Driving out of the state for the long holidays? Check out our driving hacks to make that balik kampung trip more syiok!
The holidays are approaching and many are hitting the road to head over to another state. Be it to balik kampung or having a short holiday with the family, you’re gonna be spending a good couple of hours cooped up in your car. Driving long hours on our highways can be monotonous and dreary, so we’ve compiled a few tips to ensure your long-distance rides are safe and not so boring la!
1. Get your vehicle inspected BEFORE the journey
Make it a point to drive your car to a workshop to get a full diagnostic check before any long drive. You wouldn’t want to overlook a potentially critical issue that could stall your journey halfway. Getting stuck in the middle of nowhere is not only a big inconvenience; it is also dangerous. So get your car looked at a few days before you drive.
They see me rollin, they ha-zzzz (Source)
2. Get enough sleep or rest
Leave partying till the morning or late-night DOTA sessions to another date if you are driving the next day. We cannot stress how dangerous it is to be exhausted or sleepy behind the wheel. We want you to arrive at your destination safely, not in tragedy.
(Paramount Pictures / Source)
3. Save money and carpool
Another great way to make the long drive more enjoyable and affordable is to carpool! Carpooling is a great way to meet up with new people and splitting the travel cost is great for your wallet too. You’ll be able to keep yourself alert while talking about various topics with everyone else in the car and an extra set of eyes on the road never hurts. This is why GrabHitch is a great platform to match with other passengers to carpool with. Heard of our new GrabHitch Intercity promo? With the promo code HITCHMELAKA, you could travel to Melaka for just RM20. If you’re heading to Penang, use the HITCHPENANG promo code and pay just RM40 for your GrabHitch ride. Head over here for more deets!
“OMG MOM STOP”
4. Plan beforehand and let your loved ones know your time of departure/arrival
You don’t need a detailed or rigid plan but do keep your loved ones in the know of your estimated time of arrival. This will also stop your overly-concerned mom from sending you a barrage of texts asking “Where are you now ah? Are you arriving soon? Are you ok??” WHILE you’re driving and subsequently driving you insane with constant pings from your phone.
Omg, my pants gone liow… (Source)
5. Hold off the Nasi Goreng Belacan/Tom Yam Kung/Curry Laksa Super Pedas before your journey
Watch what you eat before your journey. You don’t want your stomach reeling while on a long drive. Imagine the horror when you desperately need to go and the next rest stop with a toilet is 5 or 10km away. It will either be the longest 5km drive you have ever taken or you’ll be spending the next few hours in your own….well, you get the idea 🙂
6. Snack on fruits or healthy snacks instead of keropok
Many of us often feel peckish while driving on a highway and snacking on something is a great way to keep you alert. However, instead of munching on keropok or salty chips, opt for a healthier snack like fresh fruits or a few low-fat breakfast bars. Not only are they better for your waistline, but they also lessen the need to drink more since there’s less sodium/salt. If you have to constantly stop for a toilet break when your bladder is continuously full, not only would it be more troublesome but it would also set back your time of arrival.
(The Late Late Show with James Corden / Source)
7. Load up your favourite songs on CDs/USB drive
As you head further away from the city and into the outskirts, you’ll find it harder to tune into your favourite radio station. To prevent the hassle of one hand furiously switching the dial to find reception and another precariously on the wheel, bring a selection of your favourite music CDs or load up your songs on a USB drive. There’s no better way to stave off boredom while on the road than jamming to your favourite ear-worm.
(National Geographic / Source)
8. Make it a point to stop and REST
After an hour or so being hunched over the wheel, your muscles are going to complain. Pull over at a rest stop and stretch your muscles. You’ll feel refreshed and ready for the rest of the journey. This is also a good opportunity for a toilet break or to grab a drink.
“WOI, THIS IS NOT FAST AND FURIOUS LA!”
9. For the love of all that’s good, DON’T SPEED
You know the drill: Stick to the speed limit and be mindful of others on the road. We can’t think of a worse way to dampen the holiday mood than being slapped with a big fat saman in which the money could have been spent on something better. Example, like a big makan with your loved ones when you arrive.
10. Be prepared for an emergency
Even with the best preparations, plans can sometimes derail for no reason and it’s always best to be prepared when things go awry. For example, ensure you know how to change the tyres of your car and bring all necessary supplies such as a full tyre in the back, car jack and hazard signs. Put your emergency or roadside assistance contacts on speed dial. During an emergency, you’ll be grateful for your slight paranoia to come prepared.
We hope you find our driving tips useful and that it will come in handy before you set off on your drive to another state. Do you have other tips to share that’s useful before a long drive? Do share in the Facebook post and let us know! Till next time, see you and be safe!