With the increase of inbound self-driving travel groups, more and more tourists prefer to drive their private cars or rent a car to travel. Qinghai lies in a plateau, where the climate and the road condition are different from other places in China. Then what should you pay attention to when you are planning a self-driving travel in Qinghai?
1. When referring to self-driving travel, the most important thing is safety. If there were anything threatening this factor, your trip would be a scar. It is difficult for you to avoid fatigue driving, for you are acting both the driver and the tourist. However, fatigue driving is a strict no-no, for it is extremely dangerous. So never ever do this.
2. Do master your car’s performance and condition. Pay attention to the engine problems such as oil burner, oil feeder and carburetor. If you decide to drive your own car, do give your car an overall refit, maintenance and check. Add enough engine oil, gas and water, and check the brake, horn and lights. Take necessary driver's tools and a good spare wheel.
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3. Qinghai’s main highway is almost smooth and straight so that usually you no need to turn off for tens of kilometers. Meanwhile, there are few cars and landscapes on the way, so drivers often drive too fast without attention. However, most traffic accidents take place duo to fast driving. Therefore, do drive slower.
4. For self-driving travel, most drivers have to meet unfamiliar routes and road condition. In such circumstance, you must pay attention to the traffic situation and know the local traffic features. Another important point is to observe traffic rules and regulations.
5. It is better to drive an off-road vehicle with a winch, and take as many spare tires as you can. And, the tyre chains and antifreeze may be needed if you go during China’s National Day, because the Qingnan Region in Qinghai will have entered winter in October.
6. Take a detailed Qinghai highway map and a topographic map with you. Draw out a full set of route before trip. After arrive in Xining, ask the local professional people for better driving method. If you don’t have enough confidence, hire a local person as your navigator.
7. It is better to call 1 to 2 partners to travel together. If conditions permit, ask another assistant driver to come along. You two can switch when driving, what’s more, you won’t feel sleepy if there is a partner talking to you.
8. Prepare as much food and gas as you can. You should know that it is not so convenient to fill gas in many regions in Qinghai, and you can only get No. 90 gas on the Qinghai-Tibet Highway.
9. Since you are not driving a local car, you should take a set of car documents. It is no big deal to set off from Beijing to Golmud, but do check your car completely when arriving at Golmud to prepare for your real Qinghai-Tibet Plateau exploration.