10 Holy Week driving tips to remember

It is Holy Week again, and at this time of year, everyone is packing their bags to visit family in the provinces or heading out of town for a bit of rest and relaxation. Whatever our plans may be during the Holy Week, they will likely involve driving a fair bit. To avoid unnecessary delays and worse, accidents on the road, road readiness and safety are a priority before everyone piles into the family car.

With that in mind, we’ve listed some helpful tips to keep in mind so you can get to your destination without fuss this Holy Week.

Before heading out on any extended road trip, drivers must always ensure that their vehicle is roadworthy. Check vital car components like the engine, the radiator, wheels, brakes, and the car's fluids before hitting the open road. Always be sure that the car will be able to take on continuous hours of driving without any issues, because the last thing you want is to be stuck on the road.

After you’ve given your car a thorough once-over, check yourself. Are you healthy? Are you fit to drive for long hours? Ask yourself these questions before getting behind the wheel because a car is only as safe as the driver operating it. 

If you expect to be on the road for more than six hours, it’s a good idea to bring snacks and drinks for the journey. While they won’t replace a proper meal at a rest stop, they can help maintain energy levels and prevent fatigue while driving. This is especially useful when traveling between municipalities or along routes with limited places to stop and eat. Taking regular breaks is also important. A quick 15 to 20-minute stop between driving stints can help both drivers and passengers stay refreshed and reduce fatigue.

With fuel prices often fluctuating, it pays to plan where you’ll fill up before hitting the road. A quick check online can give you an idea of prevailing prices along your route, which can vary by a few centavos to as much as two to three pesos per liter depending on the location and brand.

It’s also a good idea to combine fuel and meal stops to make your trip more efficient. While fewer stops won’t drastically reduce fuel consumption, planning them well can help you avoid unnecessary detours, minimize idling, and save time on long drives.

Checking the four wheels on your car is essential, but don’t forget about the spare. Inspect it for cracks or cuts, and make sure it’s properly inflated. It’s also important to confirm that you have the right tools on hand, such as a jack and lug wrench, in case you need to change a tire on the roadside.

Some modern cars, including certain hybrids and EVs, may not come with a full-size spare or even a donut-style spare. Instead, manufacturers may include a tire repair kit, typically with sealant or a plug system. If your car uses this setup, it’s a good idea to review how it works ahead of time and bring a portable compressor or pump so you can reinflate the tire after a temporary repair.

Nobody wants to deal with an injury during a road trip, but it’s always better to be prepared. That’s why a first aid kit should always be kept in your car. According to the American Red Cross, a well-stocked vehicle first aid kit typically includes:

• Adhesive bandages
• Adhesive tape
• Alcohol wipes
• Antibiotic ointment or spray
• Antiseptic wipes
• Bandages and gauze
• Disposable gloves
• First aid guide
• Hand sanitizer
• Medications (for pain relief, motion sickness, or allergies)
• Safety pins
• Saline solution
• Tweezers

A reliable car starts with a healthy battery and properly maintained fluids. Before a long trip, inspect your battery for corrosion on the terminals and ensure it’s holding a full charge. If it’s more than three to five years old, consider having it tested at a service center to avoid unexpected breakdowns.

Equally important are your vehicle’s essential fluids. Check the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid levels, topping them off if needed. Proper fluid levels help prevent overheating, brake issues, or other mechanical problems, keeping your journey smooth and safe.

It’s always smart to be prepared for unexpected situations on the road. Keep a list of important phone numbers within easy reach—this should include family or friends, your insurance provider, roadside assistance, and local emergency services. Having these contacts readily available can save precious time and reduce stress if you run into a breakdown, accident, or any other urgent situation.

If you need a refresher on essential emergency hotlines, we’ve listed them below: 

• Nationwide Emergency Hotline: 911
• Philippine National Police (PNP): (02) 8722-0650 or 911
• Philippine Red Cross (PRC): 143 or (02) 8527-0000
• Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA): 136 or (02) 882-4150-77
• Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP): (02) 8426-0219 or 911
• NLEX / SCTEX / NLEX Connector / CALAX / CAVITEX / CCLEX: 1-35000
• SLEX: (02) 5318-8655 or 0999-886-0893
• Skyway: 0917-539-8762 (Globe) or 0999-886-0893 (Smart)
• STAR Tollway: (043) 756-7870
• TPLEX: 0917-888-0715

If your route includes toll roads, make sure your RFID cards are loaded with enough balance before you hit the road. Running low or having an empty card can lead to delays, fines, or unnecessary stress at toll plazas. A quick top-up ensures a smoother drive and keeps you moving without interruptions. You’ll get to your destination on time, and the car behind you will thank you.

We don’t mean leaving your luggage on the side of the road; what we mean is to keep only the essentials for your trip. Remove unnecessary items to create space for luggage, emergency gear, or groceries you pick up along the way. Keeping your trunk organized also makes it easier to access your spare tire, tools, or first aid kit when you need them most.

Are you heading out of town? So is everyone else. That means you should expect the roads to be jam-packed with other travelers. To keep stress levels down and fuel consumption at an acceptable level, always drive at a steady and safe speed. Maintaining a consistent speed not only improves fuel efficiency but also reduces stress on your vehicle and keeps traffic flowing smoothly. Sudden acceleration or frequent braking can wear down brakes and tires faster, and increase fuel consumption. A steady pace helps you stay alert, anticipate road conditions, and enjoy a safer, more relaxed journey.