Before setting off on a short trip, do a simple check of your vehicle — look for oil leaks, check water levels, etc.; before a long trip, conduct a thorough inspection of all vehicle parts, especially the engine. When traveling by car, it’s best to go with two or more vehicles so you can assist each other in case of an accident. Renting a car for solo travel is not recommended. Especially for novice drivers who have just obtained their license, don’t use a trip as practice. Being unfamiliar with the car and road conditions increases the risk of accidents. When traveling in a group, keep vehicles within a reasonable distance of one another. Avoid driving at night; traveling isn't about rushing. The dangers of night driving go without saying, and fatigue from driving at night can also dampen your travel experience.
Control your speed.
In the city, you have to dodge vehicles and pedestrians, not to mention traffic jams, which makes driving feel frustrating. On a trip, you might finally feel free to drive as you please, but remember: the smoother the road, the more unexpected situations may arise that you’re unprepared to handle. Don’t be overconfident in the limited driving skills you’ve honed on congested ring roads. As the driver, you must stay more alert than your companions and tone down the excitement of the trip.
Don’t wait until you run out of gas before refueling. When you’re about halfway through your tank, fill up at a good gas station whenever you see one. Don’t be put off by the hassle — even if the fuel isn’t top quality, mixing it is still less damaging to your car than running solely on low-grade fuel.
If you’re going on a short trip, it’s best not to carry gasoline. For longer trips far from main roads, it’s advisable to carry one or two safe iron fuel canisters.
Dealing with Emergencies
If your car breaks down en route, and it’s daytime with good road conditions, consider getting a tow; if it’s nighttime or towing is inconvenient, call the local 114 directory service to get the number for roadside assistance and request help.
Towing techniques include: keeping the tow rope straight; maintaining consistent speed between the two vehicles; and the leading vehicle tapping its brake lights twice or using turn signals in advance when stopping or turning, to alert the following vehicle and avoid collisions.
Relieving driving fatigue: If possible, take turns driving with a companion; chew sunflower seeds during breaks. Play music with a strong beat.