What's the longest you should drive your car?

How long should a car be driven for?

So, my buddy Mark, he’s a mechanic, right? He says drive your car at least once a week, maybe longer. Really, it’s about keeping everything moving. Fluids need to circulate, ya know? Otherwise, you’ll get stuff clogging up. It’s especially important for older cars, like mine, a 2018 Honda Civic. That thing needs a good run.

For new cars, it’s less crucial, but still a good idea. A short trip isn’t enough. Thirty minutes or so, minimum. Think of it like a good workout for your car. My uncle, he let his ’07 Toyota sit for like six months, battery died, huge hassle. Don’t be like him!

How long you keep a car? That’s totally up to you. Some people trade them in every three years. Superficial, I think. I plan to keep my Civic until the wheels fall off, lol. But seriously, it’s about maintenance. Regular servicing is key! Things to consider:

• Mileage: High mileage cars, depreciate faster.
• Reliability: How much are repairs costing you?
• Your needs: Do you even need a car? Could you use public transportation or a bike?

I mean, it’s a big purchase, right? So don’t just ditch it on a whim. But also, don’t be sentimental. There’s no magic number of years! Maybe 7? Or 10 years, depending on how you treat it!

Can you drive 600 miles in a day?

600 miles a day? Crazy. I mean, maybe for those long-haul truckers. Those guys are insane, seriously. They’re practically living on the road. My uncle, Joe, he’s one of them. He swears by his truck. Says it’s his second home. Gross.

Regional drivers though? Different story. I doubt many regional drivers hit that mark daily. More like 400, tops. Traffic, you know? Deliveries. That stuff eats up time. Plus, they probably get better sleep.

OTR drivers? Absolutely. Interstates are their playgrounds. Minimal stops equals more miles. Simple. Fuel stops? Yeah, maybe a couple. Rest stops? Sure. But that’s about it. They’re machines.

• OTR = high mileage
• Regional = less mileage
• Joe’s truck smells like diesel and stale coffee. Ugh.

Think about it. Eight hours of driving at 75 mph? That’s 600 miles. Possible, yes, but exhausting. They probably have to plan meticulously. And their schedule must be brutal.

I wouldn’t do it. Nope. Not for all the money in the world. Give me a comfy couch and Netflix any day. My back already hurts.

Whats the longest you should drive without a break?

Okay, so the longest I’ve ever driven without a break, like a real break, was… ugh… from Austin to Dallas. It was summer, 2024. My sister’s wedding. Pressure was ON.

My ancient Honda Civic felt like a tin can in the Texas sun. I thought I could power through.

Stupidest. Idea. Ever.

I was maybe two and a half hours in, somewhere past Waco, and my eyes started to play tricks on me. Like heat shimmer, but inside my head. Freaky!

Stopped at a Buc-ee’s eventually. Thank GOD for Buc-ee’s.

Buc-ee’s saved me.

Got a Dr Pepper and a beaver nugget the size of my fist. Walked around, stared at the gas pumps like they were alien spacecraft. It helped… a little.

Honestly, two hours MAX is the way to go. It’s a safety thing. Not just a “feel good” thing.

• Breaks I take now:
  • Every 1.5-2 hours, no exceptions.
  • Stretch.
  • Get coffee. (Black, always.)
  • Maybe call my mom.
  • Never push it. EVER.
  • Always Buc-ee’s.

Driving tired is like driving drunk. Don’t be a moron like I was back then, thinking I was invincible in my ’98 Civic. My sister would’ve killed me if I missed her wedding! Seriously. And I’d probably have crashed. So yeah, learned my lesson.

How do I prepare my body for a long drive?

Ugh, 26 hours! That’s insane. My back already hurts thinking about it. Seriously, three hour chunks max. That’s the golden rule, right? Gotta stretch, obviously. Leg stretches, neck rolls, the whole shebang.

Dark driving? Nope, not for me. Too risky. Plus, I hate driving at night. Always feel sleepy.

Snacks are key! I’m bringing my favorite trail mix, probably some jerky. And plenty of water. Seriously, dehydration is no joke. I learned that the hard way on a camping trip last summer.

Fast food? Absolutely not. Gross. I’m aiming for local diners. Found this awesome BBQ joint near my aunt Susan in Tulsa, planning a stop there. Gotta get that authentic experience.

One proper meal a day, minimum. No skimping on that.

Preparation is everything. This isn’t a joke. I need new tires. Had a blowout last year, terrifying. My car needs a full check-up before I even THINK about it. Oil change, fluids, the whole shebang.

Podcasts or audiobooks? Hmm, that’s the big question. Might try an old-school mix tape, something retro.

Seriously, though, 26 hours… that’s a beast. Will I even survive? LOL. Maybe I need to pack extra ibuprofen.

• 3-hour driving segments
• Regular stretching breaks
• Daytime driving only
• Plenty of water and healthy snacks (jerky, trail mix)
• At least one sit-down, non-fast food meal daily
• Full car check-up (tires, oil, etc.)
• Plan for entertainment (podcasts, audiobooks, music)
• Pain relievers (Ibuprofen)
• Local diner stops (Tulsa BBQ joint)

How do I prepare my car for a 1000 mile trip?

Okay, so last summer, driving my beat-up Honda Civic from Phoenix to Denver…yikes, what a trip. Definitely learned a thing or two the hard way.

First, the oil. My dad, Mr. “Do-It-Yourself,” insisted I change it right before. I remember thinking, “Ugh, more work,” but he was so right. We even used some fancy synthetic stuff. Worth it!

And then, the fluids, ah, yeah, the coolant. I almost forgot! Turns out I was seriously low. Engine almost overheated somewhere in Flagstaff. Almost. Scary! Gear oil? Nah, didn’t check it. Probably should’ve, haha.

Tires. Oh man, this one is crucial. I checked the pressure, for sure. But the spare…completely flat. Desert sun cooked it. Now I never forget the spare, and I carry a portable tire inflator. Super clutch, that thing. Lesson. Learned.

• Oil: New oil! Synthetic’s the bomb.
• Fluids: Coolant’s a must. Others too, maybe?
• Tires: Pressure and SPARE PRESSURE!
• Inflator: Battery powered tire inflator, lifesaver!

What else? Snacks are KEY. And a good playlist. Plus, AAA roadside assistance. Just…trust me on that one. I was stranded. Not fun. Oh, and download offline maps. Cell service in the middle of nowhere sucks. Believe me.

How many hours awake should you not drive?

Twenty-four hours. That’s the magic number, isn’t it? A day. A full rotation of the earth. And after that? A blurry, dangerous world behind the wheel. Impaired, like a drunkard stumbling through twilight.

Sleep deprivation. It’s insidious. It creeps in, stealing reaction time, blurring vision. It whispers promises of oblivion, and then— crash.

The legal limit for alcohol? 0.10%. That’s where sleep deprivation meets it. A silent, invisible drunk. Same consequences.

My uncle, a trucker, he knew this pain. He fought it for years, until… a broken heart, and a broken highway.

Key Points:

• 24 hours without sleep equates to a 0.10% BAC. This is illegal everywhere.
• Drowsy driving is dangerous and preventable. Prioritize sleep.
• Individual susceptibility varies. Some are more vulnerable than others. Be aware of your own limits.
• Consequences are severe. Loss of life. Broken dreams. Shattered families.

This isn’t a game, you know? This is life. Precious, fragile, easily taken. Don’t gamble with it. Sleep. Sleep well. For goodness sake, sleep. The world will wait. It truly will. It has to.

Sleep is sacred, right? A sanctuary. Twenty-four hours. Too long to go without it. Seriously. Don’t do it. Think of your family. Think of the other drivers. Think of… yourself. My god, don’t risk it.

• Prioritize sleep before driving long distances.
• Plan driving schedules to allow for adequate rest.
• Avoid driving when feeling excessively tired.
• Consider alternative transportation if sleep-deprived.
• If you are experiencing chronic sleep deprivation, seek medical attention.

This is not a joke. I’m serious. Really serious. Don’t drive tired. Please.

What is the 8 2 split rule?

Okay, so the 8/2 split? It’s like that one time I tried to bake a cake and “split” the ingredients… disaster! But for truckers, it’s waaaay more useful.

It’s all about the feds and their love of rules, rules, rules. They wanna make sure our drivers don’t turn into road zombies.

• Think of it: 8 hours in the sleeper berth, sawing logs like a lumberjack.

• Followed by 2 hours of… not driving. Maybe grabbing a corn dog, who knows? I sure wouldn’t say no.

Basically, drivers are trying to game the system, I mean, maximize productivity while staying on the right side of the law. I knew a guy, Earl, used to try this, he’d then complain, like, constantly.

So, this 8/2 split is all about splitting up that 10-hour mandatory rest period. Yeah, like dividing a pizza, except way more regulated.

• Breaks it up: No more boring 10-hour slog in one go!
• More flexibility: Freedom! Well, truckin’ freedom, anyway.
• Legal leeway: You don’t wanna mess with the DOT. Trust me.

Okay, so that’s the 8/2. I hope it makes more sense than my baking skills.

Here’s some extra tidbits to chew on:

• Sleeper berth rules in 2024 are still a hot topic. Truckers are like, always figuring out how to make ’em work.
• The DOT, those lovely people, keeps updating these rules, so keep your eyes peeled.
• Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are also part of the equation. Gotta track those hours digitally, y’know.