Healthy through the traffic jam
It's that time again: cars are jammed up in front of the Gotthard. But even those who have moved their vacation destination to another direction should think about a few things before getting into the car.
A long car journey to the vacation destination is for many at the beginning of the summer vacations. To ensure that this trip is safe and relaxed, it should be well planned, especially in the summer months. "If possible, the classic travel weekends, when many large traffic jams are pre-programmed, should be avoided," says Steffen Missbach, KfZ -expert at TÜV Rheinland.
Stretch your legs after two hours
When planning the stages, it is advisable to take a break of at least a quarter of an hour every two hours to keep the circulation going through exercise and to take turns with a second driver if necessary. After no more than nine hours of driving, the journey should be interrupted and an overnight stop made. "Drinks and preferably light food should always be available in the car. Before starting, check the air pressure in the tires and fill up the tank," advises Missbach. In addition, refuel in good time to avoid getting into trouble due to sudden traffic jams. Being stranded due to a lack of fuel is annoying and very expensive.
Properly regulate air conditioner
Especially on warm days, clothing should be chosen loose and airy. Air conditioning provides additional relief. "Two to three degrees Celsius below the outside temperature is the optimum regulation for the air conditioning in the car. If the temperature difference is too great, the circulation could go crazy when you get out," says Missbach. In addition, you should also stick to the guideline speed of 130 on German autobahns. This allows for a relaxed driving style and ensures relatively low wear and fuel consumption.
Ventilate regularly in traffic jams
If a traffic jam is unavoidable despite traffic radio and navigation devices, the distance to the vehicle in front should not be too small in a traffic jam and an emergency lane should be formed. "An emergency lane must be formed in the middle of the lane if there are two lanes, and between the left and middle lanes if there are three lanes," Missbach explains. Do not leave the car during long periods of standing still, always ventilate well and - as is absolutely advisable on the entire journey - drink lots and lots of fluids.
Text: TÜV Rheinland
