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The Magic Of GPS: More Than Just Maps

Remember those hefty, crinkly maps that once littered the truck’s cabin? Well, they’re now as vintage as vinyl records. GPS technology has revolutionized the way truckers navigate. These nifty devices don’t just suggest the quickest route to “Joe’s Diner” but also alert drivers about traffic jams, weather changes, and the nearest rest stops. It’s like having a know-it-all co-pilot, minus the backseat driving!

The Symphony Of Smartphones

Now, let’s chat about smartphones. They’re not just for scrolling through pictures of their friend’s vacation or watching cat videos. For truckers, smartphones are like Swiss Army knives – multi-functional tools. The best apps for truckers are the unsung heroes in the app world, offering everything from fuel price comparisons to parking availability. It’s like having a personal assistant who’s really good at Googling stuff.

E-Logs: Goodbye Paper Logs, Hello Freedom

Paper logs used to be the bane of a trucker’s existence. Remember the scribbling, the erasing, the “oops, I forgot to log my break”? Well, electronic logging devices (ELDs) have changed the game. They automatically record driving time, making compliance a breeze and giving truckers one less thing to worry about. It’s like the difference between using a typewriter and a laptop – once you go digital, you never go back!

Social Media: The New CB Radio

Gone are the days when the CB radio was the only way to banter with fellow truckers. Social media has become the new “breaker-breaker 1-9”. It’s a digital watering hole where truckers share stories, advice, and the occasional meme about life on the road. Think of it as a virtual truck stop where you can connect without having to buy a questionable cup of coffee.

The Era Of Electric And Autonomous Trucks

Now, hold onto your hats because we’re venturing into sci-fi territory! Electric and autonomous trucks are making headways. While they’re not quite the norm yet, the thought of a truck that can drive itself while you kick back and watch a movie? That’s not just cool; it’s ice-cold!

Training Tech: Simulators And Virtual Reality

Remember learning to drive a truck on an actual truck? Psh, old school! Today, virtual reality and simulators offer a risk-free way to learn the ropes. It’s like playing a video game, except what you crash is pixels, not paint.

Health On The Highway

Last but not least, let’s talk health. Wearable tech and health apps help truckers keep track of their fitness. From monitoring sleep patterns to counting calories burned while wrestling with a stubborn tire, technology makes staying healthy on the road less of a chore and more of a challenge.

Signing Off From The Digital Lane

The life of a trucker, once dominated by solitude and manual logs, is now peppered with digital assistance, online communities, and even a touch of future tech. It’s a world where the only constant is change – and maybe the occasional longing for mom’s homemade pie. Stay safe on the roads, and remember, the next time you’re using that app to find the cheapest gas station, you’re not just a trucker; you’re a tech-savvy trucker. 

The post The Road Less Bumpy: Tech’s Gift To Truckers appeared first on All About Horse Power.

With that being said, here are a few ways in which you can update your garage for the benefit of car storage this year.

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Declutter the space

First and foremost, make sure you declutter the space. This is important because by doing so, you’re removing any and everything that could damage the car or restrict you from fitting in your vehicle completely.

Often used as an overspill space, there is often a lot of clutter kept in the garage, much like it is when it comes to your attic space. Make sure that you’ve completely gutted out the space of the garage so that at least everything on the ground has come off it and is now stored away properly.

Give the floor a new lease of life

The flooring of your garage is important to focus on in order to keep your car wheels in good, working order. Over time, any floor in the home and around the home can become damaged. That means driving your car on a damaged surface, isn’t going to bode well for the longevity of the car’s wheels.

That’s why it’s handy to consider epoxy & polyurea coatings to help reinforce and protect your garage floor from damage. Not only that but it gives your garage that brand-new feeling without needing to spend a fortune on it.

Insulate and ventilate the space

To help keep your vehicle or vehicles in good condition, it’s essential that you’re insulating and ventilating the space. The reason for this is that if there’s too much excess moisture, this could damage the car. Rust is a common problem for cars, especially as your car ages, so adding a vent to help with ventilation and implementing insulation is essential.

Add in some ambient lighting

Ambient lighting is something to consider when it comes to updating your garage space. There’s nothing better than walking into a space and seeing everything without stumbling around or causing harm to yourself. With a garage typically having tools and equipment inside, it’s good to incorporate lighting where possible.

Improve security with a secure garage door

Security is necessary to keep your car safe and to offer you much-needed peace of mind. Knowing that your car is secure behind a stable garage door is priceless, so it’s necessary to assess your current door. Is it compromised in any way? How old is the garage door? 

These questions are worth asking in order to ensure your garage door is still keeping everything inside the garage, safe.

Updating your garage is important, especially when it comes to car storage. Make sure you’ve considered all of the above for your garage and to update it where necessary.

The post How To Update Your Garage For The Benefit Of Car Storage appeared first on All About Horse Power.

Prior to hitting the road, double-check that you have everything you’ll need and that you’re completely prepared. Here is a starting point for those who need it.

Establish a course

The first step in organising a successful road trip is deciding on a route. Which route do you prefer, heading east towards the continent or heading north to Scotland before going on to mainland Europe? Try out a few different options and see which one fits you and your situation the best.

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Double-check your documents

Get your travel documents in order. If you intend to take your own car on a trip overseas, check to see if your insurance policy will cover you. You need a passport to travel anywhere, and some countries also require visas.

Get your car checked out

Make sure your car servicing is up to date before you get in the driver’s seat. Get the oil changed, check the water level, and check the tyre pressure. You don’t want to be stranded on the roadside in a strange country.

Pack with some forethought

Pack light, and give some consideration to what you really need to bring with you. Do not burden yourself by lugging around a lot of extra baggage; instead, take only what you will need. Pack your high-quality, portable rucksack or perhaps duffel bag to the brim with clothing suitable for the climate zones you’ll experience in each nation you visit.

Plan your accommodations ahead of time

Before you leave, make arrangements for places to stay for the night. Where will you be sleeping each night? If you’re looking for a place to stay during a specific time of year, it’s best to book early to avoid disappointment.

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Brush up on some basic phrases

It’s always a worthwhile endeavour to pick up a few key phrases in the language of the country or regions you plan to visit. To show respect and familiarity with the local culture, even the most basic greetings and polite requests can go a long way.

Get to know the culture of the area you are visiting

It is wise to study up on the customs of the places you plan to visit. In some societies, it is considered rude to eat with your hands, while in others, it is perfectly acceptable. If you have this data at your disposal, you can avoid any humiliating situations.

If you put in the effort to implement these tips and do your homework, your European car trip that begins in Britain will be an adventure you’ll never forget. Pack up the car, fasten your seatbelts, and get ready to embark on the trip of a lifetime!

The post The Great Escape: Hitting the Road for an Unforgettable European Adventure appeared first on All About Horse Power.

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Get a Luxury Vehicle

One of the most important parts of a luxury road trip is the vehicle you drive. You need a car that will ease you from point A to point B, but why not ensure it has some style too? There are plenty of sporty corvette sales, so why not take a look at getting one of these for your next trip? While classic cars for road trips like minivans and Jeeps can be nice, they just don’t have that extra “oomph” that a luxury vehicle will be able to provide to you.

Share Driving Responsibilities

This is fairly standard for road trips, but make sure this is discussed in advance. Make sure to share the driving responsibilities with others in the car. If you’re driving for long hours, it’ll get to the point where you’re too fatigued to focus, and this is obviously dangerous. So, make sure to share driving responsibilities with another passenger and take turns. This isn’t luxurious, but spending a few hours without driving can be nice.

Take Care of Your Car

If you want to turn your road trip into a luxury experience, you need to take care of your car. This doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune on it, but having it stay in pristine condition will help give you that ultimate luxury road trip experience drastically. You’ll want to clean it, maybe even daily at a car wash, as bugs and dirt will get on it due to all those driving hours.

While you need to have your car checked and tune ups before the road trip, it doesn’t hurt to get it checked during the road trip to avoid any wear and tear. Just the lack of stress from your car will immediately make this road trip feel far more luxurious.

Find a Luxury Hotel

The best (and easiest) way to turn your road trip into a luxury experience is to book a stay at a luxury hotel. These hotels usually have all the luxuries you want in your room and offer an amazing service experience. If you’re looking to find a luxury hotel, look for sites that offer flash sales or discounted rates. Jetsetter, for example, lists curated hotels at discounted rates every week. A lot of travelers choose road trips mostly because they’re cheaper than flying; for the most part, there is a lot of truth behind this.

But it’s also important to keep in mind that you also need to live a little, and not everything needs to be cheap. Sure, you could go the traditional route and stay at roadside motels, but what’s the beauty in that when you can spend a little more and get a luxury hotel? Road trips can be luxurious, and the hotel is one of the best ways to achieve that.

The post How to Turn Your Road Trip Into a Luxury Experience appeared first on All About Horse Power.

Here are some top tips to maximize your safety on a road trip.

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Know the roads ahead

Before you embark on your road trip, it is a sensible idea to know the roads ahead of you. You could be traveling across rocky roads or up mountains. If you have not driven on such roads or do not know what you could experience, you might struggle when you meet them. Or, you might not know what potential dangers different roads can pose. 

For instance, if you know that you will be driving up and down mountains to reach accommodations or activities, you should take on board some mountain driving tips that will ensure you know the potential dangers and how to keep yourself safe. 

Get a service before your trip

Another top tip for maximum road trip safety is to get a service on your chosen vehicle before your trip. You might choose to take your old van for maximum space. However, if it hasn’t had a service for some time, it might incur some issues mid-journey. 

Hence, getting it serviced before you head off will minimize the risk of breaking down and have the best experience possible. Likewise, getting a vehicle serviced will ensure that no safety risks are present while you drive.

It would be best if you also looked into getting a warranty on your vehicle. To ensure it fits your budget and requirements, you should research beforehand. For example, if you have an RV, you could search for an RV Extended Warranty Cost before purchasing.

Take regular breaks

Every road trip will involve long stretches of driving. If you continue to drive without a break, you might overtire yourself and risk falling asleep behind the wheel. Plus, it is a smart idea to re-fuel so that you can maintain focus. 

Hence, always ensure to take regular breaks when you go on a road trip. Stopping every couple of hours to stretch, get some fresh air, and have a drink/snack will ensure you stay awake and alert. 

Take a GPS

Even if you think you know the roads and route ahead, you never know when you could bump into roadworks. Or, you might want to go off-trail and explore somewhere new. Either way, it is best to take a GPS with you so that you will know where to go if you get lost or need to re-route. 

Getting lost in an unfamiliar place can pose many dangers, which you should not risk. 

You don’t have to have the GPS plugged in entirely. However, modern GPS’ are equipped with smart technology that can help you avoid roadworks and more. This will enhance your journey and ensure you do not have to wait around in too much traffic. 

These tips with enhance the smoothness and experience of your road trip while helping you maintain safety. Simply getting a GPS and knowing the road safety tips for the types of roads you will be driving on can make a huge difference to your journey. 

The post Maximizing Your Safety On A Road Trip appeared first on All About Horse Power.

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Mind the sun

One of the things that can really start to make the car more uncomfortable, especially on those long drives, is the sunlight that streaks in through the windows. The summers are getting hotter for a lot of us, and sunglasses alone might not be enough. Tinted windows are already a popular choice for a lot of reasons, but they’re quite effective at helping to keep the sun from shining in so strongly, so you’re not going to be blinded nor are you going to start cooking in your own car. Just make sure you know the law for tinted windows in your area as there are a lot of different requirements.

Know when your seat is done

Car seats are meant to take plenty of punishment over time but, like all things, they’re going to experience wear and tear. In particular, the foam inside them is going to start breaking down, losing its support, so that it becomes limp, and flat, and the frame of the chair is a little more easily felt, which isn’t exactly the most welcoming sensation. It might be that all you need is some replacement car seat foam. You can find the precise foam shape and type that fits your model, too, so it will feel just like it did when it was new.

Keeping things in reach

If you have to hold your essential items when you’re driving or you have to put them somewhere a little precarious, not only is it going to make driving more awkward, but it can make it more dangerous. If you need to install an additional cup holder in your car, then you should. Similarly, there are car interior hooks that you can put in a range of places that can make it a lot easier to get a little more storage inside your car so that you can quickly hang them up and retrieve them again.

A little extra support can be a lot of help

Even new foam can start to feel a little inadequate for those really long drives. If you spend plenty of time commuting, then you might want to look at the lumbar support pillows you can install in your car. As the name implies, these add a little extra support for your lower back, which is where you’re likely to start feeling the strain first.

If you’re worried about the comfort of your car or if you’re feeling a little extra stiff after a drive lately, then you should consider the tips above. They could make life a lot easier.

The post Could Your Car Be Comfier? appeared first on All About Horse Power.

Your dog and your car are possibly two of the most important things you own, but they don’t always mix. Dogs can be messy, and constantly cleaning out hair and muddy footprints out of your car can be a real hassle. If you have a professional job where you simply can’t afford to go into work with pet hair on your clothes (or just prefer to keep your vehicle spotless) then you might wonder if you and your dog will ever be able to enjoy going out together in your car. But if you go about things in the right way it can be done- here are some ideas. 

Kit out the trunk

One of the easiest ways to keep dog hair and mess contained when you take your dog in your car is to kit out the trunk for them. Depending on the size and temperament of your dog, this might also be the safest option. You can either buy a crate that fits in the trunk or go for one that’s been specifically designed for your vehicle. If you line the floor with mats or a waterproof dog blanket it will be easy to keep on top of the cleaning. No mud or fur will get into the rest of your car meaning it can be a good way to go about things. 

Put a bed in the back

If your dog is smaller or well behaved, you might be able to get away with putting them in the back. A dog bed for them to lie in rather than a blanket directly on the seat will keep their fur and any mess more contained, and when you do come to vacuum it will be much easier to keep on top of. You can still clip their harness into the seatbelt while they’re in their bed so they’ll be safe as well as comfortable. There are car beds for small dogs which attach to the back of the seats, for bigger dogs use a standard dog bed as long as it fits. You can purchase liners that sit between the front and back seats which is another way to protect against mess if your dog will be in the back.

Pack cleaning items

Being prepared can save you a lot of cleaning time. If you take your dog out on walks, anticipate that they might get wet or muddy and be organised ahead of time. Pack a bag with some old towels, pet safe wipes and other cleaning items so you can clean and dry them off as much as possible before they get into the car. This will make things much easier than attempting to clean caked on mud off your car!

Do you regularly take your dog out in the car? What tips and tricks have you found to keep your vehicle protected against the mess?

The post Combining Your Love of Dogs and Cars! appeared first on All About Horse Power.

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Think About The Police Officer 

Stopping cars won’t be high on the list of things a police officer likes to do. They are just doing their job, so it would be great if you could make it easier for them and not bother them. They’ll really like it. You could also apologize if you’ve done something wrong. If you’ve been speeding, it won’t keep you from getting a ticket, but it will make the whole thing easier to deal with. Keep in mind that you have access to a traffic lawyer to help you, and that should keep you calm. If a police officer tells you to stop, help them out even more by stopping in a safe place. This helps both of you, by the way. This is a good rule to follow in everyday life as well.

Stay In The Car

If the officer tells you to get out, you can, but if not, just stay in the car until you find out why you were pulled over. Stop the car and open the window so you don’t have to yell to talk to the police officer. Don’t forget to stay calm. It’s probably something small, and you’re not really in trouble. The law just says that you need to be told and given a ticket. So don’t get scared. The police officer will tell you if your taillight is out or if you were going too fast. They will also tell you how to pay your fine or what to do next. There is no reason to get mad or lose your temper.

Sign The Citation 

You must sign the citation if you receive one. In fact, you should give it your full attention. This does not constitute an admission of guilt; rather, it confirms your receipt of the ticket and your commitment to paying the fine by the due date printed on it. If the issue is more serious and you need to contact an attorney for advice regarding a court matter or to find out what being indicted means, you should wait until the police officer is finished before making any calls. Don’t rush through this; you might miss something vital otherwise.

Drive Safe 

When you finally do leave, please be careful on the road. You need to check everything around you to make sure you don’t get into an accident as you may be merging into heavy traffic. If you’re feeling nervous after being stopped, this is very crucial. Just breathe deeply, and you’ll be OK to drive away.

The post What To Do If The Police Stop You appeared first on All About Horse Power.

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However if your car isn’t in good condition, your trip can have more issues than you were planning on. These 7 tips can help you to ensure your car is as ready as you are for your road trip. 

Check Fluid Levels

With the vast majority of car trips lasting around two hours, it’s essential to ensure your vehicle is properly tuned up. That includes checking the fluid levels in your engine and the brake and tire pressure. It’s not just about having a safe drive – it’s also about ensuring that you can comfortably drive when you arrive at your destination.

Check Tires

Tires are one of the most essential parts of your car. You need to make sure that your tires are in good condition and get you to where you’re going. These days, tires don’t just wear down from driving too much or speeding. Tires can also wear down from debris on the road or potholes that create minor cuts in your tire. So, before you take off on a long drive, check your tires for any damage.

Have A Pre-Road Trip Service

When you’re packing your car up for a long journey, it can often be easy to forget the little things. It’s hard to know if you have everything you need until you find yourself stranded on the side of the road needing something important like an air compressor or another car charger. One of the best ways to ensure that you have everything you need is by taking advantage of pre-road trip services. 

The benefits speak for themselves. A pre-road trip service ensures that your car’s minor problems are taken care of before you hit the road. They also provide preventative maintenance services like oil changes, tire rotations, fixing auto glass, and more so that nothing goes wrong in the first place! It might sound like a lot, but when you think about what kind of problems could come up while driving across the country, it’s a total lifesaver. The last thing any driver needs is an unexpected expense or a breakdown in the middle of nowhere – precisely where they would be without these services.

Know You Cars Weight Limit

Some people forget to check their car’s load limit. This information can be found in the owner’s manual, and it should be checked before any long road trip. Not only is this frustrating, but it could also be dangerous. If your car is too heavy, it will impact the vehicle’s balance and lead to unsafe driving conditions. It’s easy for a tank of gas or a couple of cans of soda to push your car past its weight limit, and you don’t want to have to turn back after only an hour on the road.

Test Lights and Brakes

When you’re out on the open road, it’s essential to make sure you can see and be seen. One of the easiest ways to do that is by testing your lights and brakes before your trip. It may be a good idea to have your mechanic look over these systems, too, if they need some attention.

Make A List of Important Details and Contact Numbers

One of the best ways to make sure you’re prepared for any eventuality on your car trip is by making a list of all of the essential details and contact numbers you may need. If you have a smartphone, this should be easy. Make sure that the following are on your list: 

1. Your passport number 
2. Your driver’s license number 
3. Your itinerary 
4. Your expected route and stops 
5. Contact numbers accommodation you will be using. 
6. Emergency contact numbers for family or friends who may not be traveling with you. 
7. Contact numbers for insurance companies, hotels, etc., in case you need to rearrange details when it becomes necessary. 
8. Contact numbers for your credit card company and bank if there is a problem with your cards.

Clean The Car

The first step in preparing for your car trip is to clean the vehicle. Starting with the outside, it’s a good idea to thoroughly inspect your car before you set off on your adventure. This includes checking for any rust or corrosion and ensuring that you can see clearly through all of the windows. The inside of the car should be inspected, too, with an eye on things like cracks in seats and upholstery. 

The post 7 Ways to Make Your Car Road Trip Ready appeared first on All About Horse Power.

When you buy a new car, you want to keep it as new as possible, but this isn’t possible without some further investment. You need some floor mats, dashboard mats, steering wheel covers, and more. Below are the essential car accessories that you should buy as soon as possible. 

Magnetic Phone Mounts 

Using your smartphone in a moving vehicle is a criminal offense for good reasons. Smartphones are extremely attention-grabbing and can prevent you from concentrating on the road. Take your eyes off the road for a second, and you risk running into the car in front, or worse.  

However, there are times when you need to use your phone in the car, perhaps on the way to a work meeting or to change arrangements for a family pick up. As long as you are hands-free, you aren’t breaking the law, so make sure you’ve got a magnetic holder for your smartphone. 

Scent Diffusers 

When it comes to car smells, you have some options; unfortunately, most of the convenient smells you can pick up at the local garage or car shop are artificial and unpleasant to breathe. If you want your car to smell unique and natural, what you need is an essential oil scent diffuser. 

Essential oils are concentrated liquids made from the properties of plants and flowers; this makes them natural and potent. Essential oils are the best way to scent your car, but you need a proper diffuser on the dashboard – otherwise, the oil will dry up too quickly or doesn’t work. 

Hilux Dash Mat 

If you have recently bought a car, it’s worth investing in a dash mat to protect the surface and maintain that newness for as long as possible. However, a dash mat does much more than this as well; these mats protect the window glass from gasses and prevent it from steaming up. 

The hilux dash mat is specially designed for Toyota vehicles, especially the Sungrabba – a Toyota four-by-four pick-up truck. The hilux dash mat is perfectly cut to sit over the dash and protect it. The mat is also made from durable rubber that should last for the life of the vehicle.      

Escape Tracks 

If you live in the North, you will be all too familiar with the challenges of snow on the roads. Every winter, you have to contend with a few feet of snow that can come down with little or no warning. If you have to navigate these conditions every, it makes sense to buy escape tracks. 

Escape tracks are made from hardened plastic, they can fit into your truck snuggly, and you can forget about them for most of the year; but when you need them the most, you can simply open your trunk and use them to get off your drive, or help someone on the road who is also stuck.   

Car Seat Hooks 

If you’re tired of putting your grubby bags on the new seats, or you don’t want your bags to get grubby on the floor, it’s time to invest in backseat hooks. These hooks fit onto the headrest of your seat and face the rear – they offer a convenient place to hang any type of bag you have. 

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