Protecting Your Car When Driving On The Highway
Highway speed limits vary from state to state. However, all serve high-speed roads, where car damage is more vulnerable.
When driving on the highway, be sure to stick to the speed limit recommendation (or under) to keep yourself and other drivers safe.
Even if you drive safely, your car is vulnerable to damage. Road debris and other objects can come off the road and damage your car, reducing its value and hindering its appearance. Let’s explore the best ways to protect your car while driving on the highway.
Use a paint protection film (PPF)
Paint protection films are essential if you want to protect your car from potential damage on any road. They are great for fast roads as PPF is guaranteed to protect the paint from road debris.
You don’t need to worry about the vehicle paint protection film changing the color of your car, as it is a clear film that simply works to protect your car.
Keep away from car haulers
Car hauling on the highway is common. Companies need to be able to transport cars from one state to another, which is best achieved through car hauling services.
While these vehicles drive slowly, they can cause debris to fly up from the ground. Hence, they are not good to drive close to. When you spot one ahead of you, it is best to change lanes and stay clear.
Fill up with the right fuel
Driving with the wrong fuel in your car is dangerous. It can cause serious damage to your car, especially if you don’t realize it until you reach the highway.
Filling up ahead of reaching the highway means you need to be extra careful about what fuel you use. Taking your time at the gas station will make sure that you make the right choice.
Should you fill your car with the wrong fuel and notice while driving down the highway, pull over and call a car assistance team for help.
Reduce the exterior clutter
To protect your car while driving down the highway, be sure to remove unnecessary clutter surrounding your car to reduce wind resistance.
If your car's aerodynamics prevent it from driving seamlessly, it can cause you to use more fuel due to more acceleration. Removing unnecessary clutter from your car’s exterior will make it lighter.
Stick to the limits
All highways have their own speed limits. While it isn’t the same everywhere, they typically don’t exceed 85 MPH.
Be sure to know the speed limits when you approach the highway so you can stick to the speed limits and drive safely. While you might be a safe driver, others might be more careless (which will put your car’s and your own safety at risk). Plus, driving too fast will put your car under pressure and cause internal damage.
Keep your distance
Keeping a safe following distance is one of the most important parts of driving on a highway. This gives you more time to respond to abrupt halts or modifications in the direction of traffic. Because the required stopping distance grows at high speeds, leaving enough space between your car and the one in front of you is critical.
The norm is to maintain a minimum three-second gap, although this should be extended in bad weather or during periods of high traffic. By keeping a safe distance, you may lessen the chance of rear-end incidents and provide yourself extra time to respond to unforeseen circumstances.
Assess and improve your tires before driving on the highway
Your tires will be under a lot of stress when driving on the highway, so it's important to make sure they are in good shape. Check your tires' pressure frequently because an under or overinflated tire can impair handling and fuel economy.
Also, check your tires for signs of damage and make sure there is enough tread depth for safe driving. Well-maintained tires improve traction, particularly in rainy conditions, reducing the chance of hydroplaning or sliding. Also, getting your tires aligned and balanced helps prolong tire life by preventing uneven wear and enhancing handling.
Have an emergency kit in the boot
A vehicle on a highway needs an emergency kit. This kit should contain basic tools, jumper cables, reflective triangles, a first aid kit, and a torch.
You will be able to call for assistance if necessary if you have a fully charged cell phone and a list of emergency contacts. Having emergency supplies on hand can go a long way towards guaranteeing your safety when driving.