Long Distance Driving Tips for Summer

If you have a summer road trip planned, be sure you are prepared to take on the road, safely and efficiently. Continue reading to learn the top tips for driving long distances.

24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484
24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Road Trip Safety

Long distance driving can come with many risks and dangers. This is especially true since you cannot trust what other drivers around you do on the road. With this in mind, it is wise to review how you can be a safer, better driver when crossing the state borders with friends and family. Whether you are loading up the family for a road trips to the beach, or getting ready for a cross-country visit to Grandma’s house, there are many things you can do to make the drive safer and more convenient, for yourself and your passengers.

Here are some of the most recommended long distance driving tips to consider when planning your summer road trip:

🚗 Diagnostics and Maintenance

Before taking any road trip that requires long distance driving, your first priority is to ensure your vehicle is up for the job. Have your mechanic inspect and service your ride before hitting the road. You do not want to find yourself on the side of the road with an overheating engine or in a storm with broken windshield wipers.

📲 Cartography Basics

It is helpful to both your time and patience to map out your route ahead of time. It also helps to map out secondary routes in case you run into road construction, backups, and perhaps some attractions you want to stop and see. Be sure to download your route on Google maps on your smart phone in case you find yourself without any WIFI or reception. This way, you have your map at all times.

💽 Entertainment

When you set out on a long-distance road trip, there is not much entertainment you can provide yourself as the driver; after all, your priority is the road. However, there are still things you can do to make the trip more comfortable and convenient, and therefore, more efficient. Include coolers with snacks and drinks, music, blankets, pillows, phone and tablet chargers, and a comfortable seat cushion. Also, be sure you have a medical kit and a roadside emergency kit on hand.

Additional Tips:

⛿ Map out gas stations and schedule stops so you never run out of fuel.

⛿ Map out rest stops and take breaks along the way.

⛿ Avoid driving long distances alone.

MOST IMPORTANTLY: Never drive fatigued or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Long Distance Towing and 24 Hour Roadside Assistance

If you find yourself in a jam while on your road trip, trust Zore’s Towing for help anytime! Call us at 317-247-8484 for prompt, 24 hour towing and roadside assistance in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. Our licensed towing and recovery division retains an extensive fleet of over 35 tow trucks and wrecker equipment, allowing us to assist drivers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, rain, snow, or ice. Request a free estimate, anytime.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

3 Vital Tips for Towing a Camper This Summer

Summer is a time for family vacations. And although many families are catching planes and trains, road trips are still a popular and traditional way for families to travel together! If a long distance road trip is part of the plan for your family vacation this summer, it is likely that you will be hauling a camper along with all your vacation supplies. Just be sure you remember how to tow a camper, safely.

Continue reading to review the top three safety tips for towing a camper.

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

Long Distance Towing 317-247-8484

Adhere to Weight Capacity

It is vital to know and understand the weight capacity of your vehicle in order to prevent damage to your vehicles, as well as, serious accidents. Your camper should come with an owners’ manual that will tell you the total weight of the vehicle you are planning to tow. With this number in mind, compare it to the weight of the vehicle doing the towing. Generally speaking, the heavier your vehicle is, the larger the load it can haul. In contrast, if you have a lighter vehicle, it will only be able to haul light loads.

Use Proper Distribution

Not only does your load weight need to be an appropriate match to your vehicle’s towing capacity, it is vital to evenly distribute the weight in both vehicles. It is common practice for travelers to pack up their vehicles with luggage and supplies for their vacation, as well as their camper or RV. This is perfectly safe and acceptable so long as the weight ratios remain similar in both vehicles. Packing too much in the camper can outweigh the vehicle towing it, which can lead to distress on the hitch and the vehicle doing the hauling.

Use the Proper Towing Hitch

It is crucial to use the right towing hitch for the type of towing you need to do. Your towing hitch set up should be able to hold the total trailer weight of the camper. A stabilizer bar is another tool that can greatly reduce the chances of swaying and swerving on the road. It is highly recommended to use a stabilizer bar along with your tow hitch to ensure a safe and secure ride. Once you have the right hitch, it is helpful to simply back the vehicle up to the front of the camper. The towing ball should be set directly underneath the hitch so that you can lower the hitch over the ball and complete all the necessary connections.

Professional Long-Distance Towing

Zore's Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484

Zore’s Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for professional Indianapolis towing service you can trust. Our licensed and insured tow truck operators provide 24 hour wrecker and towing services, including light duty tows, heavy duty tows, long distance tows, roadside assistance, and more. Request a free estimate or emergency service, anytime!