Car Maintenance You Should Do After Mudik

Who went on Mudik with a private vehicle? After covering long distances between cities, like when you travel for Mudik during Eid or on a road trip, don't forget to take care of your car.

The vehicle works hard during such journeys, especially if you cover long distances. So, take some time to check and maintain your car's interior to keep it comfortable.

Here are some car maintenance tips you should follow after returning from Mudik or long trips. Even though these tips might seem simple or trivial, you shouldn't neglect car maintenance after long-distance travel.

Car Maintenance Tips After Mudik

Wash the Car to Check the Exterior

After a long trip, the exterior of your car is likely to be covered in dust and dirt. You can wash it yourself or take it to a nearby car wash.

You don't need to rush to wash it right when you get home; let the engine and braking system cool down first. However, don't let it sit too long! Dirt that sticks around for too long can damage the car's paint. By cleaning the exterior, you can also check for any scratches or dents from your trip.

Exterior maintenance isn't just about the body of the car; you should also take care of the windows. Water stains left after rain can dull and cloud the glass if not treated quickly, as can mold. Use glass cleaner and anti-fungal treatment if necessary. You can also go a step further by polishing the glass and the car body.

Interior Maintenance for a Comfortable Cabin

When traveling long distances, it's common to eat or snack in the car, which can lead to crumbs and food spills. It's important to clean up any spills right away to avoid attracting insects and other animals. 

After you reach your destination or get home, thoroughly clean the car's interior using a vacuum cleaner. Make sure you get every corner. If there's a spill on the seats, use a multi-purpose cleaner for fabric seats or a water and soap mixture for leather seats.

Don't forget to clean the floor mats and underlay, especially if they got muddy. Clean the floor mats by removing them, washing them, drying them, or wiping them until they're completely dry. Also, vacuum the underlying carpet and, if necessary, use a cleaning fluid for stubborn dirt.

Check the Condition of the Tires and Wheels

Try to recall the condition of your car tires before you left. Long trips can affect the tires, leading to reduced air pressure, wear and tear, or even leaks. If a tire is worn out, bald, or has a serious leak, it should be replaced immediately. Tires in poor condition can endanger both the driver and passengers.

Beyond the physical condition of the tires, you should also check the performance of the wheels by doing wheel alignment and balancing. Alignment adjusts the tilt angle of the wheels, while balancing ensures the weight on the wheels is distributed evenly.

Another part that is often overlooked during car maintenance but is crucial is checking the undercarriage. The suspension system works hard to support the car, especially if your vehicle is carrying many people and goods or frequently travels on damaged roads. 

Check the Engine During Car Maintenance

You may have serviced your car yourself or at the shop before leaving, but it's a good idea to recheck several engine parts after a long trip. Check the engine oil periodically to ensure it's at the right viscosity level. Also, inspect the spark plugs and air filter, and clean them if necessary.

Don't forget to check the battery and electrical system, including the lights. Replace any lights that are broken or not working. Refill the battery if it's low, or drain it if necessary. Also, don't neglect the braking system—ensure all brakes are functioning properly and that the brake fluid is within safe limits.

If your car unexpectedly stopped working during your trip, try to recall when you last had a tune-up. Regular servicing is crucial to maintain your car's performance, keeping it powerful and stable. Make sure to get a tune-up at a trusted repair shop!

Hassle-Free Road Trip with Car Rental from TRAC

It turns out there's a lot of car upkeep to do after a long trip. Make your journey hassle-free by renting a car from TRAC. Save yourself the time, energy, and money that come with car maintenance.

Use a self-drive car rental from TRAC for a trip as comfortable as using a private vehicle. TRAC checks and maintains each fleet thoroughly, so you don't need to worry about servicing your car before and after traveling.

Choose the type of vehicle you want to use via the TRACtoGo app or the reservation page on the TRAC website. Select your favorite vehicle, whether it's a city car, family car, or rugged SUV. Through the app, you can also set the duration and time of use.

Download and install the TRACtoGo app directly from the Play Store or the Apple App Store, and experience the various TRAC services yourself. Through this app, you can book a car rental with or without a driver. You can also book tour bus rentals, airport shuttles, and tour packages.

Oh yes, during May, there's a Silaturahmi promotion with TRAC for car rentals. This special offer is perfect for those of you planning a road trip while visiting family and friends who live far away.

Use the promo code "TRACSILAHTURAHMISD" when booking a self-drive car rental on the TRACtoGo app and get a discount of IDR 150,000 per day. If you want to use a car rental service with a driver, you can use the code "TRACSILAHTURAHMIWD" for a discount of IDR 250,000 per transaction.

Remember, the promo is only valid for bookings on the TRACtoGo app before May 31, 2024, and is available in Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Semarang, Malang, and Surabaya. For more information, check out the banner below.

Want to stay updated on other promos? Follow Instagram @trac_astra, Facebook TRAC-Astra Rent a Car, and Twitter @TRACastra. You'll find not only interesting information about TRAC services but also tips on travel and recommendations for exciting tourist destinations.

Whatever the track, just use TRAC!