Make sure your car can make it home as well
Make sure your car can make it home as well
JAKARTA (JP): About three and half million people will pour out of Greater Jakarta to celebrate Idul Fitri in their hometowns. If you plan to be among the throng and already have an airline ticket in hand, then you can count yourself lucky. If you are going to drive yourself, be prepared.
The government estimates that 1.85 million travelers will leave on public transportation, mostly buses. Obviously, there will be terrible traffic jams.
Most travelers will travel east into West, Central and East Java. The twelve hour road trip to Yogyakarta, 560 kilometers southeast of Jakarta, will inevitably be a few hours longer.
If you plan to drive your own car, you need mounds of stamina. But physical stamina won't be enough if your car breaks down. Checking your vehicle thoroughly is essential.
Is there water dripping from the engine block? This might indicate there is something wrong with the cooling system. Keeping the cooling system in order prevents overheating and keeps you out of trouble.
If you have to fill the cooling system reservoir more than every other day, it means the system does not work well. The lines might leak. Also check the water pump for corrosion.
The radiator needs serious attention. Open the radiator pressure cap when the engine is cold. Check the ring inside the cap and inspect the rubber and the spring. Buy a new cap if the rubber is broken or the spring is frail. Take a look at the radiator hose. The hose expands under pressure but if it has expanded by 30 percent, replacing the hose might prevent an explosion.
Check the water inside the radiator. If the water is brown or there is sediment in the radiator, flush it out and add radiator coolant.
A tuneup is the best bet. The mechanic will change the spark plugs if needed.
Clean air filters make the engine run better and save fuel.
Change the engine oil and the transmission fluid. Check the brake fluid, too.
It might rain on the way home, so check your windshield wipers and get a new pair if necessary.
Don't forget to check the fan belt. If there are cracks in it, don't hesitate to get a new one. Even if the fan belt still looks good, if you have used it for 25,000 kilometers, you'd better change it.
Checking the tires is a must. Bald tires can cost you your life. Bald tires might explode at high speed and also effect handling. The right tire pressure helps you get better mileage. Don't forget to bring an inflated spare tire and a working jack.
Bringing along a spare set of keys, spare fuses and a flashlight is also a good idea. Cables will help jump start your car if your battery goes flat.
Anything can happen, so be prepared. Bring a tow cable for the worst case scenario and you need a tow into town. Tow trucks are available only in big cities.
Before starting your journey, wash your car and remove the mud covering the springs and shock absorbers.
Check the battery, alternator, ignition and the electrical circuit. Do all the headlights work well?
Don't do the checking at the last minute. Ask your mechanic to take a look at your car few days before your trip. This gives you time to have the mechanic check your car again if he does a crummy job the first time. (sim)