The rainy season often requires drivers to be extra vigilant. Slippery roads, puddles, and the risk of aquaplaning can occur at any time. One factor that is often overlooked but actually plays a vital role is car tire pressure.

Just imagine, tires with too low pressure make the car prone to aquaplaning, while tires that are too hard drastically reduce grip on the asphalt. The result? The car becomes more difficult to control, especially during heavy rain.

Why is tire pressure important during rain?

Tire pressure that meets manufacturer standards is not only a matter of driving comfort, but also safety. Tires with ideal pressure keep the car stable, shorten braking distance, and maintain maximum traction even on wet roads.

For reference:

• Hatchbacks & sedans: 30–33 psi
• SUVs & MPVs: 32–35 psi
• Commercial vehicles/pickups: 35–40 psi

When it rains, pressure can be increased slightly to a safe limit (e.g., 32–37 psi) to maintain good grip.

Three Things to Check Before Rain Falls

1. Adjust Tire Pressure According to Recommendations

Don't just fill the tires with air. Check the standard tire pressure on the driver's door pillar or in the car manual.

2. Check Tire Pressure Regularly

Don't wait until your tires are flat to check them. Use an accurate tire pressure gauge, especially if you often drive on wet roads.

3. Check Tire Condition

Your tire pressure is okay, but your tires are worn out? That's useless. Make sure the tread depth is sufficient so that water can be dispelled properly.

Risks of Improper Tire Pressure

Tires with incorrect pressure can cause many problems:

• Aquaplaning: the car seems to float on water.
• Reduced traction: difficult to control when cornering or braking suddenly.
• Rapid tire wear: shortens tire life and reduces performance.
• Impaired balance: even more dangerous when the car is carrying heavy loads.

Conclusion

Driving in the rainy season requires extra precautions. In addition to maintaining a safe distance and avoiding sudden maneuvers, don't overlook the often-forgotten detail: tire pressure. With healthy tires and proper pressure, the risk of slipping can be minimized, making the journey safer.

Indonesia 🇮🇩

Tekanan Ban Ideal Saat Musim Hujan

Musim hujan sering kali jadi momen yang bikin pengendara ekstra waspada. Jalanan licin, genangan air, hingga risiko aquaplaning bisa muncul kapan saja. Nah, salah satu faktor yang sering disepelekan tapi sebenarnya punya peran vital adalah tekanan ban mobil.

Bayangkan saja, ban dengan tekanan terlalu rendah bikin mobil gampang melayang di atas air alias aquaplaning, sementara ban yang terlalu keras justru bikin grip ke aspal berkurang drastis. Hasilnya? Kendali mobil jadi lebih sulit, apalagi saat hujan deras.

Kenapa Tekanan Ban Penting Saat Hujan?

Tekanan ban yang sesuai standar pabrikan bukan cuma soal kenyamanan berkendara, tapi juga soal keselamatan. Ban dengan tekanan ideal bikin mobil tetap stabil, pengereman lebih pendek, dan traksi tetap maksimal meskipun jalanan basah.

Buat gambaran:

• Hatchback & sedan: 30–33 psi
• SUV & MPV: 32–35 psi
• Kendaraan niaga/pickup: 35–40 psi

Saat hujan, tekanan bisa ditingkatkan sedikit ke batas aman (misalnya 32–37 psi) biar cengkeraman tetap oke.

Tiga Hal Wajib Cek Sebelum Hujan Turun

1. Sesuaikan Tekanan Ban dengan Rekomendasi

Jangan asal isi angin. Cek standar tekanan ban di pilar pintu pengemudi atau buku manual mobil.

2. Periksa Tekanan Ban Rutin

Jangan nunggu ban kempis dulu baru ngecek. Gunakan tire pressure gauge yang akurat, apalagi kalau sering berkendara di jalanan basah.

3. Lihat Kondisi Ban

Tekanan ban oke tapi kembangan ban aus? Sama aja bohong. Pastikan kedalaman alur masih cukup biar air bisa terbuang sempurna.

Risiko Kalau Tekanan Ban Nggak Ideal

Ban dengan tekanan salah bisa bikin banyak masalah:

• Aquaplaning: mobil seperti melayang di atas air.
• Traksi berkurang: susah dikendalikan saat menikung atau ngerem mendadak.
• Ban cepat aus: bikin umur ban pendek dan performa turun.
• Keseimbangan terganggu: makin berbahaya kalau mobil bawa beban berat.

Kesimpulan

Mengemudi di musim hujan memang butuh trik ekstra. Selain jaga jarak aman dan hindari manuver mendadak, jangan lupakan hal kecil yang sering dilupakan: tekanan ban. Dengan ban yang sehat dan tekanan pas, risiko tergelincir bisa ditekan, perjalanan pun jadi lebih aman.