Energy-Saving Strategy During Mudik: Pay Attention to Driving Style and Tyre Condition
Long-distance mudik journeys during Lebaran require high efficiency, not only for driver endurance but also for vehicle energy consumption.
An automotive expert from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Yannes Martinus Pasaribu, emphasised that energy savings can be achieved by reducing wasted energy from three main factors: driving style, vehicle condition, and load weight.
One of the primary causes of excessive fuel consumption is driver behaviour on the road. According to Yannes, driving too fast and frequently performing sudden acceleration and braking will significantly drain vehicle energy. Unanticipated traffic conditions, such as stop-and-go patterns, also worsen efficiency.
“Aggressive driving style can reduce fuel efficiency by approximately 15%-30% on motorways and 10%-40% under heavy traffic conditions,” said Yannes on Monday (16 March).
To address this, drivers are advised to maintain constant speed and perform acceleration gradually. If the vehicle has cruise control, this feature is highly recommended to maintain stable speed on unobstructed roads.
Beyond driver behaviour, the technical aspects of the vehicle play a vital role. Before departing, ensure the vehicle has undergone regular servicing, oil changes according to schedule, and air filter cleaning to maintain optimal engine performance.
An often-overlooked but significantly impactful factor is tyre pressure. Yannes explained that insufficient tyre pressure increases rolling resistance. This resistance occurs because the tyre undergoes deformation when contacting the road, which then dissipates some energy as heat.
“Insufficient tyre pressure can increase rolling resistance, causing fuel consumption to become more wasteful,” he explained.
Therefore, ensure tyre pressure conforms to manufacturer recommendations when the tyres are still cold.
The final and equally important step is load management and route planning. Drivers are advised to carry only necessary items. Every additional load will force the engine to work harder.
“Finally, reduce unnecessary baggage in the boot and avoid using empty roof racks which increase vehicle resistance,” concluded Yannes.
By planning departure time and selecting the right route to avoid long congestion, and maintaining stable driving rhythm, mudik travellers will not only reach their destination more safely but also save money.