How Long Can a Car Drive Continuously Before Needing a Break?
4 Answers
After driving continuously for 4 hours, the car should take a break at a service area for at least twenty minutes. Below are some precautions regarding highway driving: 1. Speed: (1) For novice drivers on the highway, the speed should generally be between 80~100, with 90 being the recommended cruising speed. (2) When exiting the highway and entering the ramp, apply the brakes twice: first, when you see the 500-meter exit sign, reduce speed to 60~70; second, when entering the ramp, reduce speed to 40. 2. Driving and Lane Changing: Generally, there is no need to change lanes or merge. Others can only overtake from the right, and when overtaking others, do so directly.
On long trips, I'm used to pulling into the service area for a break every two hours. The car's engine running continuously can easily overheat, and tire pressure can spike, especially in summer. Stopping for ten minutes to let the machinery cool down, while I stretch my legs and drink some water, makes both me and the car feel much better. I remember one summer when I didn't take a break on the highway, the tires were scorching to the touch and almost blew out. Actually, the maintenance reminders in the car's system also suggest this frequency, which helps maintain a safe following distance and reduces driver fatigue.
As a veteran driver with 20 years of experience, the longest I've driven continuously is four hours, but I honestly don't recommend it. Not only is it easy to get drowsy, but overheated brake pads leading to longer braking distances are particularly dangerous. I usually switch drivers after about two hours, and if no one is available to take over, I pull over to rest for 20 minutes. Checking the navigation for planned stops and preparing energy drinks in advance is quite helpful. Additionally, poor seat adjustment can cause back pain quickly, and regularly adjusting your sitting posture can help you last an extra half hour. Nowadays, car systems come with fatigue driving alerts that beep incessantly after three hours of continuous driving.
For city commuting, it doesn't matter, but on highways, I strictly adhere to the four-hour limit. Last time I went on a road trip, I checked the information: human concentration starts to decline after two hours, and the lubrication efficiency of engine oil decreases under continuous operation. Before exiting the highway, always check the coolant and tire pressure, especially for turbocharged models. If you encounter traffic jams, it's even more important to rest in advance—stop-and-go driving is more taxing on the car than steady-speed driving. Parents with children should ideally stop every hour, as restless and crying kids can affect driving.
