Knowledge Not Taught in Driving Schools: Precautions for Long-Distance Road Trips

 

　　In my opinion, all the various preparations and inspections before a long journey pale in comparison to inspecting your car. The reason is simple: if you forget to bring food or supplies, or if they break, you can just pop into a supermarket and buy replacements. But if your car breaks down, you can’t just go out and buy a new one. That’s why inspecting your vehicle before a long trip is extremely, extremely important—there’s no other priority quite like it. And when it comes to inspecting your car for a long journey, the following points are absolutely crucial.

　　The destination of our trip this time was the far suburbs of Beijing, with a round-trip distance of within 300 kilometers, which could be covered with a full tank of gas. So the first step was to fill up the fuel tank—there would be no problem even if we didn’t come across a gas station along the way. Speaking of which, we actually encountered a Prado that broke down on the road because it ran out of gas. The reason was simple: the owner misjudged how far the remaining fuel in the tank could take them, and unfamiliarity with the roads led to taking a longer route, which eventually drained the fuel and caused the car to stall.

　　Suggestion: Try to fill up the tank as much as possible to ensure that you’re not affected by special circumstances, such as getting lost or being unable to find a gas station. For long-distance travel, it’s also recommended to refuel frequently along the way.

　　Since this was a test vehicle that hadn’t been in our possession for long, we weren’t familiar with its previous maintenance history. Therefore, it was necessary to check the engine oil level. If it was low, we could top it up in time. (For more information about engine oil, click here.)

　　Suggestion: If your car is nearing its next scheduled maintenance mileage, it’s also a good idea to do a regular maintenance check in advance if possible—this will give you greater peace of mind.

　　3: Top Up the Windshield Washer Fluid

　　During summer trips, it’s inevitable that your car’s body will get splashed with tree sap, insect remains, and other substances. Weather can also be unpredictable, so having an ample supply of windshield washer fluid is very important—after all, maintaining clear visibility is the foundation of safe driving.
　　Suggestion: For some car models, the windshield washer fluid level isn’t visible. It’s recommended to top it up before the trip and also test whether the wipers are functioning properly.

　　Although we don’t recommend using the horn frequently, you may encounter special situations during your trip where the horn could come in handy. Therefore, it’s important to check whether the horn is working properly. (Click here to see when to use the horn.)

　　Suggestion: When in suburban areas, especially around horses or livestock, never use the horn. Animals may become startled and could even attack the vehicle.

　　5: Brakes

　　Check whether the brake pads need replacing, and also make sure the brake lights are functioning properly. During our trip, there was a section of highway, and brake lights are the most direct signal for vehicles behind you to slow down—so they’re very important.
       Suggestion: Some vehicles, due to lack of inspection, may have brake lights that don’t work or only work on one side. These issues should be repaired promptly before setting off.

　　6: Lights
　　Since we weren’t familiar with the weather and road conditions of the areas we’d be passing through, less commonly used lights such as fog lights and hazard lights might come in handy. Therefore, it’s important to check all the vehicle’s lights. (Click here to see how to use the different lights in your car.)

　　Checking the tires is actually quite simple. First, remove any stones stuck in the tread grooves, then inspect the exterior for any punctures or damage. For the front wheels, you can turn the wheel to one side and feel around the inner side and sidewalls with your hand. Finally, check the tire pressure, and you’re done. (Click here to see how to self-inspect your tires.)

　　In addition to the visual inspection of the tires, tire pressure is also a very important aspect to check. Both overinflated and underinflated tires pose safety risks. Overinflation can reduce ride comfort, while underinflation may increase fuel consumption. Tire blowouts can be related to both high and low tire pressure, so it’s essential to check the tire pressure before setting off.

       Suggestion: Don’t forget the most important checks—make sure the spare tire and its pressure are in good condition, and that your common tire-changing tools are functional.
　　●Common Items Inside the Vehicle

　　First, ensure the fire extinguisher is within its validity period and in proper working condition. Most vehicle models have a designated spot for the fire extinguisher in the trunk. It’s recommended to place the extinguisher in an easily accessible yet safe location inside the car before your trip, so you can operate it immediately in case of an emergency.

　　9: Triangle Warning Sign
　　When your vehicle breaks down or is involved in an accident during your trip, it's crucial to set up the triangle warning sign promptly. Therefore, it's important to check whether the triangle warning sign is functional before you go. Most current triangle warning signs are foldable and require assembly—it's best to assemble them in advance. Rather than keeping it in the trunk, store it inside the vehicle to avoid wasting time on last-minute assembly in an emergency. Additionally, your trunk is likely to be packed with luggage, making it troublesome to retrieve the sign.
　　10: Insurance Policy
　　Be sure to carry either the original or a copy of your insurance policy with the vehicle. This allows you to report an accident promptly when needed. Long-time vehicle owners should carefully check the validity period of their insurance policy and remember the emergency reporting hotline.

　　11: Two-Way Radios

　　For group road trips, if possible, equip your vehicles with two-way radios to facilitate convenient and timely communication about road conditions. If you don’t have enough radios for every car, intersperse non-radio-equipped vehicles among the group, ensuring that at least the lead and tail vehicles have them.

　　Always maintain driving safety en route

　　While long-distance road trips bring joy and relaxation, the more relaxed you are, the more you need to stay vigilant about driving safety—such as avoiding speeding and maintaining a safe following distance. These are essential practices to ensure a smooth and pleasant journey. Here are several key points to keep in mind while driving.

　　● Maintain a Safe Following Distance
　　Keeping a safe following distance is a well-known principle, but it's especially critical at high speeds. Vehicles on highways move quickly, so a greater distance is necessary to stay safe. Also, pay attention to surrounding vehicles as well as those ahead of the vehicle directly in front of you to react promptly if needed.

　　● Use of Fog Lights
　　In poor visibility conditions such as rain or fog, first reduce your speed and increase the distance from the vehicle ahead. At the same time, turn on your headlights or fog lights, and use hazard lights if visibility is severely limited.

　　● Parking Precautions

　　When driving in suburban areas, you’ll often find small stalls selling fruits and vegetables along the roadside. Many people stop to buy local produce. Because rural roads are generally not wide, be especially cautious when parking. (Click here to learn what to watch out for when parking.)

　　Try to park close to the edge in a wide area and promptly turn on your hazard lights. Prefer straight sections of road where oncoming and following traffic can see you and slow down in time. Avoid parking on slopes to prevent rolling. Whenever possible, exit the vehicle from the right side to avoid collisions with passing cars.

　　Conduct a thorough vehicle inspection after returning from your trip

　　After your adventure, both you and your car are likely to be tired. Once you’ve had some rest, it’s a good idea to inspect your vehicle. The process isn’t complicated—just check for tire damage, fluid levels, and other basics. Of course, if you experienced scraping the undercarriage or any collisions during the trip, take your car to a 4S shop for a check-up to avoid potential hazards.

　　Driving for leisure is meant to be a relaxing and enjoyable experience, but ensuring everything goes smoothly requires some preparation in advance. Safety should always be your top priority, so developing good inspection and driving habits is essential. Consider trying out the tips we’ve summarized before your next trip.