Not all journeys are smooth sailing. In many conditions, especially during the rainy season, potholes become a common hazard that often causes drivers to worry. Small to severely damaged potholes are often covered by puddles, making their depth difficult to gauge. One wrong move can not only startle you but also affect the condition of your car.

To stay safe and keep your car in top condition when driving on damaged roads, there are some simple but crucial tips you can apply while driving.

1. Keep Your Distance, Don't Tailgate

Maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front is important, especially on roads in poor condition. With enough distance, drivers can more easily spot potholes ahead and anticipate them earlier. Additionally, a safe distance reduces the risk of being hit by rocks or gravel flying off other vehicles. When braking, do so gently to ensure safety for vehicles behind you.

2. Keep Your Eyes on the Road and Stay Focused

Visibility is key. Get into the habit of monitoring road conditions ahead while also glancing at the surrounding situation. Avoid distractions that can break your concentration while driving. Full focus helps drivers be more alert to avoid potholes that suddenly appear.

Hand position on the steering wheel also matters. The 9 and 3 o'clock position is ideal because it provides maximum steering control, especially when navigating rough roads.

3. Avoid Sudden Maneuvers

The reflex to avoid potholes by swerving is common. However, sudden maneuvers without looking at the surrounding conditions can be dangerous. Make sure the road beside you is completely safe before maneuvering. If traffic is heavy, the safest option is to slow down and pass over the pothole slowly.

4. No Need to Speed

High speeds on rough roads increase the risk. Driving at the recommended speed gives you more time to react and avoid potholes. Hitting a pothole while driving fast can seriously damage the suspension, wheels, and tires.

5. Beware of Puddles

Puddles often hide potholes on the road. Their depth is difficult to gauge, so avoid them if possible. If you must drive through them, slow down and maintain stability to avoid sudden braking.

In an emergency requiring sudden braking, safety features such as ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) can help maintain control of the vehicle. These systems prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the vehicle to remain controllable on slippery and damaged roads.

Safe driving on potholed roads is not about getting there quickly, but about maintaining safety and keeping the vehicle in optimal condition. With well-maintained tires and proper driving techniques, traveling on any road condition can feel more peaceful.

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Tips Mengemudi Aman di Jalan Berlubang Agar Mobil Nggak Cepat Rusak

Nggak semua perjalanan selalu lewat jalan mulus. Di banyak kondisi, apalagi saat musim hujan, jalan berlubang jadi 'jebakan' yang sering bikin pengemudi waswas. Lubang kecil sampai rusak parah kerap tertutup genangan air, bikin kedalamannya sulit ditebak. Salah langkah sedikit, risikonya bukan cuma bikin kaget, tapi juga bisa berdampak ke kondisi mobil.

Supaya tetap aman dan mobil tetap prima saat harus melintas di jalanan rusak, ada beberapa tips simpel tapi krusial yang bisa diterapkan saat berkendara.

1. Jaga Jarak, Jangan Terlalu Nempel

Menjaga jarak dengan kendaraan di depan itu penting, apalagi di jalanan yang kondisinya nggak ideal. Dengan jarak yang cukup, pengemudi bisa lebih mudah melihat lubang di depan dan mengantisipasinya lebih awal. Bonusnya, jarak aman juga mengurangi risiko terkena batu atau kerikil yang terpental dari kendaraan lain. Saat harus mengerem, lakukan secara halus supaya tetap aman buat kendaraan di belakang.

2. Pandangan ke Depan dan Tetap Fokus

Visibilitas jadi kunci utama. Biasakan mata memantau kondisi jalan di depan, sekaligus sekilas melihat situasi sekitar. Hindari distraksi yang bisa memecah konsentrasi saat berkendara. Fokus penuh membantu pengemudi lebih sigap menghindari lubang yang tiba-tiba muncul.

Posisi tangan di kemudi juga berpengaruh. Posisi jam 9 dan 3 jadi pilihan ideal karena memberikan kontrol setir yang lebih maksimal, terutama saat harus melewati jalan rusak.

3. Hindari Manuver Mendadak

Refleks menghindari lubang dengan membanting setir memang sering terjadi. Tapi, manuver mendadak tanpa melihat kondisi sekitar justru bisa berbahaya. Pastikan jalan di samping benar-benar aman sebelum bermanuver. Kalau kondisi lalu lintas padat, pilihan paling aman adalah mengurangi kecepatan dan melewati lubang secara perlahan.

4. Nggak Perlu Ngebut

Kecepatan tinggi di jalan rusak justru memperbesar risiko. Mengemudi dengan kecepatan sesuai anjuran memberi waktu lebih untuk bereaksi dan menghindari lubang. Menghantam lubang saat mobil melaju kencang bisa berdampak serius pada suspensi, velg, hingga ban.

5. Waspadai Genangan Air

Genangan air sering kali menyamarkan lubang di jalan. Kedalamannya sulit ditebak, jadi sebisa mungkin hindari genangan tersebut. Jika terpaksa melintas, pelankan laju kendaraan dan jaga kestabilan agar tidak perlu melakukan pengereman mendadak.

Saat kondisi darurat mengharuskan pengereman tiba-tiba, fitur keselamatan seperti ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) dan EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) bisa membantu menjaga kontrol kendaraan. Sistem ini mencegah roda terkunci saat pengereman keras, sehingga mobil tetap bisa dikendalikan di jalanan licin dan rusak.

Mengemudi aman di jalan berlubang bukan soal cepat sampai, tapi soal bagaimana menjaga keselamatan dan kondisi mobil tetap optimal. Dengan ban yang prima dan gaya berkendara yang tepat, perjalanan di kondisi jalan apa pun bisa tetap terasa lebih tenang.