When driving long distances, many people end up at auto body repair shops because they failed to have the condition of their cars evaluated or were involved in an accident on unfamiliar roadways. You can avoid heading to a mechanic or being stranded in the middle of nowhere with some simple advice. Here are four tips for making the most of a long-distance road trip.

Advice for Driving Long Distances

1. Visit a Mechanic

Vehicle owners should ensure their ride is ready to log major miles. Before hitting the road, visit a garage for an oil change, tire assessment, and fluid top-off a few days before your departure date. They’ll check that tires are properly aired up and engine oil is fresh and filtered to keep everything moving smoothly.

2. Eat & Hydrate

Skipping meals and water can leave you fatigued and cause headaches. Fill a water bottle before you go and pack healthy snacks like cheese sticks, crackers, veggies, and fruit to give you the energy to drive safely. Although frequent stops to refuel aren’t necessary, pull over for water and nourishment when you get thirsty or hungry.

3. Plan Navigation

Avoid stressing out about getting where you’re going by planning your route ahead of time. Set up your in-car GPS device or phone app to provide reliable, turn-by-turn navigation steps. Or break out a paper map and go old school by writing out directions. To avoid a trip to the auto body repair shop, focus on the road while driving instead of trying to navigate when behind the wheel.

4. Pull Over When Needed

As many as one in 25 adult drivers has fallen asleep behind the wheel in the last 30 days. Driving while drowsy makes you less responsive and slower to react, posing a danger to you and everyone around. If you feel sleepy, head to a gas station or rest stop. Pull over and take a nap. Even a 20-minute break will help you rejuvenate and improve your ability to drive safely.

If you’re driving near Tulsa County, OK, and need a mechanic, contact Premier Collision Center. Their expert team has earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau® and has over 500 years of combined experience working on vehicles of all types. Call this Broken Arrow-based auto body repair shop at (918) 258-9595, or visit their website for information about their full range of services, including collision repairs, dent removals, airbag installations, upholstery repairs, and more.