identify the parts.

(this is not for experts)

I would also add a pair of jumper wires. They come in handy for the cars that can not be push started.

A good flash light with the battery still alive.

mail4ajo · 1st November 2006, 17:36

Excellant thread.. I have a question. Is there any site where we can download good quality road maps of South India? Atleast a one that shows the towns and distances between places. I would appreciate if anyone can send me a soft copy, if they have one. I propose to drive around south India in a few weeks from now.

tifosikrishna · 1st November 2006, 17:57

Do not keep anything loose in the floor like bottles, slippers (especially driver's) etc. In case of emergency braking it can get underneath the brake pedal and may hinder braking.

This applies to day to day driving, but more relevant in high speed situations.

regards
tifosi.

hrag · 1st November 2006, 18:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by mail4ajo

Is there any site where we can download good quality road maps of South India? Atleast a one that shows the towns and distances between places. I propose to drive around south India in a few weeks from now.

mail4ajo,

I suggest you pick the Road Atlas and Distance Guides for the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh & Karnataka - published by IMS. These have district-wise road maps which are the best I've seen so far.

I've felt that IMS is better than TTK. The links below should tell you what the books look like and they are available at most major bookstores.

Tamil Nadu
http://www.indiamapstore.com/map-pro...s/IMS0023.html

Kerala
http://www.indiamapstore.com/map-pro...s/IMS0015.html

Andhra Pradesh
http://www.indiamapstore.com/map-pro...s/IMS0002.html

Karnataka
http://www.indiamapstore.com/map-pro...s/IMS0014.html

An investment of around Rs. 200 that will do you good.

Note to the Moderators: I have no association with IMS except as a user of their maps.

hellstar · 15th February 2007, 13:08

Dont you guys think that if you'r having a set of imported alloys , the standard issue spanner from the car tool kit might not work hence wouldnt it be advisable to carry the size wheel spanner ? as the roadside tyre puncture fix guy might not be having the same ?

Sam Kapasi · 15th February 2007, 13:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellstar

Dont you guys think that if you'r having a set of imported alloys , the standard issue spanner from the car tool kit might not work hence wouldnt it be advisable to carry the size wheel spanner ? as the roadside tyre puncture fix guy might not be having the same ?

A very valid point. When I fit new chrome Bolts onto my alloy wheels, I realised that the standard issue wheel spanner, was slipping. I did purchase a chrome-vanadium wheel spanner taht worked well and have it in my car ever since.

csentil · 15th February 2007, 13:26

A good site for online maps is Maptell - India Maps, India Free Map, India GIS, India GIS Data.

Click on maps in the links and choose the state from the drop down box. You can zoom in and out of the map. Its pretty cool.

Use IE for better viewing. (though u will still have to scroll up and down).

Its far better than many of the free sites that i know of.

19th October 2006, 20:08	#1 (permalink)
Samurai Team-BHP Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Coastal Karnataka Posts: 4,784 View My Garage	ARTICLE: Preparation for an Indian Road Trip There are few things in life as enjoyable as a simple road trip, and successful drives have always been the result of careful planning. Team-BHP shows you how to plan your trip: Preparing the car: • Tune up your car by having it serviced and checked at least a week before the trip. This advance check-up will head off possible problems on the road and give you enough time to fix any errors caused by the mechanic such as loose fuses and filters. • Start your trip with a full tank of fuel and make it a habit to fill up at the ½ level rather than letting it run down to near empty. We also recommend buying fuel only from company-owned petrol stations in large towns. • Carry a can of engine oil and radiator coolant in the trunk. If you drive an older car it would be wise to stock up on extra hosepipes and fan belts, too. • Learn how to change your tyres. In addition to a puncture repair kit, you should bring an extra inner tube. Most highway tyre-repair shops do not have the facilities to repair tubeless tyres. • Duplicate keys will help if you lock yourself out of the car. Carry them in your wallet so they don’t get locked in the car, too. • Dont forget to carry a photocopy of the car's documentation i.e. registration book, tax receipts, insurance and so on. • Have fog-lights fitted on your car in case you encounter extreme weather conditions. They will also be useful if your headlights malfunction. • Carry the 24-hour roadside assistance number if you have this service. Other things to carry: • Cash because credit and ATM cards often don’t work in small towns and villages. Loose change can make toll payments fast and convenient. • Maps if you are driving on unfamiliar roads. Team-BHPians recommend WIAA, TTK, Eicher and Lonely Planet India maps. • A mobile phone with a roaming facility and don’t forget the charger. • A camera with extra film or memory. • A first aid kit and medicine for common ailments like carsickness, colds, headaches and upset stomachs. • If you wear prescription glasses, bring an extra pair with you. • Bring snacks and drinking water; these can be a boon in traffic jams. • If you are traveling with children, pack some baby food, finger food and juice. You should also think about bringing toys to keep them occupied. • CDs and cassettes. Music will provide entertainment and keep your mind alert on the long drive. Planning: • Plan out a tentative schedule. • Make hotel reservations well in advance if you are planning an overnight trip. • Research good restaurants along your route. • Get a good night’s sleep before your road trip. Being well rested will help you concentrate on the road. • Wear light, comfortable clothing for the trip. • Avoid night driving: security is an issue and bad road conditions are hard to see at night. • Start early to beat the city traffic. • Take a break every 90 minutes and use this time to get out of the car, stretch and have some refreshments. Related Article: Technocrats List of Long-Drive Essentials __________________ Samurai The Greatest Victory is the one that is achieved without unsheathing the sword. Last edited by GTO : 8th November 2006 at 00:50.

20th October 2006, 07:26	#3 (permalink)
speedzak Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: AbuDhabi. Don't really misss Cochin. Posts: 3,128 View My Garage	There's something like a spray which can be used to inflate tubeless tyres incase of puncture/leakage. It'll be a good small thing to carry in the car trunk. And this can be very helpful in needy times. __________________ "Where there are many; somebody will always be offended." (African Proverb)

20th October 2006, 10:32	#5 (permalink)
porsche_fan BHPian Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Epinal,France Posts: 90	One very cool trick, that i learnt from a truck driver on a remote road in Karnataka...... if you have a flat and while unscrewing the nuts from the wheel, the nut slips, pack some sand into the spanner (won't work if you have an open ended, or a regular ring spanner, but most repair kits come with the capped type ring spanner) , and then try and remove the nut....works like a charm............ __________________ '78 911 Turbo(930) 3.3L, 300BHP,4 Gears and a whole lotta sideways fun!

29th October 2006, 11:13	#6 (permalink)
moralfibre Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sunnyvale CA. Posts: 3,203 View My Garage	Always carry a Fire extinguisher be it a long journey or city driving. The can may also come handy to shatter the window glass just in case you get stuck in your car with jammed doors. __________________ Ask not what your country can do for you, think of a way you can make them do it!

30th October 2006, 09:10	#8 (permalink)
viper Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Back in Mumbai Posts: 1,948 View My Garage Infractions: 0/1 (5)	Hi, In addition to what all the others have said make a small tool kit of your own which should comprise of the following: 1> Screw driver + & - both. 2> A monkey spanner 3> A Plier 4> A roll of Electrical insulation tape 5> Monsoon Tape 6> M Seal Fast curing 7> Spare fuses min 2 of each(especially main fuse located in engine compartment) 8> Allen Key set(if you have any gadgets fitted that require the same) 9> small role of 18 guage electrical wire(approx 1 metre) 10> Spare head light bulbs. 11> Spare fanbelts & hosepipes The above shall keep you equipped for any emergency. Even if you do find assistance more often than not they will lack the basic tools and basic items like the above are difficult to find on the highway or small villages leaving you stranded. Viper __________________ *NO ONE DARES COME CLOSE* Last edited by viper : 30th October 2006 at 09:12.

20th October 2006, 10:01	#4 (permalink)
naveendhyani BHPian Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Melbourne Posts: 549	a tow rope also comes in real handy in tricky situations. dont listen to soft songs (opinions may vary) but its known to calm our nerves in turn making us lethargic. in hot weather do use A/C & keep the temperature towards chiller cause it keeps the driver alert (Volvo study showed this, so in their cars the driver's seat gets little extra chill from the air con) keep a day or two free at the end of the journey to settle back before starting ur work again also unscrew all the wheel screws & put them back. this is to prevent from not being able to change the tire in need, when we find that the nut has jammed. keep following this link because loads of more information is on the way

30th October 2006, 08:11	#7 (permalink)
naveendhyani BHPian Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Melbourne Posts: 549	well i missed out a big utility item useful to carry at all times named the swiss knife. long journey or short journey or no journey, it always comes in handy.

30th October 2006, 11:54	#9 (permalink)
DRC BHPian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 710 View My Garage	Viper, add the knowledge to use them properly. A frined of mine who has been using various cars for 5 years never changed a tyre. Chat with your mechanic briefly what could be done on your car if you get stuck, what are the likely failures. Know to locate and identify the parts. (this is not for experts) I would also add a pair of jumper wires. They come in handy for the cars that can not be push started. A good flash light with the battery still alive. __________________ _____________________ Stand on your head, upside down.. The world does not look any different, but you sure will look different!

1st November 2006, 17:36	#10 (permalink)
mail4ajo Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Thirupi Chennai - Sama Soodu Machi!! Posts: 1,058 View My Garage	Excellant thread.. I have a question. Is there any site where we can download good quality road maps of South India? Atleast a one that shows the towns and distances between places. I would appreciate if anyone can send me a soft copy, if they have one. I propose to drive around south India in a few weeks from now. __________________ 2006 Maruti Alto LXi - Closed Loop LPG kit - Disconnected now 2003 HH Ambition 1998 Yamaha RX135

1st November 2006, 17:57	#11 (permalink)
tifosikrishna BHPian Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: chennai Posts: 551 View My Garage	Do not keep anything loose in the floor like bottles, slippers (especially driver's) etc. In case of emergency braking it can get underneath the brake pedal and may hinder braking. This applies to day to day driving, but more relevant in high speed situations. regards tifosi. __________________ Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be recalled by their maker.

15th February 2007, 13:08	#13 (permalink)
hellstar BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 239	wheel spanner for imported alloyz ! Dont you guys think that if you'r having a set of imported alloys , the standard issue spanner from the car tool kit might not work hence wouldnt it be advisable to carry the size wheel spanner ? as the roadside tyre puncture fix guy might not be having the same ?

15th February 2007, 13:26	#15 (permalink)
csentil BHPian Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 685 View My Garage	A good site for online maps is Maptell - India Maps, India Free Map, India GIS, India GIS Data. Click on maps in the links and choose the state from the drop down box. You can zoom in and out of the map. Its pretty cool. Use IE for better viewing. (though u will still have to scroll up and down). Its far better than many of the free sites that i know of.

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