What should be paid attention to when driving a car on the plateau?
3 Answers
Before driving on the plateau every day, step on the brake more to squeeze out the air in the brake pipe and dry the moisture on the brake disc. The following are the relevant introductions: 1. Precautions: For undulating roads, try not to press the brake hard. Due to the undulating road surface, ABS is easy to start, and because the vehicle's adhesion is small and the adhesion of the four wheels is uneven, the vehicle is prone to lose control. Due to the lack of reference objects on the Qinghai-Tibet line, speed control also needs attention. 2. Prepare medicines: Before departure, check and maintain the vehicle. Equip emergency medicines and portable oxygen cylinders. When people have plateau reactions, the most important thing is to avoid strenuous exercise, concentrate the body's functions on the parts that must work, and take some anti-plateau drugs to increase the body's resistance, etc.
When it comes to driving in high-altitude areas, I must remind you that I've personally made several long-distance trips to high-altitude regions. The first thing to do is to check the engine cooling system. The thin air at high altitudes makes heat dissipation difficult, increasing the risk of overheating, so ensure the coolant is sufficient and the radiator is clean. Power will also decrease, so avoid stomping on the gas when climbing slopes to save fuel and protect the engine. Tire pressure needs adjustment too; lower atmospheric pressure at high altitudes means it's best to release some air based on road conditions to prevent blowouts. Also, prepare an emergency kit with items like oxygen tanks and altitude sickness medicine in case of health issues like headaches. With fewer gas stations along the way, it's safer to fill up before setting off.
As someone who loves studying cars, let me tell you that the core of high-altitude driving lies in the powertrain. The thin air reduces oxygen, leading to incomplete combustion and slower engine RPM. While you can manage on flat roads, steep slopes require gently pressing the accelerator to climb slowly—sudden acceleration may cause stalling. Also, check the fuel filter and spark plugs to ensure they're clean for better efficiency. With the lower boiling point of coolant, confirm there’s no shortage and that the fan runs properly. The braking system is equally critical—frequent downhill braking causes overheating, so replacing brake pads in advance prevents risks. A thorough pre-trip maintenance check ensures peace of mind; safety always comes first.