Planning to Drive a Hybrid for Mudik Season? Here's Your Tyre Maintenance Guide
Jakarta — The 2026 mudik season is predicted to trigger another surge in national mobility. The Ministry of Transportation estimates that the movement of people will reach 143.91 million or approximately 50.6 per cent of Indonesia’s total population. Of this number, approximately 76.24 million people or 52.98 per cent are projected to use private vehicles.
Amidst the electrification trend, hybrid cars have become one of the population’s preferred options for long-distance travel. However, the characteristics of these vehicles differ from conventional cars. Their weight tends to be heavier due to carrying additional batteries, and they rely on a combination of petrol engines and electric motors. These conditions make components such as tyres play a crucial role in maintaining efficiency and safety.
Bridgestone Indonesia has provided safety guidance for using hybrid cars. In its statement, Bridgestone reminded drivers that tyre selection for hybrid vehicles should consider low rolling resistance. This type of tyre helps improve energy efficiency and keep fuel consumption optimal. Excessive rolling resistance can increase energy consumption, especially when the vehicle is carrying a full load during mudik season.
In addition to tyre type, tyre pressure must also be checked before long journeys. Inspection should be carried out when the tyres are still cold and using an accurate measuring instrument. Standard pressure is usually indicated on a sticker on the driver’s door pillar. Correct pressure helps maintain vehicle stability, reduces the risk of uneven wear, and supports fuel efficiency as well as electrical power.
The physical condition of the tyres must not be overlooked. Ensure that tread depth remains above the Tread Wear Indicator (TWI) limit. Check for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear. For long inter-provincial journeys, wheel alignment, balancing, and tyre rotation are recommended beforehand to keep the car stable at high speeds.
Spare tyres and emergency equipment must also be checked. The air pressure in the spare tyre should ideally be slightly higher to anticipate pressure loss when stored for extended periods. Ensure that the jack, wheel wrench, compressor, or tyre repair kit are in working order. These simple tools can be very helpful if problems occur during the journey.
The surge in mudik traffic is usually accompanied by congestion on major routes, particularly in the Java and Sumatra regions. For this reason, comprehensive vehicle inspection before departure becomes an important step. Hybrid cars certainly offer efficiency and comfort, but still require disciplined maintenance to ensure safe arrival.
With thorough preparation, the risk of technical problems on the road can be minimised. Mudik is not just a long journey, but a moment to gather together with family. Ensuring that the vehicle, including the hybrid system and tyre condition, is in prime condition becomes part of the driver’s responsibility for the safety of all passengers.
“Mudik Lebaran is an important moment for the Indonesian people to celebrate the victory day with family and relatives in their hometowns. Proper tyre preparation, especially for hybrid car users, will greatly help maintain energy efficiency as well as road safety. Bridgestone, through its TOMO (model shop) retail partner network, is here to support the community so they can reach their hometowns safely,” said Bridgestone Indonesia President Director Mukiat Sutikno in a statement to Republika on Friday (27 February 2026).
To ensure vehicles are ready for mudik, consumers can perform maintenance at the nearest Bridgestone TOMO network. There are three new locations: TOMO–BTTC SGJ Cikande on Jalan Raya Serang–Jakarta, Nambo Ilir, Kibin District, Serang Regency, Banten, equipped with wheel alignment, balancing, tyre changer, nitrogen, and eight service bays.
In Central Java, similar services can be found at TOMO Sumber Rejeki Jaya Perkasa located at Jalan Adi Soemarmo No. 331, Plalangan, Klodran, Karanganyar, with wheel alignment, road force balancing, tyre changer, and eight service bays facilities.
Meanwhile in Batam, Riau Islands, TOMO Budi Mandiri 3, which now occupies a new location at Whitesand Ruko Complex, Pasir Putih Block 1 Number 01–03, Teluk Tering Village, Batam District, provides wheel alignment, balancing, and five service bay services.