i've never really driven outside of one city and i'd like to learn how to feel more comfortable doing like 2, 3, 4-hour drives so i can visit people. anyone have any tips? i was gonna try increasing the length of trips by small amounts each time
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main things i worry about:
1) i've driven very little on highways lately and i don't feel as comfortable with them as i used to. when i can't read the signs fast enough to understand how to take exits and stuff i get freaked out :/ not sure how to deal with this
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(there are some parts of the highways in seattle where i swear the signs give directly contradictory directions about what to do, or at least i got really confused at one point and had to freak out in the car afterwards to calm down)
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2) i've also never had to deal with stuff like flat tires, getting stuck in the snow in the middle of nowhere, etc, and i'm worried about my ability to handle situations like that. i guess learn how to call AAA and be prepared to walk for awhile worst case??? anything else?
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yes, recommend a AAA membership. for my road trip i also got one of those car battery chargers to keep in the car so i wouldn’t need someone to jump it for me if my battery died. ~$125
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ay nice, makes sense
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Also, it's surprisingly simple to change a flat! And it gives a nice confidence boost to do it at least once, so I'd def recommend trying it if you can
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Just remember: Bolts first, then jack
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Once out on the boring highway bits I like to have a list of topics to meditate over/mull on. Like a playlist for my mind, stuff to make progress on. NOT ruminating.
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The driving stress stuff is legit but really is only intense around major cities and intersections. If possible time your trip to avoid local rush hours there. Also it’s essential to have the mind set that “screwing up” a turn is actually just a chance for a different adventure.
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Emergency kit in car is usually a good idea. Jumper cables, gallon jug of water, blanket(s), maybe some first aid gear, flashlight, flares / reflective cone, etc.
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1. Get triple A for backup.
But 2. You can also practice changing out your spare tire in your driveway or a parking lot.
For nav, cities can be tough, but nowadays Google maps give good audio heads up prior to exits.
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you can practice changing your tire out with the spare, and get chains and practice putting them on. totally worth it for the confidence
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I also can't recommend enough being a food delivery driver. it's an interesting meditative experience where you get very good at driving
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