{"id":248304,"date":"2023-12-12T22:19:30","date_gmt":"2023-12-12T22:19:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/automotobuzz.com\/?p=248304"},"modified":"2023-12-12T22:19:30","modified_gmt":"2023-12-12T22:19:30","slug":"long-distance-driving-how-frequently-should-one-take-a-break","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/automotobuzz.com\/news-features\/long-distance-driving-how-frequently-should-one-take-a-break\/","title":{"rendered":"Long distance driving: How frequently should one take a break"},"content":{"rendered":"

Another important element is knowing how much to push your car engine to avoid any turbo fatigue.<\/h2>\n

BHPian ghodlur<\/strong> recently shared this with other enthusiasts.<\/p>\n

For the past year and a half or so, I have been doing Bangalore-Pune-Bangalore trips a lot. The distance around 850 kms is being covered in 11-12 hrs with 3 breaks – Breakfast for 30 mins, Fuel for 15 mins and tea\/light snacks for 15 mins. So total of 3 breaks all around 300 kms each. The logic was to give the body the desired time to stretch and help blood recirculation and for the engine to avoid any kind of turbo fatigue due to the higher rpms involved.<\/p>\n

So what should be the ideal frequency of taking a break when driving long distances? Should the total distance to be covered decide the number of breaks to be planned? Should the hours of driving dictate the breaks or kms reached? As per experts a rest is needed after every 2 hrs for 15 mins. I normally tend to take a break every 3 hrs during the trip. Plus there is a dashboard message to take a break for a coffee which appears every 4 hrs (Atleast configured in Tata). Does it mean that taking more number of breaks can help push the driving time too or is there is any limitation to that either in terms of hours of driving or kms crossed. Increasing the number of breaks can delay your planned time of reaching the destination.<\/p>\n

Another important element is knowing how much to push your car engine to avoid any turbo fatigue which could result due to over speed and high temperatures? So what is the ideal time to give engine the much needed break and for how much time? Is the usual 15 min break sufficient to allow the engine to cool down before it can be fired up again till the next break?<\/p>\n

Would welcome thoughts on this.<\/p>\n

Here’s what GTO<\/strong> had to say on the matter:<\/p>\n

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Short breaks = Every 2 hours. Step out, stretch, catch a nice scenic spot for the view or a good coffee place. Even if you think you can go longer without a break, don’t. This 2-hour break will greatly improve your concentration levels & keep you fresher for the long drive.<\/p>\n

Long breaks = Every 3 – 4 hours. We usually time this around meal times. Only breakfast, lunch & late afternoon tea, mind you. I never drive on the highway after sunset.<\/p>\n

Max driving per day = 9 – 10 hours. I need to call it a day then. Something like Mumbai-Goa is my limit per day. In the USA, the max I drove was Boston – Montreal (also the only time I drove into another country!).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Here’s what BHPian nicodash<\/strong> had to say on the matter:<\/p>\n

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Taking breaks during long drives involves more than just measuring time or distance. Traffic conditions significantly influence the need for rest. Heavy traffic can increase fatigue earlier, whereas driving on empty roads may allow for longer, more comfortable stretches.<\/p>\n

The type of transmission is also a key factor. Generally, automatic cars are less exhausting over extended distances than manual ones.<\/p>\n

Comfort is crucial. A vehicle equipped with comfortable seats and well-designed ergonomics enables longer drives without frequent breaks. Ultimately, the need for rest is determined by a combination of these elements and your personal comfort level.<\/p>\n

I often undertake long journeys, the most recent being a trip from Jabalpur to Gurgaon in one day. The total travel time was 14 hours, including 90 minutes of breaks.<\/p>\n