Published 27 February 2026

Car Preparation Before Going Home for the Holidays, Don’t Miss These 5 Things

Going home for the holidays (mudik) is a moment many families look forward to. Long-distance travel across cities and provinces requires a vehicle in prime condition. Therefore, preparing your car before mudik is an important step to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.

In addition to ensuring the engine and suspension are in good condition, vehicle owners also need to pay attention to traffic engineering regulations during the 2026 Eid homecoming season, such as one-way schedules, contraflow systems, and odd-even license plate rules that are usually implemented during departure and return flows. With proper preparation, the journey will be smoother and more enjoyable.

Traffic Engineering Schedule for Eid Homecoming 2026

Quoted from kumparan.com, the government through the Ministry of Transportation, Traffic Corps of the National Police (Korlantas Polri), and the Ministry of Public Works has determined traffic regulation schedules for the 2026/1447 H homecoming season.

The scheme includes:

1. ONE WAY

Outbound Flow

KM 70 Jakarta–Cikampek Toll Road to KM 421 Semarang–Solo Toll Road
Effective: March 17, 2026 at 12:00 WIB – March 20, 2026 at 24:00 WIB

Return Flow

KM 421 Semarang–Solo Toll Road to KM 70 Jakarta–Cikampek Toll Road
Effective: March 23, 2026 at 12:00 WIB – March 29, 2026 at 24:00 WIB

2. CONTRAFLOW

Outbound Flow

KM 47–70 Jakarta–Cikampek Toll Road
Effective: March 17, 2026 (12:00) – March 20, 2026 (24:00), as well as March 21 (12:00–20:00 WIB) and March 22 (09:00–18:00 WIB)

Return Flow

Jakarta–Cikampek Toll Road
Effective: March 23–29, 2026 at 14:00–24:00 WIB
KM 21–8 Jagorawi Toll Road
Effective: March 24, 2026 (14:00–19:00 WIB) and March 29, 2026 (14:00–19:00 WIB)

3. ODD–EVEN SYSTEM

Outbound Flow

Karawang Barat Toll KM 47–Kalikangkung KM 414
Effective: March 12–20, 2026 at 14:00–24:00 WIB
Tangerang–Merak Toll KM 31–98
Effective: March 12–20, 2026 at 14:00–24:00 WIB

Return Flow

Kalikangkung KM 414–Karawang Barat KM 47
Effective: March 23–29, 2026 at 00:00–24:00 WIB
Tangerang–Merak Toll KM 98–31
Effective: March 23–29, 2026 at 00:00–24:00 WIB

Note: The schedule is official and may change depending on field conditions, so make sure to monitor updates from relevant authorities before departure.

Car Preparation Checklist Before Mudik

Before departing, there are several important components that must be checked to ensure a safe and comfortable long journey. Many cases of vehicle breakdowns during travel are not caused by distance, but by lack of inspection before departure.

Conducting a thorough inspection a few days before departure also provides time for repairs if problems are found. Below is a checklist for car preparation before mudik that should not be overlooked:

1. Check Engine Condition

Ensure engine oil is at the proper level and has not exceeded its service limit. Also check radiator coolant, brake fluid, and washer fluid. If the mileage is close to a scheduled service interval, it is advisable to have it checked at a workshop first. A well-maintained engine helps prevent overheating when stuck in long traffic jams due to one-way or contraflow systems.

2. Inspect Brakes and Tires

The braking system must be in optimal condition to handle long journeys and potential stop-and-go traffic during heavy congestion. Check brake pad thickness, disc condition, and pedal response. For tires, ensure air pressure matches recommendations and there are no cracks or bulges. Don’t forget to check the spare tire as an emergency precaution.

3. Ensure Electrical System Is Normal

Headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights must function brightly and steadily. A good electrical system is essential for visibility and safety, especially when driving at night or in the rain. Also check the accu condition to prevent it from draining during long traffic congestion.

4. Pay Attention to the Body and Car Paint

In addition to technical factors, vehicle appearance is also part of car preparation before mudik. A dull body, scratches, or fading color can make the car look poorly maintained. Cleaning and repairing certain areas before departure will refresh the appearance. A bright and neat car color gives a comfortable impression when arriving and gathering with family.

Why Should Car Color Appearance Be Considered?

Long journeys under the hot sun, road dust, and weather changes can make car paint appear dull. If there were already faded or uneven areas, these conditions may become more visible during mudik.

Maintaining bright color is not only about aesthetics, but also part of exterior vehicle care. A good paint layer helps protect the body surface from environmental exposure while maintaining vehicle value.

Solution to Keep Car Color Bright During Mudik

If there are body parts where the color has started to fade or require repainting, it is best to repair them before departure. It is not always necessary to repaint the entire body. Repairing certain panels is sufficient to refresh the vehicle’s appearance.

For maximum results, choose a high-quality base coat with a wide range of color options, so owners do not need to worry about whether the color matches their car.

Products such as AXT Base Coat are designed to deliver sharp, even, and long-lasting color results on vehicle surfaces. With proper application and diverse color options, your car can look brighter and make your mudik journey more confident