At the start of the new year, as temperatures gradually warm up, the weather in Xuzhou has been changeable these past few days. However, occasional warm sunshine already hints that spring is here. Choosing a sunny holiday to go on a self-driving trip may be the greatest enjoyment for car owners. But the preparations before the trip are essential—the level of preparedness directly affects the quality of your self-driving trip. Are you really ready for a self-driving trip?
1. Travel planning should be detailed
First, when arranging your travel plan, make sure to allow ample time. Self-driving trips often face delays due to traffic jams, dining, or waiting in line for sightseeing. Therefore, your itinerary should be more flexible, ensuring you have enough time. In addition, detailed planning before departure is crucial—travel routes, arrival times, accommodation, weather conditions, and contingency plans should all be considered in advance. Given the impact of free highway tolls during holidays, be prepared for possible traffic congestion or consider traveling during off-peak hours.
2. The vehicle needs to be inspected
Before the trip, inspecting your vehicle can be considered the most important aspect of a self-driving tour. After all, if you forget or damage items like food or supplies, you can always buy them—but if your car breaks down, you can’t just buy a new one.
First, check the oil level, the condition of your tires/tire pressure, whether windshield washer fluid is sufficient, and if the horn, brakes, and lights are functioning properly. If possible, it’s recommended to get a routine maintenance service before departure, replacing common fluids to prevent issues on the road.
Second, if you’re not very familiar with the route you’ll be taking, it’s advisable to fill the fuel tank completely before departure. When the fuel level drops below half, consider refueling at the nearest gas station to avoid the possibility of encountering long stretches without any service stations. If possible, carry a spare fuel can in the car.
3. Ensure you have all necessary in-car equipment
Before setting off, also check if you have a valid fire extinguisher in the car (Jiumingmao recommends a simple water-based extinguisher), and a complete set of vehicle emergency tools—this is an essential item for any self-driving trip. The Jiumingmao car emergency kit includes: a reflective handheld bag,a tire pressure gauge pen, alcohol disinfection wipes,5#batteries, a reflective safety vest, flashlight, disposable raincoat, band-aids, medical gauze, zip ties, a tow rope, flame-retardant tape, fuse jumper clips, jumper cables, an emergency hammer, and nitrile gloves. Don’t forget valid insurance documents, emergency contact numbers, and your driver’s license and vehicle registration. Also, don’t overlook packing enough food and water just because you can stop anytime to buy some. Since there are many unpredictable factors on a self-driving trip, it’s wise to stock up on sufficient food, water, medicine, and clothing.
4. Carry a spare key with you
When parking, many people habitually toss their car keys onto the seat to keep their hands free for carrying things. However, be aware that some vehicles automatically lock after being turned off and having the key removed for a certain period. If the keys are still inside the car, that could cause trouble. Therefore, it’s recommended to carry a spare key with you on long trips.
5. Bring enough cash for long-distance travel
While it’s generally better to carry fewer banknotes and more cards for daily commutes or short trips—both for convenience and security—bringing sufficient cash is essential for long road trips. In unfamiliar areas or cities, you may not know how convenient it is to use bank cards for purchases or withdrawals, so cash remains the fastest option in critical situations. Additionally, some gas stations’ fuel cards may not work across provinces, making cash a necessity.
6. Familiarity with navigation is crucial
Whether using a smartphone or in-car navigation system, it’s important to update or purchase the latest version of maps before a self-driving trip. In addition, drivers must be proficient in correctly using the navigation tool. Due to differences in software or versions, the way various navigations guide users can vary significantly—especially when it comes to guidance at interchanges or intersections.
Also, some drivers may find that their existing navigation maps do not include the destination area, so it’s essential to download the relevant maps in advance. Traffic police remind us that unfamiliarity with the route is a major contributing factor to traffic accidents. Searching for exits on highways often leads to accidents, so drivers must have a comprehensive understanding of the route before departure.