Road Trip Lovers, Don't Miss These Self-Drive Camping Tips

I. Vehicle Equipment

Before a road trip, it's best to make a detailed list of all the items you need to bring on paper. Check each item off to avoid missing anything.

1. Car: For a road trip, a car is of course the most important, preferably an SUV (JEEP and Land Rover models are best, but Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Chery Tiggo are also acceptable). Ideally, it should be equipped with a luggage rack, front and rear xenon headlights, a tire pressure monitor, GPS navigation, and rearview camera. Any sedan will also work, but it may have difficulty navigating muddy roads and puddles.

The most important thing is to thoroughly inspect your car. Check the engine oil, coolant, power fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Pay special attention to the tire and spare tire pressures, tire wear, and any nails. If possible, visit a 4S dealership to use a computer to check the engine, brakes, ABS, and electrical circuits.

2. Roadmap: This is a detailed itinerary, including where to eat, rest, and stay. Hotels should be booked in advance, especially through major online booking websites. Before departure, carefully study the map and carefully rethink your route. Try to avoid taking the same route both out and back to maximize your visit.

3. Spare tire, jack, air pump, and tow rope: These are essential items for a self-driving trip.

4. Large national maps and destination guidebooks: It's important to have several large-format maps, such as the China Expressway and Urban and Rural Road Network Atlas, to ensure clarity. Destination guidebooks with detailed descriptions of tourist attractions and essential information about food, clothing, housing, and transportation are also crucial.

5. Small laptop: Ideally, one with a wireless internet card allows for browsing the internet and chatting during breaks, as well as sending out SOS signals in an emergency.

6. Notepad and pen: The person in the passenger seat is responsible for recording fuel consumption, road conditions, and any interesting events along the way. If traveling on the highway, keep track of mileage at exits and service areas so you can help your friends and online friends later.

7. Car Walkie-Talkie: If you're traveling with a motorcade, it's best to buy a walkie-talkie. Not only can it save you a lot on cell phone charges, but it's also extremely valuable when you're in areas with poor cell phone signal. If your motorcade has more than six vehicles, divide it into groups of three vehicles. This makes driving easier and effectively prevents rear-end collisions. Having a walkie-talkie per person is especially convenient when camping.

8. CDs and DVDs: Choose music you, your family, and your friends enjoy. Be sure to bring a disc of disco music for those afternoon sleepiness.

9. Handheld xenon headlights and high-intensity flashlights: These are very useful in the event of a car breakdown or when camping at night. Bring a leather mat for repairs.

10. Car tools and multi-purpose pliers: Don't bring every tool, but be sure to bring all the necessary ones. Multi-purpose pliers are particularly useful.

11. Car power inverter: Charging your laptop and phone is essential when camping.

12. Car Jump Start Cable: This is also a must-have for road trips.

13. Metal Gasoline Can: For road trips, it's very useful to have 20 to 30 liters of gasoline on hand. Be sure to use metal cans; plastic cans are a fire hazard.

14. Parking Signs, Thick Wood, and Engineer Spades: These can be useful in case of a car breakdown or jam.

15. Alcohol: Many people, especially men, travel by donkey and stay in hotels at night. To get a good night's sleep, drinking some white wine is essential. (Warning: For the safety of you and your family, never drive after drinking!) I'm listing this because hotel liquor is not only incredibly expensive, but it's often counterfeit. Counterfeit water is fine, but counterfeit liquor can be fatal! One road trip buddy nearly went blind after drinking a bottle of counterfeit liquor. Therefore, always keep a case of water and two bottles of good liquor in your car. These are tools of the trade—the driver's lubricant and a sleep-inducing remedy.

II. Personal Equipment

1. ID, Driver's License, Vehicle Registration, and Wallet: It is best to carry cash and your ID, driver's license, vehicle registration, vehicle and vessel tax and toll receipts, insurance company and rescue company phone numbers, and other personal and vehicle documentation. When leaving the vehicle, do not leave handbags, luggage, or other valuables outside the vehicle where they can be seen to avoid attracting thieves.

Please have plenty of change. When traveling by car, you will need to pay for tolls, bridge tolls, parking fees, and other miscellaneous expenses at any time. It is best to have enough change under 10 yuan. This is convenient for both you and others.

2. Bring Two Sets of Car Keys: It is essential to bring two sets of car keys to prevent losing them during travel.

3. Clothing and Other Items: Fleece jacket, jacket, pants, outdoor shoes, high boots, hiking shoes, sunglasses, glasses, crack-resistant lip balm, sunscreen, sun hat, and inflatable pillow.

A pair of well-fitting hiking boots is essential for long trips. Ideal hiking boots have ample openings for easy entry and exit, even in wet or snowy conditions. The tongue should be waterproof. The seams should be narrow to prevent water from seeping in. The toes and heels should be protected by two to three layers of leather or fabric. A stiffer toe prevents crampon straps from pinching or smacking hard ice and snow, which could cause toe injuries. A stiffer heel provides increased stability during descents, allowing for easier footing.

4. Multipurpose scarf: It can be used as a neck scarf, a headscarf, a mask, a hat, a sweat-wicking strip, or an eye mask for sleeping. This scarf can be used to cover the entire face, making it very useful in high altitude areas with strong ultraviolet rays and heavy dust.

5. Snacks and Fruits: Chocolate, beef jerky, pork jerky, chicken gizzards, American ginseng lozenges, fruit candies, mints, vitamin C lozenges, Ovaltine, fruit juice, etc.; cherry tomatoes, apples, pears, oranges, cucumbers, peaches, melons, etc.; these can replenish energy and clear the mind, and are very helpful.

6. Photographic equipment and cell phone: Creating beautiful memories on your trip is essential. Depending on your preferences, bring a DSLR, lens, digital camera, video camera, tripod, flash, card reader, digital companion, and cell phone. Don't forget to bring chargers for your digital camera and cell phone. It's best to bring your own sealed and moisture-proof bags for valuables like your camera and cell phone, just in case.

7. Water bottle: In cold weather, a thermos is best; water is essential.

8. Napkins, wet wipes, toilet paper, toothpicks, and nail clippers: These are essential personal items.

9. Toothpaste, toothbrush, cup, towel, razor, and shampoo: These are also essential personal items.

10. Playing cards and chewing gum: Playing cards is fun during breaks, and chewing gum is a good idea after a meal.

11. Mosquito repellent, cooling oil, and wind oil: These are essential travel items.

12. Backpacks: Hiking backpacks fall into two categories: large backpacks, ranging from 50 to 80 liters; and smaller backpacks, also known as "assault packs," ranging from 20 to 35 liters. Hiking backpacks are designed for extreme conditions and are meticulously crafted and unique. They are typically elongated, with a back designed to align with the natural curves of the human body, allowing the backpack to fit snugly against the back and reduce the pressure of the straps on the shoulders. These backpacks are typically made of waterproof and tear-resistant materials and are very durable.

13. Trekking poles: These can be used as walking sticks, trekking poles, or tripods.

14. Umbrellas and raincoats: These are essential travel items.

15. Mountain bikes: Bicycles are very useful for reaching places inaccessible by car.

16. Fishing gear: Bring some if you enjoy fishing.

III. Wilderness Survival Kit

In addition to the specialized equipment you need for hiking or exploring the wilderness, it's recommended that you bring a small first aid kit (or "wilderness survival kit"). Don't underestimate its small size; it can be incredibly useful in a critical moment.

1. Box: It's best to choose an aluminum or stainless steel lunch box (preferably one with a handle). This is because the lunch box itself can be used to heat, carry water, and melt snow—all of which are useful. While plastic boxes are lightweight, they can't be heated, limiting their usefulness. The metal lid of the lunch box can also be used as a reflector, signaling for help in a critical moment. Choose a large one to easily fit the following items.

2. Medications: Sterile gauze, hemostatic bandages, Band-Aids, cold medicine, anti-inflammatory medication, antipyretic, indigestion medication, antibiotics, berberine, motion sickness medication, vitamin pills, eye drops, safflower oil, medicated oil, and a small bottle of alcohol cotton balls. These are essential first aid supplies.

3. Medical tape: Don't underestimate any small item; it's the fastest repair solution. It's especially useful when your coat gets ripped or your tent gets blown apart. While its primary function is to tape, a little imagination can reveal far more uses for it.

4. Swiss Army Knife: A versatile utility knife is absolutely essential for the wilderness. While you don't necessarily need a Rambo-style bushcraft knife, a Swiss Army Knife is essential. Besides the standard knife, screwdriver, and scissors, it also includes a saw, screwdriver, file, and even a magnifying glass! A large one is ideal.

5. Sewing Kit: From the Red Army days to modern armies, sewing kits have always been a must-have for the military. Of course, modern sewing kits have expanded beyond simple mending. Needles can not only be used to remove burrs, but can also be bent into fish hooks, improving meals and even saving lives (of course, your kit should always have at least two fishing lines).

6. Matches: In the wilderness, fire is essential. Bringing windproof and waterproof matches is crucial, but if you can't buy them, you can always make your own. The method is simple: first melt candle wax and evenly apply it to regular matches. When using, simply remove the wax from the match heads. To maximize the "powerful" wind and water resistance of our DIY matches, place them in an empty film canister. Don't forget the phosphorus foil (used for striking matches), or your DIY efforts will be wasted.

7. Candle: A small candle is absolutely useful in the wild. Modern lighting devices like flashlights and headlamps become useless as batteries run out. That's when candles come into their own. Besides lighting, candles can also provide warmth (just be careful not to treat your fingers like roast potatoes) and start fires. If you cut off the bottom of a mineral water bottle to make a lampshade, you'll have a powerful outdoor whistle that's incredibly efficient.

8. Survival Whistle: This is essentially a regular whistle, but in the wild, a whistle can do much more than just blow on the court. Now it can save your life. When in danger, you can use a whistle to attract help or scare off small wild animals (though silence is best for predators like tigers and bears).

9. Aluminum film: This is a 2x2 meter sheet of aluminum film, available in gold or silver. It not only protects against wind and rain, but can also be erected to create a canopy to block direct sunlight. In cold regions, you can wrap yourself in it to maintain body heat. Aluminum film's greatest benefit is its reflective properties, allowing rescuers to quickly spot you. It can also be used as a mat on the ground.

10. Compass: Even if you have a GPS or a watch with an electronic compass, a basic compass is still essential. In the wild, no one can guarantee that even advanced equipment will malfunction. A simple compass can help you find your way home.

11. Dovetail clip: Although a common office item, it can be useful in many unexpected situations in the wild. I've used it to clip broken backpack straps, unraveling pants, and shoes with loose soles... Although we don't expect it to be used, having a few on hand might be helpful.

12. Pencils: When writing in the wild, what kind of pen should I use? Parker? No, the most expensive isn't necessarily the best. The harsh conditions of the wild make pencils our best and only choice. We recommend pencils with a size of 2B or higher, and of course, a small sharpener. Mechanical pencils are also acceptable, but be sure to bring plenty of refills.

13. Paper: Post-it notes are best, and white is even better.

14. Several bottles: Fill each with salt, fruit candy, and vitamin C. These humble items can be lifesavers in a pinch.

15. Waterproof ziplock bags: These can protect items like cell phone and digital camera batteries from moisture and mold.

Finally, we recommend placing a waterproof, sealed bag over the first aid kit (a household freezer bag will suffice, or a professional waterproof bag will be even more practical).

IV. Camping Gear

1. Tent: The first step in choosing a tent is choosing a dome or tunnel style. Dome tents are supported by two or more poles and can generally be erected without ground spikes. Tunnel-style tents require ground spikes to secure them, making them more windproof. They are primarily used in high-altitude windy environments. If you're on a hard surface like concrete, you'll need to use large, heavy stones to support the tent's support points. Next, choose the poles. Fiberglass poles are most common, with aluminum alloy poles being a more common option. Fiberglass poles are inexpensive but heavier. Fiberglass poles can break in cold weather and under sudden, heavy pressure. Third, consider the tent fabric. The fabric is crucial to a good tent. The outer tent fabric's rainproof performance is particularly important. This metric is still calculated based on the number of millimeters of water column per square centimeter. High-quality rainproof tarpaulins not only offer high rainproof ratings but also feature thick, taped strips at the seams to prevent water seepage.

2. Sleeping bags: Sleeping bags can be divided into two categories based on their intended use: 1. Standard sleeping bags: These are thinner and are used for general travel or camping, primarily in spring, summer, and autumn. 2. Professional sleeping bags: These are designed for colder environments, even for adventure activities. High-quality standard sleeping bags use a breathable nylon fabric and advanced microfiber cotton for insulation. Truly professional sleeping bags, especially high-quality adventure sleeping bags, rely on down. According to the shop owner, down sleeping bags are generally lighter than cotton bags and offer superior warmth. There are also some imitation goose down sleeping bags that are incredibly lightweight and, when folded, only fit the size of a palm. Large, it can save a lot of space in your luggage.

3. Moisture-proof mat: In relatively harsh outdoor conditions, a moisture-proof mat can effectively prevent moisture and provide warmth. Never underestimate the health benefits of a moisture-proof mat. A moisture-proof mat is typically placed inside a tent and can be used as a blanket for sleeping. Types of moisture-proof mats include foam, aluminum foil, inflatable, and self-inflating, with prices ranging from 20 to 100 yuan.

4. Camping lantern or headlamp: Depending on your needs, you can choose an emergency light, battery lamp, gas lamp, or Osram lamp. A camping lantern and headlamp are also essential.

5. BBQ grill and lighter: Choose between large, medium, and small sizes depending on the number of people. Make sure the lighter is windproof.

6. Cooking utensils: A small gas stove and a set of large, medium, and small stainless steel pots for boiling water, cooking, and frying. Don't forget a spatula, spoon, knife, bowls and chopsticks, cups, and a thermos.

7. Folding table and chairs, large parasol: These are essential for eating and resting.

8. Purified water: Always have at least one tank in the car, and the quantity can vary depending on the number of people.
9. Food: Fresh beef, pork, seafood, vegetables, and fruits. Also, prepare some canned goods and preserved mustard greens. Prepare the right amount for the number of people. If you're grilling, it's best to pre-marinate the meat with pickled peppers and barbecue sauce. The Xinjiang grilling method is a bit outdated. You can buy some seafood from the market. We once brought seafood into the desert (sealed in a foam box filled with iced mineral water). Grilling seafood in the desert under the setting sun, accompanied by Erguotou (Chinese Erguotou), was truly delicious.

10. Seasonings and Spices: Salt, chicken bouillon, vegetable oil, banquet soy sauce, vinegar, chili sauce, chili powder, thirteen spices, rice wine, white wine, etc.

11. Alcohol: Beer, rice wine, white wine, or port wine, depending on personal preference. Drinking alcohol on a picnic is always a pleasant experience.

12. Binoculars: Use them for viewing distant scenery from a high vantage point. They can also be used when choosing a picnic or camping spot.

13. Hammocks: Perfect for a short break.

14. Mosquito spray: This is a must-have for camping.

V. Precautions for convoy driving

1. Number the convoy before departure and generally follow the numbered order during driving.

2. When passing toll booths or red lights, separate vehicles and line up to save time. After passing the toll booth, the convoy should slow down or pull over to regroup.

3. Be especially careful when refueling. Always use a regular gas station in a large city; don't try to save money by refueling in smaller locations. A friend of mine once refueled at a small gas station in Yuncheng, Shanxi. Before he had driven 100 kilometers, the fuel line became clogged and his car broke down on the highway, ruining all his plans.

4. Maintain a proper distance when driving in a convoy and never follow too closely. When overtaking a slower vehicle, the vehicle that has passed is responsible for reporting the road conditions ahead to the vehicle behind it and guiding it to overtake. Do not forcefully overtake the vehicle before the road conditions are clear.

5. The convoy should choose appropriate locations along the way for temporary rest stops based on driving conditions. Each vehicle owner is responsible for taking care of their own passengers. If you encounter a traffic jam or need to make a temporary stop, please do not leave the vehicle.

6. If an accident such as a collision occurs while driving, remain calm and avoid escalating the situation. If poultry or livestock on the road are injured, the convoy should generally continue at full speed and do not exit the vehicle immediately to investigate.

7. While driving, maintain communication via mobile phone. Do not play music or hold the transmit button for extended periods of time.

8. If you encounter any unusual situations or need to make a temporary stop during the journey, please notify us immediately by mobile phone.

9. Please ensure that you charge your vehicle upon arrival at your accommodation.

VI. Driving Precautions

For a safe and enjoyable self-driving trip, the human element is more important than the vehicle.

1. Check your vehicle before setting off each day: Before setting off each day, perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle, including checking for oil or water leaks (check for traces of oil or water on the floor beneath the vehicle); checking the tire pressures to ensure they are properly inflated; checking the engine oil level (pulling out the dipstick to ensure the oil is the correct color and at the correct oil level); and making sure the spare tire is intact. After starting, shift into second gear and drive at a low speed. Apply the brakes to check that they are functioning properly. Only after confirming that everything is functioning properly can you resume normal driving.

2. Refuel promptly: Fill up your tank before a long trip. If the tank level is less than halfway, refuel at a gas station along the way. Don't wait until the fuel light comes on before looking for a gas station; this can be very frustrating.

3. Avoid fatigue driving: When driving long distances, avoid fatigue driving. Fatigue driving is a major cause of accidents. If you have a co-driver, it's best to rotate the driver every two hours. If you feel tired, stop for a short rest; never force yourself to continue on your journey.

4. Check your tires: Tire blowouts caused by high-speed driving are the most common and dangerous traffic accidents. Therefore, before traveling, be sure to inspect the tires for wear and tear, including any bulges, cracks, or scratches caused by blunt objects. If any of these are present, repair and maintain them before your trip. If possible, remove the tires and inspect the inside for scratches, as hidden scratches are often the culprit in accidents. If you don't have time for a thorough tire inspection and replacement, at least move the problematic tires to the rear to minimize the risk of an accident.

5. Use seatbelts: Seatbelts can sometimes provide as much protection as airbags in a violent collision. Avoid driving while fatigued and take a rest every two hours.

6. Keep children in the back seat whenever possible: Children should never be left alone in the front seat on long trips. Many cars have airbags in the passenger seat, and the impact of deploying them is extremely powerful. While they may protect adults, they can cause unexpected injuries to children.

7. Avoid placing perfume bottles and other glass or metal ornaments on the dashboard in front of the passenger seat. We recommend placing them between the driver and passenger for both aesthetics and safety.

Obey traffic rules. Especially on highways, avoid speeding. my country's highways are designed to meet certain speed limits. Speeding may result in a fine from traffic police, but it's also unsafe. Statistics show that a tire blowout at speeds above 150 km/h has a high risk of fatalities.

8. Avoid sudden braking: Driving in winter can lead to icy and slippery roads. In these situations, use the gears and engine braking to slow down. Avoid sudden braking. If you have a four-wheel drive vehicle, engage it. This significantly reduces the risk of losing control due to wheel slippage.

Special note: Installing snow chains on the drive wheels is an effective safety precaution when driving on snow-covered or icy roads.

9. Beware of sharp turns: Mountain roads often have many sharp turns. Never overtake on a curve or attempt to take a turn without knowing if there are oncoming vehicles ahead. Always slow down and honk before turning. Also, be aware that some drivers prefer to cut into the oncoming lane when turning, but when driving on mountain roads, be sure not to cut into the oncoming lane!

Special note: In northern mountainous areas, the shady side of the mountain often experiences long periods of snow and ice. This means the road surface on the sunny side is in good condition, but suddenly deteriorates after turning. Driving at high speeds during these times can easily lead to skidding and loss of control, so be sure to control your speed.

10. Pull over: When driving on narrow mountain roads with cliffs, avoid driving close to the edge, as the cliff edge can collapse at any time, making it dangerous. If a convoy is passing through a rockfall area, maintain a 30-40 meter distance. Avoid honking or accelerating during this time to avoid triggering rockfall.

11. Don't coast in neutral: Drivers traveling to the southwest and northwest regions often encounter long uphill and downhill slopes. When ascending long slopes, be sure to downshift promptly to avoid insufficient engine torque. When descending long slopes, be careful to prevent brake pads from overheating and failing due to prolonged use. Therefore, use the gears to limit speed whenever possible. For manual transmission cars, shift into a lower gear and use engine braking to prevent excessive speed. Never coast in neutral. For automatic transmission cars, shift into gears such as D2 or D1 to achieve the same effect. If you still need to apply the brakes for a long time, stop after driving for a distance to allow the brake system to cool before continuing.

12. Don't drive aggressively: Avoid aggressive driving at all times, especially avoiding aggressive driving with local vehicles. Driving courteously and calmly can reduce the chance of accidents.

13. Avoid driving at night: If you must drive at night, pay special attention to the following points:

A: When driving at night, be aware of pedestrians crossing the road on the left. Pedestrians often slip through gaps between cars in a line of cars and cross the road from left to right. If oncoming vehicles are using high beams, drivers can find it difficult to spot them from a distance.

B: When passing other vehicles, automatically switch to low beams. Do not use high beams to illuminate oncoming vehicles. If you are blinded by high beams and cannot see the road clearly, stop and wait until you can see the road more clearly before continuing.

C: At night, due to limited vision, you cannot observe the entire road and surrounding environment as well as during the day. Therefore, always drive within the speed limit.

14. Be cautious when wading: If the road is flooded, check the water depth and underwater conditions to determine whether the vehicle's capacity is exceeded. Generally, for cars, wading should not be risked if the water depth exceeds half the height of the tires. When wading, shift into low gear and drive smoothly from shore into the water to avoid splashing. Maintain sufficient engine power while driving and avoid stopping, shifting gears, or suddenly turning the steering wheel. After reaching shore, drive at a low speed for a short distance and gently apply the brake pedal several times to allow the brake shoes to rub against the brake drums, heating and evaporating any adhering water. Once braking efficiency has been restored, resume normal driving.

15. Beware of getting stuck: When driving on riverbanks or beaches, be careful of getting stuck. Especially when driving on beaches, be aware of local tidal conditions, as flooding can occur.

VII. Driving Tips for Self-Driving Tours:

1. Falling snow in winter is the most common cause of car accidents. On flat snowy roads, apply the brakes continuously. When going downhill, use low gear. When going uphill, it's best not to stop to prevent getting stuck. During normal driving, use a low gear (low speed, high gear) to increase forward resistance. If the rear wheels are swinging left or right, steer in the direction of the swing.

2. If you encounter a large (fully loaded) truck in the same direction ahead of you that won't yield, follow closely behind it and seize the opportunity to overtake it.

3. If your vehicle is out of fuel while driving in the wild, stop a large truck and use a hose to suck out a few liters of fuel from it. 70-octane fuel is fine. Don't stop small cars; they generally can't be drained.

4. If your brake pads overheat and become ineffective while driving downhill, stop and let them cool naturally. Never use water to cool them down.

5. If driving late at night, switch your headlights continuously between high and low beam when passing other vehicles to alert them, as they may be dozing off. If the other vehicle's high beams are on, slow down in advance to avoid unidentified objects like tractors traveling in the same direction.

6. When driving on curves on mountain roads during the day, always stay in your lane (you won't be able to see the other side). When turning downhill at high speed, slow down in advance.

7. Do not stop temporarily in the wild at a curve. Do not park if visibility is poor, if there are steep slopes, if suspicious people are lingering, or if you feel unsafe.

8. When driving for extended periods (more than three hours continuously), adjust the driver's seat as far back as possible and drive while lying on your back to reduce fatigue. Develop this habit (not recommended for shorter people).

9. Be careful of slippery roads during rainy weather, as the road surface may be greasy. When excessive rain accumulates on the road, do not accelerate rapidly to avoid affecting the brakes or flooding electrical components. Drive in low gear and at a steady speed.

VIII. Self-Driving Safety Precautions

1. New drivers are advised not to rent a car for self-driving tours. New drivers are unfamiliar with the vehicle and are more likely to get into an accident.

2. When parking on the roadside or at night, always check that doors and windows are locked. Also, avoid leaving valuables exposed or in the car to avoid attracting the attention of passersby.

3. Avoid driving at night. Putting aside the danger of being stopped and hijacked, fatigue from driving at night can also easily lead to serious accidents.

4. When traveling long distances, always fill your tank with fuel before departure. If your destination is remote, consider bringing some fuel with you. If you do bring your own fuel, use a fully enclosed, metal-cased, safe container.

5. When driving long distances, it's best to travel with someone who knows basic vehicle repair skills. Also, if possible, it's best to travel in two or more vehicles so that you can provide mutual support.

6. Stop and rest every 2-3 hours. This not only helps prevent the dangers of fatigue driving and the harm to your health caused by long hours of driving, but also helps alleviate the damage to your vehicle caused by long-distance driving.

7. Avoid picking up strangers, and keep self-defense gear, a fire extinguisher, and anti-theft locks conveniently located to prevent accidents.

8. Carry a phone book with you, and write your name, work place, and the phone numbers of family and friends on the first page. This way, in the event of an accident, emergency personnel can contact your family promptly.

9. Control your speed. When traveling on open, straight roads, people can easily speed due to excitement, which can lead to dangerous situations.

10. Prepare sufficient funds for your trip. In addition to preparing your estimated expenses and carrying credit cards, be sure to have some extra cash on hand in case of minor incidents, such as minor collisions, which can be settled privately.

Nine. Eight Tips for Using Maps

1. Buy a suitable city travel map. The most common are city traffic maps. Traffic maps for cities like Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Nanjing come with travel tips.

A city map costs approximately 3-5 yuan and can be purchased at reputable bookstores and newsstands. Some hotels also offer free, simplified maps.

2. When traveling, mark your home on a map and memorize the two-way street name for your location so you can easily get directions when hailing a taxi. Locate important landmarks on the map: the city's busiest commercial districts, well-known food destinations, and transportation hubs like airports and train stations to gain a general understanding of the city's layout.

3. Tourists often see information about hotels, restaurants, and other businesses on maps. These are generally sponsored by the map and should not be equated with the highest standards in the area. Try to rely on information about "great spots" found in books, online, and by word of mouth among fellow travelers, and note them on the map.

4. Preserving a map is a complex subject. Due to paper limitations, a map typically becomes almost unrecognizable after a full three-day self-guided tour. Some experienced hikers offer a simple solution: keep these maps in a compact compartment of your backpack or between magazines and books.

5. Maps of mountainous areas, such as Huangshan and Qingcheng Mountain, are more important than city maps. This is because these mountains offer numerous attractions and the routes to the summit vary. Choosing the most efficient and scenic route is crucial. Therefore, it's worth spending five minutes studying the map before heading up the mountain. Remember, don't try to be too comprehensive, as this can lead to unsteady descents. Furthermore, even the most detailed maps are often limited by various factors and inevitably contain omissions. It's important to carefully inquire with nearby residents or other stakeholders to help identify them.

6. While hand-drawn maps aren't as practical as regular maps, they often include local travel tips in addition to their artistic appeal. For example, a map of Lijiang Old Town includes a limerick about scenic spots, the origins of local delicacies, and recommended souvenirs. This neutral information is often highly credible.

7. With the publication of various sophisticated travel books and magazines, some unique and out-of-print maps have also emerged. For example, whenever a food-themed topic is featured, specialized food travel maps with practical information appear, which are also very useful. Furthermore, road trippers should always have road maps, especially those with information about business and express hotels.

8. How can you identify counterfeit maps? First, check the publication date. Some counterfeiters often write "latest" on old maps, so be wary of maps labeled "latest." Also, check the copyright page to identify the publisher and publisher. Some pirated maps are poorly printed, with numerous typos, inaccurate colors, and blurred graphics. These issues often arise when pirated maps are scanned or computer-generated using genuine maps.
10. Tips for Using Radios in Self-Driving Group Tours

With the increasing popularity of private cars, many drivers have joined various car clubs and associations. Each club organizes various self-driving social networking events. Many drivers also organize road trips with colleagues, family, or friends. This creates a need for inter-vehicle communication. Radios (short for walkie-talkies) play a crucial role in multi-vehicle self-driving tours.

Some people may ask why we all have cell phones now, so why use radios? Let's discuss the shortcomings of mobile phones in multi-vehicle travel.

1. Mobile phones typically provide one-to-one communication, while multi-vehicle travel requires one-to-many communication. Radios provide both one-to-one and one-to-many communication.

2. Extended mobile phone use incurs significant communication fees, and travel across provinces and cities often incurs significant roaming charges. Radios do not incur communication fees.

3. In rural and mountainous areas where mobile phone signals are unavailable and where network coverage is lacking, mobile phones cannot function. Radios can communicate without the need for a base station or network.

4. Mobile phones require dialing a number before each call, which is slower than radios. Radios only require pressing the PTT button (transmit) to start a call. Radios have a clear advantage in multi-vehicle communication.

Radio Equipment Classification:

1. Home walkie-talkies, available at large supermarkets or mobile phone stores. Domestically licensed civilian walkie-talkies do not require registration (power under 0.5 watts, cannot be programmed to change the transmit frequency).

2. Handheld walkie-talkies, typically 0.5-5 watts with programmable transmit frequencies, are also called handheld radios and require registration.

3. Car walkie-talkies, typically with power of tens of watts and long communication distances, are also called car radios and require registration.

4. Base stations, large, fixed-use radios with power over 100 watts, are also called base stations and require registration.

Definition of Multi-Vehicle:

1. Generally, a multi-vehicle system consists of three or more vehicles.

2. If there are more than six vehicles, they must be grouped, with each group consisting of three vehicles. If there are many vehicles (more than 10), they should be divided into groups of 6. If there are 30 vehicles, they should be divided into 5 groups.

Lead Vehicle Tasks:

The lead vehicle is generally responsible for organizing the event. The driver should be experienced, the vehicle should be in good condition, and the radio should be powerful.

It should primarily report organizational instructions, monitor the convoy's progress, road conditions ahead, directions to roundabouts, obstacles, sharp turns, and other traffic-related information.

Communication Example:

1. This is vehicle #1. The road is slippery. Please be careful. OVER.

2. This is vehicle #1. There is a large vehicle in the opposite lane. Please be careful when overtaking. OVER.

3. This is vehicle #1. We are passing through a village ahead. Please slow down and pass through. OVER.

4. This is vehicle #1. We are entering the XXX rest stop ahead. Rest and refuel. OVER.

5. This is vehicle #1. The last vehicle, vehicle #25, please report on the passing status. OVER.

Team Member Tasks:

Mainly listen for instructions and do not transmit unless necessary. In an emergency, call the lead vehicle and inform them of the situation. Report via radio when passing toll booths or important intersections. If there are too many vehicles and they have been grouped, the lead vehicle in the group is responsible for reporting the progress of the entire group.

Communication Example:

1. Car 1, I'm car 11. We've passed the toll booth. OVER.

2. Car 1, I'm the lead vehicle in Group 3. All members of the group have passed the toll booth. OVER.

3. Car 1, I'm car 17. Someone in the car is feeling unwell. Please request assistance. OVER.

4. Car 1, I'm car 15. We're stuck at a red light at the intersection. OVER.

Tasks of the Tail Vehicle in the Convoy:

The driver must be experienced, the vehicle must be in good condition, and the radio must be powerful. In emergencies, the lead vehicle must report any lagging vehicles in the convoy, any emergency stops, report the progress of the convoy at toll booths or important intersections via radio, and alert the convoy if a vehicle outside the group is overtaking.

Communication Example:

1. Car 1, I'm the last car in car 25. All vehicles have passed the toll booth. OVER.

2. Car 1, I'm the last car in car 25. A red Jetta is overtaking from the left. All vehicles in the convoy, please pay attention. OVER.

3. Car 1, I'm the last car in car 25. Car 18 has stopped for repairs due to a flat tire. Car 18 does not have a radio. Please ask the technical support vehicle 24 to assist with the repairs. Maintain communication at all times. Other vehicles may continue driving. OVER.

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1. Prepare a thorough travel plan before traveling. Vehicles must be numbered and uniquely labeled.

2. Before traveling, organizers must prepare two radio frequencies: one for normal communication and a second for backup. If the normal frequency encounters interference, the leading vehicle will issue a command to switch to the backup frequency. Frequencies must be communicated and tested before traveling.

3. Maintain appropriate spacing between vehicles; avoid driving too close or too far apart. Drive safely.

4. Conversations between convoy vehicles should be concise and clear, and avoid occupying the frequency for extended periods. Walkie-talkies operate in simplex mode (unlike mobile phones, which operate in duplex mode). If you continuously hold down the PTT (transmit) button and chat, occupying the frequency will prevent others from communicating.

5. Convoy vehicles should avoid frequent lane changes. On highways, the leading and trailing vehicles should activate their hazard lights to alert vehicles ahead and behind.

6. Convoy vehicles should drive in numbered order unless there is an emergency. They must not overtake each other or other vehicles in the convoy. Overtaking other vehicles in the convoy is not only unsafe but also difficult to manage.

7. Convoy members may chat on the radio while driving. However, if the lead vehicle issues a command or an emergency occurs, they should stop chatting and yield the frequency.

8. When using the radio, pay close attention to road conditions and ensure safety. Do not operate the radio while turning or passing through intersections.

9. If a large number of vehicles or a long convoy is traveling through a busy urban area, greet the local traffic police.

10. Always charge your radio before traveling. If using it long distances, it's best to bring spare batteries or a charger.

Using radios effectively can bring unexpected convenience and add to the fun of your trip.

Notes on Using Radios:

Radios must be used in accordance with national laws and regulations. Individuals must have a legal call sign and use public frequencies (excluding walkie-talkies) approved by the local radio management department to prevent interference with other communications equipment. Otherwise, misusing frequencies will violate radio laws and regulations, and the local radio management department will confiscate any illegal walkie-talkies and impose a fine.

11. Emergency Response to Emergencies During Self-Driving Tours

With the National Day holiday approaching, many car owners have already planned hiking trips or relaxing with their families in the suburbs. When traveling long distances, emergencies are inevitable. How will car owners react when faced with these emergencies? And how should they handle them? Sheng Cai, service manager of a car sales and service company in Changchun, shares several tips for dealing with emergencies.

Emergency 1: Tire Blowout.

If the rear tire blows, the rear of the vehicle will sway. The driver should keep a firm grip on the steering wheel to keep the car moving straight. At this point, it is crucial not to brake suddenly, but to apply the brake pedal repeatedly and intermittently. If the front tire blows, the driver should maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel to keep the vehicle moving straight, avoiding swerving left or right. Apply the brake pedal gently to avoid excessive pressure on the front of the vehicle, which could cause the tire to detach.

Emergency 2: Brake Failure. First, control the direction of travel and apply the brakes several times. If this still fails to slow down, quickly shift into a lower gear and use engine braking to slow down while applying the parking brake. If this still doesn't work and the car is in danger of a collision or slide, you can also use natural roadside features or structures, such as roadside mounds, bushes, and haystacks, to help slow the car down until it stops.

Emergency 3: Broken windshield. If the windshield is shattered by rocks thrown up by the rear wheels of the vehicle ahead, you must reduce speed and pull out of the lane as quickly as possible. At the same time, remain calm and avoid sudden steering or excessive braking. Drivers are advised to slow down appropriately based on the road and traffic conditions before the windshield cracks, then use a hard object to penetrate the cracked glass, and then apply the brakes. Completely knock the cracked windshield out before continuing to drive. If you continue driving without the windshield, keep all windows securely closed.

Emergency 4: Sideslip. Low road surface adhesion, muddy roads, sudden acceleration, uneven front and rear braking, and inadequate tire pressure can all cause side slips. If the skid is caused by braking, immediately stop braking, reduce the throttle, and simultaneously turn the steering wheel toward the side of the skid. Avoid turning the steering wheel too quickly or for too long, as this may cause the vehicle to slide in the opposite direction. If the skid is caused by other factors, avoid braking as much as possible during the skid and keep the clutch engaged.

12. How to Avoid Getting Lost on a Self-Driving Tour

Getting lost is common when traveling by car, especially in remote areas with few roads. Young people are particularly prone to exploring new and unconventional routes when traveling, making it easier for them to get lost. Here are some special tips on preventing getting lost.

1. Map Reading: When traveling, study a local map together beforehand to gain a basic understanding of the destination, such as altitude changes along the way, the distribution of villages, the direction of rivers and roads, and the presence of important geographical features (such as waterfalls and caves). If you become lost, first locate geographical landmarks, such as mountains, streams, and villages, and then consult the map and a compass to guide your navigation. When unsure of direction, the simplest self-help methods are to walk to lower ground, follow currents, and follow power lines.

2. Marking: When the path ahead becomes obscured or complex, start making signs (road signs) so you can find your way back if you get lost. These can be placed on trees, roadsides, or in bushes.

3. Ask questions: When traveling outdoors, be sure to ask questions and consult locals about road conditions, especially details about upcoming forks and reference points.

13. Maintain your car immediately after returning from a road trip.

Like people, cars experience some wear and tear after a long journey, so they must undergo an inspection and maintenance to restore their condition. First, check the chassis. Driving on mountain or muddy roads can easily trap dirt and mud on the chassis. Furthermore, the constant impact of sand and rocks on the chassis can damage the protective coating, greatly increasing the likelihood of rust. Therefore, check all transmission and suspension components for looseness or damage, such as the drive shaft, axle shafts, axle shaft boots, suspension, shock absorbers, ball joints, and chassis for rust. Especially for the engine, long-distance driving increases the oil's break-in and lubrication, causing it to turn dark and turbid prematurely. Therefore, it's recommended to shorten the oil change interval to ensure optimal engine lubrication. Also, inspect the engine's electronic control system to eliminate potential malfunctions.

Furthermore, after a long drive, first check the tire pressure. Then, inspect the tire's sidewalls and contact patch for obvious damage. Also, check for foreign objects such as stones between the treads. If tread wear marks (which appear between the grooves) are visible, replace the tires immediately.

The dangers of using low-grade or low-quality gasoline are well known. Therefore, if you added such gasoline during travel, it's best to drain the oil at a service station and then add some oil-line cleaning additives for maintenance. Furthermore, a complete oil and water check upon return is essential.