Don't forget to check your tyres before Lebaran mudik using a private vehicle

Indonesian rally driver Julian Johan has reminded travellers heading home for Lebaran who intend to use private vehicles to check the condition of important vehicle components, including tyres. ‘Because tyres are one of the key factors that determine whether the journey will run smoothly or not. It’s not uncommon for people doing mudik to be held up by tyre problems,’ the driver, known as Jeje, told ANTARA on Tuesday (3/3).

He emphasised the importance of inspecting and maintaining tyres to ensure their condition is good and suitable for long-distance driving before Lebaran mudik using a private car.

‘Many people when preparing to mudik see their tyres look fine, but their air pressure is low or even lower than recommended,’ he said. ‘Actually, tyres may not be in healthy condition if the air pressure has not complied with the manufacturer’s specifications.’

‘That is risky; the car is more prone to losing control or skidding, especially in the rain, with a fully loaded condition. So, however, the air pressure should not be excessive,’ he explained.

‘Low tyre pressure, relative to the manufacturer’s recommendation, also has the potential to cause problems on long journeys,’ he added. ‘Low pressure is a result of the car being overloaded, either by passengers or by goods. Under-inflation can cause the tyres to blow out,’ he said.

‘So tyre blowouts do not occur because of overinflation, but because of under-inflation,’ he added.