15 Smart Life Hacks for Long Distance Drivers

Driving for 8 hours plus can sound like a tedious and heavy task, but it doesn’t have to be! You can make the ride more enjoyable and efficient with a few smart life hacks that will help you overcome the dread. From organising your dashboard to beating the heat while listening to a good podcast – here are our 15 best life hacks for long distance drivers.

1. Organise your ‘working environment’

Organise your dashboard and cabin based on necessity. Think about what you often reach for when driving and keep it at arm’s length. Bobbleheads can go to the far side of your dashboard for the sake of handier gadgets, such as your phone holder for directions if you don’t have a navigation installed on the truck already or a quick phone display review.

2. Avoid black interiors

Black seats may look stylish and classy, but in summer this colour will attract sunlight and heat up.

3. Connect your phone to the radio

Listening to your favourite podcast or radio via your phone is good, but the speakers on your truck are designed to produce sound for you cabin the way music is meant to be heard. If you don’t have Bluetooth as an option, find out what audio jack you need to connect the device to your truck and listen away.

4. Sunrise and sunset breaks

Statistically accidents happen the most when the sun is in the driver’s eyes, therefore, if you can, take your breaks at sunrise and sunset. Additionally, you may avoid heavier rush hour traffic in the evenings. Added bonus is you may catch a few beautiful sunsets while you rest and recharge.

5. Cool yourself down while driving

During the hot summer months, it is crucial to find ways to cool down. Having a fully functional air conditioner in your truck is best, but there are a few more things you can do when the weather is unbearable and you must keep going. If you have a cooler, put ice cubes in a towel and wrap it around your head. Also, if your steering wheel is too hot you can pour water on it to cool it down and, finally, you can purchase small mobile fan for your cabin.

6. Have snacks handy

Hunger can strike at any time. There is no need to take unscheduled breaks when you are hungry. Review your route before you go and prepare snacks accordingly just in case.

7. Sit up straight with your shoulders back

Sitting for prolonged periods of time can have harmful long-term effects on the body and, unfortunately, is on of the things that cannot be avoided with long-distance driving. Minimise the effects by making it a habit to sit up straight with your shoulders back while driving. It will keep you more alert and may prevent future chronic back pain.

8. Learn a few stationary exercises

Learn a few exercises you can do on your breaks, or even in your cabin, to get you moving or release localised pain. There are plenty of tutorials online you can learn from and you don’t need weights or a gym to complete them. Even taking walks during your breaks and some light stretching are a good start.

9. Have emergency toilet paper and toiletries

Surely it has happened to you to have to use a public toilet, which had run out of toilet paper. Always have a roll handy and carry some toiletries just in case – toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant. Bonus tip: You can use the toothpaste to defog your headlights!

10. Carry your favourite hot sauce with you

No matter what food stand or diner you find yourself at, carrying your favourite hot sauce can save your meal.

11. Drink soda and use the rest… to polish your truck

Coke can provide a refreshing dose of sugar and caffeine, but did you know it can also be used to clean your truck from rust? All you need is a sponge, some Coca-Cola and a little time to let the stains soak.

12. Swap seats (or rest as a passenger)

If your truck has a passenger seat, chances are it doesn’t get used often. If your current seat is worn out, you can swap the cushions with a little handiwork and a few online tutorials. If you don’t feel up to changing the seats, at least make it a habit to rest in the passenger seat during breaks.

13. Cool the steering wheel quickly

When there is strong direct sunlight, the steering wheel can get quite hot, especially if it’s black. You can pour water directly on it or wet your hands to cool it down quickly.

14. Stay hydrated at all times

Always have water near you and stay hydrated. The temperature in the cabin quickly goes up, and if you are not taking enough water, you may feel lightheaded or dizzy, which may require you to pull over or, even worse, get distracted while driving.

15. Keep a spare key on you at all times

You may lock yourself out of your truck. It is unpleasant and it happens to the best. Then, you will either need to embarrassingly call for assistance to open your cabin or you can take the secured key hidden on the body of the truck from its place that only you know about. Just make sure to put it back once you have your original set and ensure the location is discreet, secure and one only you know about.