● If traveling long distances with multiple vehicles, it’s best to choose the same model, or at least ensure that the tire types and bolt patterns are identical. This way, if a car has an issue, spare parts can be shared, and you can even borrow a spare tire from another vehicle. Teacher Shen recalls a past experience in the Greater Khingan Mountains that still gives him chills: if they hadn’t been able to borrow a spare tire from a friend’s car, they would have had to send someone out in the broken-down car to find a place to fix the tire—and then drive all the way back. The round trip would have caused a huge delay.
　　● Bring cooking gear. Each time they check into a guesthouse, the first thing Teacher Shen does is clear off the desk, set up the stove and pots in a row, then head out to buy groceries and cook. Although it takes some time, the food is more comfortable, hygienic, and cost-effective—after all, everyone is part of the working class.
　　● Don’t forget maintenance. A reporter once heard about a fellow traveler who returned from a self-driving trip only to find their beloved car had developed a fault, but the 4S shop refused warranty service: because the car required maintenance every 5,000 kilometers or 3 months, and the owner had neglected to do so before leaving on the trip. By the time they got back, they had driven over 10,000 kilometers without servicing. He said he simply forgot about it while traveling. Teacher Shen reminds everyone to pay attention to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule or mileage while on the road, and visit a 4S shop in a major city to give your car a check-up—safety first, and to avoid unnecessary trouble.
　　● Know your limits. No matter how well you prepare, unexpected situations often arise when traveling. For example, the motion sickness incident that Teacher Shen’s group encountered this time. If you feel unwell or there's a problem with the vehicle, take a break or head back early.