Desert Driving: What You Should Know

Driving through the desert on a road trip can be a lot of fun. Far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can see the stars better, enjoy brilliant sunsets, and cruise around without worrying about constant traffic jams.

However, being away from civilization means it’s a lot harder to get help when you need it, especially on quieter stretches of the road. Prepping yourself and your vehicle for your desert trip is essential.

Pre-Drive Mechanic Check-Up

Be sure to get your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic before heading out on your trip. Driving through the desert can put a lot of stress on your vehicle, and the last thing you want is something going wrong in the middle of nowhere. Your mechanic can run a general check to make sure your vehicle doesn’t have any leaks and your oil and coolant are at the appropriate levels to avoid overheating. They can also look at the state of your tires and let you know if they need changing before the trip.

Plan Your Route

A lot of things will depend on your route, so you should plan ahead if you can. Mark out any gas stations, towns, or stopovers you can utilize along the road, and try to figure out a rough schedule using physical maps or tools like Google Maps and other wayfinding apps. This way, you’ll know when you need to top up on fuel or replenish your supplies. This is especially important if the stopovers along your route are far apart.

Also, try to memorize important landmarks around your route. This can help you identify where you are later on, and in case of emergencies, give you a better idea of where you are.

Keep Loved Ones Informed

For long trips, it’s best to inform your loved ones of your whereabouts and plans. At the very least, you may wish to tell a trusted neighbor where you’re heading. Let them know if plans change so they can inform the authorities in case of any mishaps on the road. If the worst happens and you end up lost or stranded, search and rescue will have a better idea of where to start.

What to Bring When Desert Driving

What you need to bring when desert driving depends on how long your trip will be.  Here are some guidelines to follow:

Basic Necessities

Food

Pack a good amount of food for your road trip through the desert. This may not be as important if you’re going for a one-day drive with multiple known stopovers, but a bit of extra food just in case of emergencies is always good. Try to bring food that doesn’t spoil easily and is easy to eat like jerky and calorie-rich granola bars. 

Water

We recommend you take at least three gallons of water per person with you on desert trips. Adjust accordingly depending on how long you plan to spend on the road, and top-up on water regularly at your planned stopovers.

Weather-Appropriate Clothing

Desert weather can go from very hot to very cold as the day goes on. Bring sets of clothes for both occasions, especially on longer drives.

Hygiene Products

Take a small bag of hygiene products with you on the road separate from your luggage for easy access. Make sure to pack some wet wipes, alcohol, and some no-rinse body wash. These will be very convenient when you need to make a stopover.

First Aid Kit

Always have a first aid kit in your vehicle with the appropriate supplies and medication suited to your needs. We recommend carrying bandages, disinfectant, gloves, and other medical supplies according to the Red Cross’ guidelines.

Navigation and Communication Tools

GPS or Map App

The GPS or map app on your phone can help you navigate the road and find nearby pit stops and landmarks. The cell signal in the desert might not be the most stable though, so try not to rely on these too much. Satellite-linked GPS systems like the Garmin In-Reach are especially handy for these drives because they’re able to receive navigation signals anywhere in the world, including deserts.

Physical Map & Compass

It’s important to have a physical map on you in case the signal for your GPS or phone stops working. A compass can help you navigate as well.

Cell Phones

This goes without saying, but cell phones are one of the best tools for quick Google searches, updating loved ones, and pit stop research. At least, that’s the case if they have cell signals. Still, try to keep them topped up on power by using a car phone charger just in case.

Long-Range Walkie Talkies

If you’re driving in a convoy, have a long-range walkie talkie in each vehicle to keep in touch over long stretches of the desert.

Emergency Supplies

Roadside Emergency Kit

A roadside emergency kit includes tire repair tools, emergency signals, a handheld jumpstart unit, and other equipment for getting your vehicle back on the road as soon as possible in a pinch. You can purchase one and have it in your vehicle at all times. For desert driving in particular, include some waterproof matches or some flint and steel and a survival guide.

Spare Tire

If your car doesn’t have a full-size spare, it might be a good idea to get one to bring with you on your desert road trip.

Power Bank

A power bank is useful if your phone is running low on power.

Solar or Mechanical Flashlight

Driving in the desert at night is risky, especially in areas without any street lamps. A solar or mechanical flashlight can help you see in case of any emergencies.

Extra Oil and Coolant

Always have extra oil and coolant for your vehicle in case of a breakdown, especially in the desert.

Iodine Pills

A stock of iodine water purifying pills can kill viruses and bacteria in untreated water. Just remember they won’t kill parasites, so only use them if boiling the water isn’t an option.

What To Do if Your Vehicle Breaks Down in the Desert

If your vehicle breaks down and you cannot get it running again, it’s better to stick with your vehicle than abandon it. Conserve your energy and wait for help. Put up signs of distress so other motorists along the road know you’re stranded.

If you must leave your vehicle, leave a note saying which way you’re traveling and your destination. This is in case a search and rescue team finds your vehicle before anyone else. Follow the road and try to identify where you are on your map so you know how far you need to travel for help. Just in case this happens, take glimpses behind you as you drive to get to know what the road looks like if you retrace your steps.

Where to Get Emergency Supplies for Your Desert Trip

When it comes to road trips, you can never be too prepared. You might think some emergency supplies are unnecessary, but the truth is, you never know what might happen when you’re out there in the desert. Why not save yourself the trouble of getting stranded in the desert by getting emergency kits from CarParts.com today?

From roadside emergency kits to extra coolant, CarParts.com offers a wide selection of all the tools and supplies you’ll need for your next road trip. You can easily browse through our catalog with the use of our vehicle selector and search filters. If you’re doing a bit of last-minute shopping, you’ll be pleased to know that CarParts.com also guarantees fast shipping. Order by 12 p.m. ET, and you can expect your new supplies to arrive in as fast as two business days.

Don’t wait until you find yourself stuck in the middle of the desert before ordering emergency supplies. Check out our catalog of high-quality roadside emergency kits, spare tire tool kits, and coolants at CarParts.com today!