Things to note when driving a heavy vehicle during the holidays

Long, big holidays are often the right time for car owners to take their families and relatives on trips to other provinces and cities. When traveling long distances with many people, the car often has to use all the seats to carry passengers, and load a lot of luggage and other personal items for the trip. To prepare for a safe and smooth journey, there are some things to keep in mind before and during the trip.

Before the trip

Car owners need to check and ensure that the car's functions are working properly before each trip. The first thing to check is the tires, making sure they are not too worn and inflated according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Tire pressure information is printed on the driver's side door sill.

It should be noted that when carrying many people and luggage in the car, the recommended tire pressure will be higher than when not heavily loaded. If not inflated enough, the tire will wear unevenly, affecting the driving feeling and can damage the suspension system if going over bad roads with many potholes.

Other items to check on your car are the fluids needed for normal operation, including engine oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid, and brake fluid. Drivers can perform these checks at home, and replace them at a car care facility if they are low or too old. In addition, it is necessary to check and ensure that the car's lighting system, including headlights, taillights, turn signals, and fog lights, is in good working order. Finally, check the brake system, replacing worn brake pads or discs.

For electric vehicles, owners should charge to 100% before each long trip, and arrange the most reasonable charging stop route. Priority should be given to stopping at fast charging stations, and only charge to 80% to save travel time for the entire trip. In addition, it is necessary to have a backup plan when charging stations are full, because the demand for charging at rest stops can increase suddenly.

On the trip

Heavy loads can affect the handling of the vehicle, such as a sluggish engine and less flexible tires. In addition, braking distances will increase when heavily loaded, and the vehicle will consume more fuel/battery than normal.

Therefore, car owners should keep a greater distance when traveling at high speed on the highway to have enough time to brake in case the car in front stops suddenly. In addition, do not turn the steering wheel suddenly because it can cause the car to sway out of control, leading to loss of control. Finally, the load will make the estimated distance that can be traveled on the car no longer accurate, so you should stop to refuel/charge the battery sooner.

Notes when loading heavy loads

Do not carry more people than the allowed number, because the more overloaded the vehicle is, the more dangerous it is for yourself and other vehicles. It also makes the vehicle more susceptible to damage to the suspension, fork, brake and tire systems.

When loading luggage into the car, place heavy items at the bottom, near the center of the luggage compartment, and light items on top and on both sides of the wheels. Placing heavy items in the center of the car will help distribute the weight evenly on the axle, making the car more stable when cornering, and limiting the car from being thrown at sharp turns at high speeds.

Avoid stacking luggage too high in the trunk of crossover and SUV models because this will obstruct the rear view, the driver will not be able to observe the rear through the rearview mirror inside the car.

Car owners should prioritize carrying light items on the roof rack if using this accessory, and tie it down carefully before each trip. Do not carry luggage that is oversized, exceeding the length or width of the car on the roof rack.