Every year during the Lunar New Year holiday, many road-trippers seize the chance for an “extended vacation,” with popular road trip destinations including Tibet and Guangxi. Road trip distances and conditions vary widely—while the mechanical components such as engines and chassis are generally safe after proper maintenance and inspection, tires are a key safety focus that road-trippers should pay attention to.
Tip #1: Inspect Your Tires to Make Highways Safer
A statistical report shows that 46% of highway traffic accidents are related to tire failures, with blowouts accounting for 70%. Road trips inevitably involve long hours on highways—so how can you turn this “dangerous path” into a safe one?
Frequent inspections are key. Before setting off, be sure to have your tires’ tread depth and air pressure checked at a 4S shop or a Michelin tire service center. If the tread is close to the wear indicator, replace the tires immediately to prevent skidding on wet roads. If the wear is uneven, consider a wheel alignment.
Experts recommend: During your road trip, in addition to daily checks for cuts, nails, or bulges, checking tire pressure is essential. Especially in high-altitude areas, it’s best to check and adjust tire pressure every time you gain or lose 1,000 meters in elevation. When traveling to warmer southern regions or muddy mountain roads, you may slightly reduce tire pressure to increase the contact area with the road.
Tip #2: Drive Cautiously on National Highways
Road-tripping involves encountering various road conditions, especially when heading to Tibet. After passing Ya’an in Sichuan, you can only drive on National Highway 318, and some off-the-beaten-path attractions are only accessible via dirt roads. In Tibet, there's also the challenge of high altitude, so extra caution behind the wheel is necessary.
National highway conditions are generally poor, with potholes and gravel scattered everywhere. Therefore, drive carefully and slow down to avoid damaging your vehicle or tires. When driving through muddy sections, choose firmer and less slippery areas to prevent your tires from getting stuck, spinning in place, or suffering severe cuts or sidewall damage. On uneven terrain or when going downhill, maintain a suitable speed, avoid or minimize sudden braking, and reduce tire wear.
Road trips usually cover long distances and involve greater impact forces than usual, so choosing durable tires is crucial. For example, the Michelin Energy XM2 tire, favored by many drivers, is specifically designed for Chinese road conditions and incorporates several Michelin innovations, excelling in both safety and durability. Compared to other similar tires, it offers 20% more mileage—effectively giving you extra kilometers on top of a normal tire’s lifespan.
Tip #3: Master Several Ways to Get Help
No matter how careful you are, breakdowns can still happen on the road. Besides calling the automaker’s service hotline or local towing companies, there are also rescue services offered by specialized tire service providers.
