How to prepare a Chinese car for a long journey?

Preparing a Chinese car for a long journey is a crucial process that will help avoid breakdowns and make the trip safe and comfortable in 2025. Chinese brands like Chery, Geely, and BYD have gained popularity in Russia due to their affordable price and modern technology, but their reliability on long trips raises questions. In this article, we will break down how to properly prepare a car from China for a trip, what components to check, and provide tips for route planning.

Why is preparing a Chinese car for a long journey important?

Long journeys place increased strain on a vehicle, especially if you're driving for thousands of kilometres on highways or off-road. Chinese cars, such as the Geely Atlas or Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, may be well-equipped, but their components and systems require careful inspection before a long trip. For example, weak suspension or insufficient oil levels can lead to breakdowns along the way, which will ruin the journey.

Furthermore, Russian conditions, including temperature fluctuations and road quality, add to the complexity. Preparing a Chinese car for a long journey means minimising risks and ensuring comfort for yourself and your passengers.

Проверка двигателя и трансмиссии

The first step in preparing a Chinese car for a long journey is to diagnose the engine and transmission. Chinese cars, such as the BYD Han with an electric engine or the Geely Coolray with a 1.5L turbo engine, require checking the oil and coolant. For example, in the Geely Monjaro, the oil level must be normal to avoid overheating on the road.

Also, check the condition of belts and filters. The air filter in a Chery Tiggo 7 Pro can become clogged with dust, which increases fuel consumption. If you are driving in winter, make sure the antifreeze is suitable for the temperature range. Moreover, for automatic gearboxes, it's important to check the transmission fluid level to avoid jerking when shifting.

Suspension and Brakes: What needs checking?

Suspension and brakes are key safety elements. Chinese cars, such as the Chery Tiggo 8, may have soft suspension that wears down on uneven roads. Check the shock absorbers and ball joints before a trip. For example, Geely Atlas owners note that after 50,000 km, knocks may appear in the suspension, requiring parts replacement.

Brakes also require attention. Make sure the pads and discs are in good condition, and that the brake fluid has not lost its properties. For the BYD Song Plus with regenerative braking, check the electronic systems to avoid malfunctions. Therefore, preparing a Chinese car for a long journey includes mandatory diagnostics of these components.

Tyres and pressure: Preparing your Chinese car for a long journey

Tyres play an important role in safety and economy. Before preparing your Chinese car for a long journey, check the tread wear and tyre pressure. For example, for the Geely Monjaro, the recommended pressure is 2.5 bar, which reduces fuel consumption and improves handling.

If you're driving in winter, fit winter tyres, such as Nokian Hakkapeliitta, especially for regions with heavy snow. Ensure the spare wheel or repair kit is in place, as a puncture on the road can be a problem. Moreover, check the wheel balance to avoid vibrations at high speed.

Battery and electronics

The battery is another important part of preparation. Chinese cars, like the Chery Tiggo 7, can have starting problems in freezing weather if the battery is old. Check its charge and the condition of the terminals. For example, for the BYD Han, as an electric vehicle, it’s important to make sure the battery is fully charged and there are no problems with the charging cable.

Electronics also require attention. Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) in models such as the Xpeng P7 rely on sensors and cameras. Clean them of dirt and check the multimedia system is working so the sat nav doesn't let you down on the road. This is especially important for long journeys.

Route planning and fuel reserves

To prepare your Chinese car for a long journey, it's important to plan your route. Use navigation apps like Yandex Maps to factor in petrol stations, especially if you're driving an electric car like the BYD Han, where charging stations can be scarce. For example, in regions like Siberia, the distance between petrol stations can be as much as 200 km.

For petrol cars like the Geely Atlas, keep a 5–10 litre fuel reserve in a canister. Check the fuel consumption: an Atlas with a consumption of 7.5L/100km on the motorway can travel approximately 600km on a single tank (55 litres). Therefore, planning your route reduces the risk of running out of fuel.

Comfort and luggage: Preparing your car from China for a road trip

Long journeys demand comfort for both the driver and passengers. Ensure the seats and climate control are in good working order. For example, in the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, check the operation of the heated seats and air conditioning to adapt to temperature fluctuations.

Organise your boot space. Chinese crossovers, such as the Geely Monjaro, offer a spacious boot, but don't overload the car to avoid increasing fuel consumption. Take a first aid kit, fire extinguisher and tools for minor repairs with you. Furthermore, for electric vehicles such as the BYD Song, make sure you have a spare charging cable.

Owner Reviews and Real-World Experiences

Owner reviews help understand how to prepare a Chinese car for a long journey. A Geely Coolray owner, who drove 2,000 km from Moscow to Sochi, noted that after checking the suspension and changing the oil, the trip went smoothly, but the air conditioning was intermittent. Another Chery Tiggo 7 Pro driver, who travelled around the Urals, advised taking a spare set of spark plugs, as the engine started to misfire due to poor fuel.

Electric vehicles also require preparation. A BYD Han owner, who drove from Saint Petersburg to Helsinki, highlighted the importance of checking charging stations along the route, as some stations were out of order. These examples show that preparing a car from China for a journey requires attention to detail.

Common problems on the road and how to avoid them

Chinese cars can face issues on long journeys. For example, Geely Atlas owners report engine overheating during prolonged driving at high revs, requiring stops every 2–3 hours. In the Chery Tiggo 8, the electronics sometimes malfunction, which can shut down the multimedia system.

To avoid these issues, make regular stops to cool the engine and check fluid levels. For electric vehicles, such as the BYD Han, plan your charging in advance to avoid being left with a flat battery. In this way, preparing a Chinese car for a long journey reduces risks.

Comparison with competitors

When comparing Chinese cars to Japanese or European models, the difference in preparation is noticeable. The Toyota RAV4 requires less attention to the suspension and electronics, whereas the Geely Monjaro may require replacement shock absorbers before a trip. The Hyundai Tucson handles poor fuel better than the Chery Tiggo 7.

However, Chinese cars win on price and equipment. For example, preparing a Chinese car for a long trip, like a Geely Atlas for 2.5 million roubles, will be cheaper than for a Volkswagen Tiguan at 3.5 million, with a similar level of comfort.

Prospects and Improvements

Chinese car manufacturers continue to improve their vehicles. By 2030, Geely and BYD plan to implement more reliable engines and electronics, which will simplify preparation for long journeys. Localisation of production in Russia, for example, assembling Chery in Kaliningrad, will improve the availability of spare parts, which will make servicing easier.

Furthermore, the development of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, such as the BYD Song, will make route planning easier. This will make preparing a Chinese car for a long journey more convenient in the future.

Results: how to prepare a Chinese car for a long trip?

Preparing a Chinese car for a long journey is a complex process, involving checking the engine, suspension, tyres, battery, and electronics. Models such as the Geely Monjaro and Chery Tiggo 8 Pro can be reliable companions if attention is paid to diagnostics and route planning. Electric vehicles, such as the BYD Han, require special attention to the charging infrastructure.

Russian conditions add complexity, but proper preparation minimises risks. If you're ready for regular maintenance and follow the recommendations, a Chinese car will be an excellent choice for long trips in 2025.