Getting ready to journey home

WE Malaysians love our balik

kampung drives. The thought of escaping the urban environment to visit the small, quaint towns we grew up in is every Malaysian’s favourite holiday tradition, especially when it is to the sound of Sudirman’s Hari Raya songs blaring from the car speakers.

There is a certain sense of romance and homeliness as the scenery outside the window changes from concrete buildings to the lush greenery of the Malaysian countryside. However, this perfect scene could crumble to pieces if you do not make sufficient preparations before setting off on your holiday drive.

Here are some tips to smoothen your journey home:

Make sure the car is ready – The first thing you should have on your list is to check your car’s roadworthiness. An easy way to do so is to get a routine maintenance service.

If your car is less than 1,500km from its next service, it is a good idea to get it done. That way, you know that your car has fresh oil running in the engine, and don’t have to scramble for a service appointment once you return.

Take this time to get your tyres checked as well. Your tyres are the only things that anchor your car to the road, so it is essential to ensure that they are in top condition.

A quick wheel alignment and tyre rotation will suffice for most cars. However, if your tyres’ thread depth is running low, it is advisable to change them. Rain on highways and receding thread depth do not go hand-in-hand.

While you are at it, take note of your battery’s lifespan. A simple check using a battery tester will tell you how much longer it will last.

Most service centres have qualified technicians who can help you. If your battery is expiring soon, get it replaced before shops close for the festivities.

Contingency plans –You should have some essentials with you before leaving for the holiday. An emergency toolkit comprising a jack and tools to change a tyre will definitely come in handy in the event of a puncture.

Be sure to also have your safety bolt onboard, or you will end up forking out duit raya to the roadside assistance team.

However, the tools are useless if your spare tyre is not in working condition. Make sure your spare tyre is puncture-free and fully inflated before driving off.

Balik kampung drives could take a while, what with most of the country moving in droves from cities to the outskirts, so it could be dark by the time you reach your destination.

Check that you have a reflective triangle and a couple of torch lights in the car. In the event of a breakdown, having these tools is a lot better than looking for branches to divert traffic around your car.

Choose the familiar path –

Knowing your way is half the battle won. It is your hometown, so you don’t need instructions from your smartphone navigation application, right?

Some people may feel comfortable driving off without knowing what lies ahead, but one can never predict traffic hazards one may encounter along the way. Roadworks or lane closures due to accidents could leave you stranded with the car running low on fuel and no service station in sight.

Even if the road seems clear, leave your navigation application running or listen to traffic updates on the radio so you know what to expect.

For people who are fasting, make sure to schedule your drive appropriately so you may have a comfortable dinner with your family when it is time to break fast. However, keep some snacks in the car in case you get stuck and have to break fast on the road.

It is also essential that your route has plenty of rest stops along the way. The lack of toilets may not be too much of a hassle for men, but do keep the ladies in mind.

Fortune favours the

prepared –A balik kampung drive will take you over highways and country roads. With the high volume of traffic, one can never be too prepared for emergency situations.

As citizens of a new Malaysia, let’s not resort to being onlookers in the event of an accident. Be the one to respond to those who need help on the road and do your part in assisting them.

Always have emergency contact numbers for services such as highway roadside assistance, insurance assistance and emergency medical services with you.

It may not be helpful to you but it could make a huge difference for those without. It is also a good idea to have a firstaid kit in the car for minor emergencies.

By following these simple tips, you and your family will have a pleasant drive back home this Hari Raya. Remember to stay safe on the road and make it a fun journey, because you will have to do it all over again next year.