🚘 BEFORE YOU START: PREPARATION
✅ 1. Vehicle Check-Up
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Engine oil, coolant, brake oil – top-up if needed
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Tyres: check air pressure (including the spare)
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Wipers, lights, horn, AC – test all
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Keep the toolkit, jack, and puncture kit handy
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Get the battery, brakes, and wheel alignment checked
✅ 2. Plan the Route & Stops
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Use Google Maps offline for your route
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Identify petrol pumps, dhabas, and rest areas every 100–150 km
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Download music, audiobooks, or bhajans in advance
🧍♂️ WHILE DRIVING
✅ 3. Start Early
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Start around 5–6 AM to avoid traffic and enjoy cool weather
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Take breaks every 2–3 hours to stretch, eat, and rest
✅ 4. Avoid Speeding
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Keep speed between 70–90 km/h
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Use cruise control on highways if your car has it
✅ 5. Use Both Hands on Wheel
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Especially on ghat sections like Bhimashankar roads
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Avoid eating while driving – switch seats if needed
✅ 6. Watch for Road Signs
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Watch out for speed breakers, cattle, or narrow bridges in rural areas
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Always slow down at village entries
🧃 STAY HYDRATED & ENERGIZED
✅ 7. Eat Light
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Avoid heavy meals that make you drowsy
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Carry snacks like dry fruits, banana, biscuit, ORS, water bottles
✅ 8. Avoid Drowsiness
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Keep peppermint, gum, or lemon handy to stay alert
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Play lively music or keep windows slightly open if feeling sleepy
🧰 EMERGENCY KIT ESSENTIALS
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| First aid kit | Cuts, headaches, motion sickness |
| Power bank | Keep phone charged |
| Torch or headlamp | In case of night issues |
| Printed map or notes | Backup if GPS fails |
| Car charger + cable | Must-have |
🌧️ IF DRIVING IN MONSOON (July):
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Carry an umbrella or raincoat
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Turn on headlights and fog lights
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Drive slow on wet roads and avoid flooded patches
