Is there any problem with driving a sedan on the 318 route to Tibet?
3 Answers
No problem, but the road to Tibet has many bends, steep slopes, and narrow roads, so safety should be a priority. Before heading to Tibet, it's advisable to perform maintenance on the sedan and check the vehicle's condition. Although the Sichuan-Tibet Highway 318 is good, it's not comparable to roads in the mainland, and breaking down on the roadside can be inconvenient for repairs. Check the tires and carry an extra spare tire in the car. Additionally, bring snow chains, as the weather on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway can vary greatly—sometimes encountering heavy snow, and traffic police may require all vehicles to have snow chains installed to pass. Travel precautions: 1. Do not park the car on curves or the roadside: The joy of self-driving is the freedom to stop whenever you want, especially when you see beautiful scenery worth pausing for. However, never park on curves or the roadside; always park in designated parking spots on straight sections with wide visibility. If there are no designated spots, try to park as close to the edge of the road as possible without obstructing traffic. There are many large vehicles on the road, driving fast on narrow roads, and sometimes fatigued truck drivers may cause accidents while avoiding other vehicles. 2. Avoid driving at night: Self-driving should be relaxed and comfortable, so when it gets dark, find a suitable place to rest. Driving at night on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway is very dangerous, not only because there are many large trucks but also due to poor visibility at night, making it difficult to see potential hazards like falling rocks on the roadside.
I've driven to Tibet several times, including the experience of taking a sedan on the G318 highway. The road conditions were no joke—steep mountain roads with countless turns, and the sedan's low chassis frequently scraped against the ground, the sound making my heart race. The highland weather is unpredictable; when it rained, the road became slippery, and the tires clearly lacked grip, almost causing a loss of control. I was well-prepared—I brought a spare tire, snow chains, and an emergency kit—but the reduced power made climbing slopes difficult, and fuel consumption doubled. After returning, a check-up revealed damaged shock absorbers, costing nearly a thousand yuan in repairs. Although many people have successfully completed the G318 in sedans, for safety reasons, I'll switch to an SUV next time. After all, a safe journey is the most important thing, and breaking down in the wilderness would make rescue a hassle.
As someone who frequently repairs cars, I have to say driving a sedan into Tibet carries significant risks. The G318 road surface is rugged year-round, and sedans have softer suspensions, making them prone to severe jolts when encountering potholes, which can easily damage parts, especially tires and brake systems. The high altitude means thinner oxygen, reducing engine power, and there's a risk of stalling when climbing slopes. The roads are narrow with many trucks, and the sedan's unstable body makes it prone to skidding. Before setting off, be sure to check the vehicle's condition: prepare dual spare tires, install reinforced underbody protection, and drive at low speeds. Renting an SUV is more cost-effective and worry-free than risking higher towing fees halfway.
