Five Preparations
1. Vehicle Inspection: Before setting off, conduct a comprehensive and thorough inspection and maintenance of your vehicle. Address any potential issues in advance to avoid breakdowns during the trip. If you're planning a long journey, it’s best to visit a service center for a full inspection by professionals, paying special attention to tires, steering, lights, fuel, water, and electricity.
2. Fill Up Fuel: Ensuring you have enough fuel is a must before embarking on a long trip. If there are plenty of gas stations along the way, you can refuel en route. But if you’re venturing far from towns where gas stations are scarce, it’s wise to carry extra fuel in metal containers for emergencies.
3. Plan Your Route and Rest Stops: Choosing the right driving route and rest stops allows you to estimate the required time and travel expenses, minimize unnecessary costs, and save as much time and fuel as possible.
4. Arrange Driving Distances Reasonably: Planning your driving distances wisely helps prevent fatigue and keeps you energetic. It is recommended to drive around 300–400 km per day on highways and about 200–300 km on regular roads.
5. Travel with Companions: It’s best to go on a self-driving trip with others so you can look out for one another. For those planning long-distance or adventurous drives, traveling in a group of three to five is ideal—not only for safety but also to learn some driving tips and travel knowledge from others.
Seven Essentials
1. Road Map: Don’t underestimate the importance of a map. While you can always ask for directions, when it comes to crucial moments, a map is often your guiding light. Especially when heading to unfamiliar places, it’s essential to prepare a map in advance.
2. Vehicle Documents: The “legal proof” related to your vehicle is a prerequisite for a smooth trip. Your vehicle registration and road maintenance fee documents are absolutely necessary. Even if you’re going to the suburbs, don’t forget to bring the road maintenance fee sticker to avoid trouble during inspections—possibly even incurring extra fees. And of course, your driver’s license goes without saying.
3. Cash for Tolls: Prepare plenty of small change, especially bills of 10, 5, and 1–2 yuan denominations. This makes paying tolls and parking fees more convenient and helps you avoid losses due to change issues.
4. Vehicle Tools: Vehicle tools are extremely important for those going on self-driving trips because minor breakdowns on the road may require your own repairs. Therefore, a set of basic tools is indispensable. Before setting off, check that you have essential tools such as a jack, tow rope, and tire-changing wrench. Also, make sure the spare tire is in good condition and properly inflated.
5. Emergency Equipment: You might encounter unexpected situations while driving off-road, so it’s best to carry a first aid kit, emergency light, compass, warning triangle, etc. If you have a car rescue card, keep it on hand.
6. Communication Devices: Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged during the trip, and it’s best to carry a spare battery as well.
7. Camping Gear: Preparing some camping equipment can greatly enhance the fun of your road trip—for example, a waterproof mat (useful for picnics), a thermos, foldable tables and chairs, a barbecue grill, a large sunshade umbrella, etc. For more rugged destinations, a sleeping bag is also recommended. Those with the means might also consider a compact, practical car refrigerator to keep drinks chilled or heat up food—definitely a delightful bonus.
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