4 Petrol-Wasting Mistakes to Avoid This Balik Kampung

Balik kampung has always been an exciting time as it’s a once-a-year chance to reunite with your loved ones and relive the cherished memories of home. Whether you’re returning to your hometown to celebrate Hari Raya or simply taking advantage of the extended holidays to go for a much-needed break, for many Malaysians, driving remains the most convenient way to travel interstate.

You probably won’t notice it, but some of your driving habits can lead to excessive petrol consumption, making your journey unnecessarily costly and stressful. From poor driving habits to overlooked car maintenance, small mistakes can quickly add up.

So before you hit the road, consider eliminating these four petrol-wasting habits to ensure a smoother and more cost-effective trip.

Being stranded on the highway during festive traffic congestion is one of the most frustrating mood kills, so don’t let that happen by sending your car for checks!

The balik kampung journey is always filled with excitement, but unexpected detours and reroutes can make the trip longer than planned. Skipping basic car maintenance (like checking tyre pressure, fluids, and oils) put unnecessary strain to your engine, increasing petrol use. These checks are crucial, especially before festive road trips to prevent getting stranded.

Driving faster might help you reach your destination sooner, but it also consumes more petrol and increases the risk of accidents. Sudden acceleration, hard braking, and fluctuating speeds can lead to higher petrol consumption and hence maintaining a steady speed limit not only helps you save petrol but also ensures a smoother and more relaxed journey.

Is your car ready to get stuck in a jam for long hours? Credit: syok

Heavy traffic during balik kampung is almost inevitable, but getting stuck in stop-and-go congestion can drain more petrol than expected as the longer your engine idles, the more petrol is wasted. By planning your route ahead, you can minimise delays, reduce petrol consumption, and enjoy a smoother drive.

You can bring loads of love back home, but make sure they’re light and easy on your vehicle.

We all love bringing gifts and treats for our loved ones, but overpacking your car with excessive and unnecessary items increases the vehicle's weight. A heavier load forces the engine to work harder, leading to higher petrol consumption. Perhaps, you can consider bringing only the essentials, or have the logistics company send your Raya gifts directly to your hometown’s address!

Balik kampung should be about happy reunions, not roadside headaches. That’s why before you go, make sure you’re protected on the road by renewing your motor insurance with Pos Malaysia. Being protected lets you focus on the journey and enjoy the Raya spirit without worrying about accidents or car breakdown.

This Raya, Pos Malaysia is giving you extra rewards! Renew your motor insurance online or at any Pos Malaysia and you could win prizes worth up to RM500,000! We've teamed up with top insurers like Allianz, Etiqa, Kurnia, Liberty, Generali, Zurich, Tokio Marine, RHB, and Tune to bring you the best coverage for your journey.

Renew today for peace of mind and a chance to win big!  See here for details on prizes and participating insurers.

By avoiding these four petrol-wasting habits, you’ll save more on petrol while at the same time enjoying a smoother, stress-free balik kampung journey. With the right motor insurance coverage, you’ll have even greater peace of mind on the road. Renew your motor insurance here.