Car Components to Check After ‘Mudik’

After a long journey to your hometown (mudik), it’s essential to check several key components of your carto maintain its performance for daily use.

During mudik, cars often cover longer distances than usual. While they are typically used for short trips around the city, during this period, they may endure long journeys of hundreds or even thousands of kilometers.

Additionally, unpredictable road conditions can put extra strain on the vehicle,leading to potential declines in performance afterward.

To ensure your driving comfort, it’s a good habit to check your car regularly,especially after returning from a long trip.

Here Are 5 Important Car Components to Inspect After ‘Mudik’

Engine Oil

Engine oil is crucial in lubricating the internal parts of the engine. Therefore, it’s vital to check its viscosity, especially after a long trip.

If the oil has changed color, it’s best to replace it immediately to ensure the engine runs smoothly and to prevent friction between components, which could lead to damage.

Generally, engine oil should be replaced after traveling between 5,000 and 10,000 kilometers to maintain engine performance and avoid serious damage.

Brake Pads

Brake pads typically need replacement after approximately 50,000 to 70,000 kilometers. However, since they play a critical role in the braking system, they should not be overlooked during your post-trip inspection.

The recent homecoming trip often involves heavy braking due to traffic congestion, which increases wear on the brake pads.

Even if replacement isn’t required, it is important to clean them to remove dirt or dust buildup that could interfere with their function. Neglecting this can pose a serious danger on the road.

Tires

During mudik trips, road conditions can be unpredictable, with potholes and loose gravel being common. Therefore, tires, which make direct contact with the road, must be checked after a long trip.

Inspect the level of tire wear and tread depth carefully, and look for any damage such as bulges or tears. If any damage is observed, replace the tires immediately to ensure your safety.

Suspension System

Several components of the undercarriage require attention, but one crucial part to check after a long trip is the shock absorber. Functioning as part of the suspension system, this component is essential for driving comfort.

After a homecoming trip with many passengers and heavy luggage, the condition of the shock absorbers may have been affected.

If your car has frequently passed over potholes, signs of damagemay include oil leakage from the shock absorber.

Wiper Blades

Wiper blades contribute to maintaining clear visibility during rainy conditionsand should not be overlooked during a post-trip inspection.

Given the longer periods spent on the road during homecoming trips, wiper blades are exposed to various elements. Frequent exposure to rain and direct sunlight makes the wiper rubber prone to damage.

The rubber commonly dries out and loses its grip, causing it to perform less effectively. If you notice this, it’s best to replace the wiper blades promptly to ensure safe driving in rainy weather.

Car Rental for ‘Mudik’ Trips with TRAC

To make your mudik trip more affordable and hassle-free—without worrying about maintenance and servicing—consider renting a car from TRAC. There’s a special Eid car rental promo with packages starting from just around Rp400,000. For more information, click the banner below.

With over 38 years of experience, TRAC provides a wide range of vehicle options, from MPVs and SUVs to city cars. All vehicles are high-quality, well-maintained, and generally less than five years old.

You can easily book our car rental services on the homepage of TRAC’s website or TRACtoGo. Download the app from the Play Store or App Store.

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