Common Misconceptions: This Is Why Car Tyres Can Burst on Toll Roads During Mudik

With Lebaran mudik traffic forecast, road safety has become the top priority for travellers heading home in private vehicles. National rally driver Julian Johan, known as Jeje, issued a stark warning about one of the most vital yet often neglected components: tyre condition and tyre pressure.

According to Jeje, tyres are a key determinant of a smooth journey. Many mudik travellers experience fatal problems on the road simply because they underestimate a tyre check before setting off.

One crucial point Jeje emphasised is the widespread misconception about what causes a tyre to burst. Many people think tyre bursts are caused by excessive air pressure, whereas in reality it is often the opposite.

“So the tyre bursts not because the air is too high, but because the air is under-inflated,” Jeje asserted, quoted by Antara, on Thursday, 5 March.

When the air pressure is too low and the car is overloaded, whether by passengers or luggage, the sidewall of the tyre works extra hard. This under-inflation is what can trigger a tyre blowout on long journeys.

Jeje reminded readers that following the manufacturer’s recommended tyre pressure is mandatory. Reducing or increasing the air pressure carries different but equally dangerous safety risks.

According to him, air pressure that does not meet the manufacturer’s specifications makes the car easier to lose control.

“That is where the risk lies; the car becomes easier to lose control or to spin, especially in the rain, and with a fully loaded vehicle,” he explained.

By conducting routine checks and ensuring air pressure matches the specifications, mudik travellers can minimise the risk of road accidents and ensure the Lebaran mudik 2026 journey runs smoothly to its destination.