Exciting Homecoming with City Car
Currently, city cars are increasingly popular in Indonesia. These cars, designed specifically for urban areas, have become favorites among the public due to their affordable prices and practicality for driving. However, the story changes when a city car, which is more suitable for short-distance driving, is used for long trips back to the hometown, which is certainly very far away.
In terms of function, city cars are not recommended for long distances, unlike MPVs or SUVs. However, due to their practicality, city cars are often used for long journeys, such as going back to the hometown. If you are still 'daring' to use a city car for this trip, there are certainly several things you need to pay attention to. Here are the tips:
1. Choose a Safe and Comfortable City Car Unit
The first thing you need to pay attention to is choosing a city car unit that is safe and comfortable. Avoid city cars that have dimensions that are too small, have low ground clearance, and lack safety features. One thing that is certain during long trips is usually the luggage that is too much. Therefore, make sure your city car has a spacious trunk that can adequately hold your belongings.
2. Ensure the City Car is in Prime Condition
Secondly, make sure that the suspension of your city car is still in prime condition. If necessary, before departing for your trip, have your car checked at an official workshop to ensure the vehicle's condition. Parts of the car, such as tires, brakes, clutch, lights, oil, and radiator should be checked before the trip. Moreover, city cars use suspensions designed for urban use. So, make sure the car is not overloaded.
3. Pay Attention to Maximum Speed
In addition to paying attention to capacity limits, another thing you need to consider when traveling with a city car is its maximum speed. When driving a city car, it is recommended that the speed does not exceed 80 km/h and maintain the RPM at no more than 2,500 RPM to remain fuel-efficient. Additionally, avoid being too aggressive on the road to prevent losing control of the car.
4. If Using a Roof Box, Pay Attention to the Load
The relatively narrow cabin space can indeed be a problem for travelers with city cars. It is not uncommon for owners to add a roof box on top to accommodate more luggage. However, it is best not to overdo the use of such accessories; you should only carry a load of about 80 kg to 100 kg. Exceeding this load could damage the roof and, worst of all, make handling heavier and harder to control.
5. Take Breaks Every 3 Hours
City cars are actually more suitable for short distances because the engines used are very small and can overheat if used for too long. If you don’t want your city car to experience overheating during the trip, it is recommended to take a break every 3 hours for 15-30 minutes. This not only helps lower the engine temperature but also helps relieve fatigue for the driver.
