Vehicle Blind Spots That Are Often Unnoticed

In a vehicle specification sheet, we often find the term Drivetrain with the code FWD (Front Wheel Drive) or RWD (Rear Wheel Drive). For some, this is just a technical detail. But for drivers who prioritize driving feel, this difference in drive wheel location determines the true character of a car.

This difference is not just about which wheels spin, but how the car transfers engine power to the asphalt, how it reacts in corners, and how efficiently it processes fuel. Let's dissect the characteristics of these two systems objectively.

1. Front Wheel Drive (FWD): The Load Puller

The FWD system or front-wheel drive is the most common configuration found in modern passenger cars, ranging from City Cars, Hatchbacks, to Crossover SUVs.

How It Works:

The engine, transmission, and drive axles are all located at the front of the car. The front wheels have a dual task: acting as the directional controller (steering) while simultaneously transmitting power to "pull" the car.

Key Advantages:

• Cabin Efficiency (Spacious): Because it does not require a long propeller shaft to the rear wheels, the cabin floor becomes flat. This provides much more spacious legroom for rear passengers.
• Fuel Efficiency: Fewer components and lighter weight make power loss (power lost on the road) very minimal. The engine works more efficiently transferring power directly to the nearby wheels.
• Traction in Rain: Because the engine weight presses down on the front wheels (which are also the drive wheels), the tires have better grip on slippery or wet roads.

Driving Characteristics:

The natural tendency of FWD when driven to the extreme in corners is Understeer. This is a condition where the car is difficult to turn and tends to slide straight even though the steering wheel has been turned, because the front wheels lose grip due to the dual task (steering and pulling).

This system is applied to family SUVs like the Chery Tiggo 8 CSH. By using the FWD configuration, Chery engineers succeeded in creating a flat floor in the second row, providing superior legroom for maximum family passenger comfort.

2. Rear Wheel Drive (RWD): The Tough Pusher

The RWD system or rear-wheel drive is a classic configuration that is now more widely adopted by sports cars, luxury sedans, or heavy-duty commercial vehicles. However, in the electric vehicle era, this configuration is becoming popular again.

How It Works:

Power from the engine or electric motor is transmitted to the rear wheels to "push" the car. Meanwhile, the front wheels are purely tasked with steering without the burden of power transmission.

Key Advantages:

• Ideal Weight Distribution: Because components are spread out, the car's balance is better maintained.
• Sharper Handling: Because the tasks of steering and driving are separated, the front wheels are more responsive in translating the driver's steering input.
• Load Durability: When the car climbs, the weight shifts to the rear. This gives extra traction to RWD, making it tougher to devour steep inclines.

Driving Characteristics:

The natural tendency of RWD during extreme maneuvers is Oversteer. This is a condition where the car's tail "throws out" or slides to the outside of the corner because the rear wheels lose traction while the front wheels still grip.

You can find these tough characteristics in the Chery J6 (RWD Variant). As an Off-road Electric SUV, the Chery J6 utilizes rear-wheel drive to provide the instant push sensation typical of electric cars. This configuration also helps the J6 gain optimal traction when climbing semi-offroad terrain, as vehicle weight naturally shifts to the rear wheels which are the drive center.

FWD vs RWD: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing a drive system depends heavily on the terrain you traverse and your driving lifestyle.

In the modern era, the performance difference between FWD and RWD is becoming thinner thanks to electronic traction control technology. The understeer weakness in FWD is now minimized with the Electronic Stability Program, while the oversteer risk in RWD is also tamed by similar features.

Conclusion

In the end, the debate between FWD and RWD has no absolute winner because both are designed for different purposes.

If your priority is cabin space efficiency, fuel economy, and family comfort on urban roads, then a car with FWD is the most logical and economical choice.

However, if you are looking for a sporty driving sensation, precise weight balance, or climbing toughness on more challenging terrain, then the RWD system still holds the performance crown.

Choose the vehicle whose specifications best support your routine and the terrain you face daily.

Disclaimer: The understeer and oversteer characteristics above are extreme vehicle physics conditions. Modern cars are equipped with active safety features to prevent these conditions in normal use.

In tropical countries like Indonesia, the car Air Conditioner (AC) is not a luxury feature, but a primary necessity. Being stuck in traffic under the scorching sun without an optimally functioning AC is a nightmare for every driver.

However, have you ever wondered how hot air from outside can be transformed into a cool breeze inside the cabin in just a matter of seconds? Does the AC produce "ice"? Let's dissect this "magic" of thermodynamics in depth. Understanding how it works not only expands your knowledge but also helps you detect vehicle damage symptoms earlier.

Basic Concept: Moving Heat, Not Creating Cold

One fundamental thing needs to be clarified: The AC system does not actually create cold air.

Its working principle is similar to a sponge. The AC system absorbs heat energy from the air inside the cabin, then "throws" that heat outside the car. When the heat is gone, the air temperature drops, and what remains is cool air. The chemical substance tasked as the "courier" carrying this heat is called Refrigerant (or commonly known as Freon).

The Big Five Components

The AC system is a closed loop circuit. To run smoothly, there are five main components working synergistically:

1. Compressor (The Pumping Heart)

Functions to pump and pressurize the freon to circulate throughout the system. The compressor separates the low-pressure and high-pressure sides. This component is driven by the engine via a drive belt. In modern cars, the compressor is often equipped with a magnetic clutch that disconnects when the cabin temperature is reached to save fuel.

2. Condenser (Heat Exchanger)

Located at the very front of the car (in front of the engine radiator). Its job is to change the state of the freon from high-pressure gas to liquid by releasing its contained heat into the open air. This process is assisted by a fan (extra fan) that spins rapidly when the car stops.

3. Receiver Drier (Filter & Reservoir)

This component has a dual task. First, as a filter to screen out fine metal debris. Second, to absorb water vapor that might enter the system (using desiccant/silica gel) because water can freeze and clog the ducts. Third, to temporarily store liquid freon before it flows further.

4. Expansion Valve (The Atomizer)

Functions to drastically change high-pressure liquid freon into low-pressure mist (vapor). This sudden drop in pressure results in an extreme temperature drop (Joule-Thomson effect), preparing the cold freon to enter the evaporator.

5. Evaporator (Heat Absorber)

Hidden behind the dashboard. It looks like a small radiator with many fins. Cold freon flows inside it, absorbing heat from the cabin air blown by the Blower. A side effect is that water vapor in the air will condense on the evaporator surface (which is why there are water drips under the car when the AC is on).

The Cooling Cycle: Step by Step

Let's trace the journey of the "courier" (Freon) in one cycle loop that repeats continuously:

Step 1: Compression (High Pressure & Temperature)

When the AC is turned on, the Compressor sucks freon gas from the evaporator (low-pressure side). This gas is compressed strongly so it exits towards the condenser in the form of high-pressure and high-temperature gas (can reach 80-90°C).

Step 2: Condensation (Releasing Heat)

The hot gas flows to the Condenser. Outside air blown by the fan cools the condenser pipes. A change of state occurs (condensation) from gas to warm high-pressure liquid. Here, the heat from inside the cabin is actually "thrown" onto the street.

Step 3: Purification

Liquid freon flows to the Receiver Drier. Here, it is ensured that only pure liquid freon (without gas bubbles and water vapor) may pass to the next stage for maximum cooling.

Step 4: Expansion (Extreme Misting)

Liquid freon is sprayed through a very small hole in the Expansion Valve. As a result, the pressure drops drastically. The freon changes state into a mixture of low-pressure cold mist (around 0°C - 5°C).

Step 5: Evaporation (Cabin Cooling)

The cold mist enters the Evaporator. The Blower blows cabin circulation air through the evaporator fins. The freon absorbs heat from that air and boils back into gas. The air that has lost its heat then exits the AC vents as the cool breeze you feel.

Step 6: Recirculation

The freon, now back in gas form (because it absorbed heat), is sucked back by the Compressor to be re-pressurized. This cycle rotates continuously as long as the AC is on.

Cabin Comfort in the Modern Era

Understanding this AC system brings us to an appreciation of today's vehicle technology. The challenge for modern cars is not just about "being cold," but how to achieve the ideal temperature with the best energy efficiency, especially in hybrid vehicles.

One example of the application of this technology can be found in the Chery Tiggo Cross. As a vehicle that prioritizes urban comfort, the air conditioning system in the Tiggo Cross is designed to work quietly yet achieve the desired temperature quickly (Fast Cooling).

With efficient compressor management typical of modern vehicles, the engine workload remains light, supporting the fuel efficiency performance that is the advantage of its hybrid variant. This comfort is perfected with a soundproof cabin and an air filter that keeps circulation clean, ensuring your journey is not only cool but also of high quality.

Conclusion

The car AC system is a brilliant blend of physics and mechanical engineering. Maintaining its five main components, such as routinely changing the cabin filter and cleaning the condenser, is the key to keeping cooling performance prime.

Don't let your trip be disturbed by the heat. Understand your vehicle, and enjoy every journey with maximum comfort.

For Jakarta residents and commuters who cross the capital city every day, the Odd-Even (Gage) rule is no longer just a traffic policy, but a "rhythm of life" that must be obeyed. Entering 2026, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government together with the Metro Jaya Regional Police are tightening the enforcement of this rule through ETLE (Electronic Traffic Law Enforcement) camera technology scattered across hundreds of points.

Miscalculating the date or forgetting operational hours can be fatal: an electronic traffic ticket arrives at home with a maximum fine of Rp500,000. To keep your mobility smooth and your wallet safe, here is a complete breakdown of the latest edition of Jakarta's Odd-Even rules.

1. Basic Mechanism: How to Calculate

The principle remains simple yet crucial:

• Odd Plate: The last digit on the license plate is 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9. (Allowed to pass on odd dates).
• Even Plate: The last digit on the license plate is 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8. (Allowed to pass on even dates).

Note: Only the single last digit before the series letter is considered.

2. Operational Hours (Valid Times)

This rule does not apply 24 hours a day, but only during rush hours on weekdays.

• Morning: 06:00 WIB – 10:00 WIB
• Evening – Night: 16:00 WIB – 21:00 WIB

When does this rule NOT apply?

• Saturdays and Sundays.
• National Holidays (Red Dates).
• Joint Leave Days (Cuti Bersama) determined by the government.

3. List of 25 Protocol Roads (Odd-Even Points)

In 2026, the Odd-Even area covers Jakarta's main arterial routes. If your destination passes through the following roads, ensure your license plate matches the date.

Central & South Jakarta (Main Corridor)

1. Jalan Pintu Besar Selatan
2. Jalan Gajah Mada
3. Jalan Hayam Wuruk
4. Jalan Majapahit
5. Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat
6. Jalan M.H. Thamrin
7. Jalan Jenderal Sudirman
8. Jalan Sisingamangaraja
9. Jalan Panglima Polim
10. Jalan Fatmawati
11. Jalan Suryopranoto
12. Jalan Balikpapan
13. Jalan Kyai Caringin
14. Jalan Tomang Raya
15. Jalan Jenderal S. Parman
16. Jalan Gatot Subroto
17. Jalan M.T. Haryono
18. Jalan H.R. Rasuna Said

East & North Jakarta

1. Jalan D.I. Panjaitan
2. Jalan Jenderal A. Yani
3. Jalan Pramuka
4. Jalan Salemba Raya (West Side)
5. Jalan Kramat Raya
6. Jalan Stasiun Senen
7. Jalan Gunung Sahari

Besides the 25 roads above, this rule also applies to 28 inner-city toll gate accesses. This means that when you exit the toll road onto the arterial roads above during rush hour, the odd-even rule applies immediately.

4. Exemptions: Who is Free to Pass?

Not all vehicles are bound by this rule. Here is the list of "VIP" vehicles that have immunity against Odd-Even:

• Vehicles of Republic of Indonesia State Institution Leaders.
• Government Operational Service Vehicles (Red Plates).
• Fire Trucks and Ambulances.
• Vehicles carrying people with disabilities (with special stickers).
• Electric Vehicles / EVs (Plates with a blue list).

Smart Strategies to Conquer Odd-Even

Facing these restriction rules requires the right vehicle selection strategy. As a Modern Automotive Expert, I recommend two different approaches according to your lifestyle.

Option A: "The Freedom Seeker" (Free from Rules Forever)

If you are tired of having to check the calendar every morning or have high mobility that cannot be limited by time, switching to an electric vehicle is the only permanent solution.

This is where the Chery E5 arrives as a game changer. As an electric SUV with a unique and aesthetic Fashion Cube design, the Chery E5 not only attracts attention on the streets of Sudirman-Thamrin but is also immune to Odd-Even rules. You are free to pass through 25 protocol roads anytime, whether morning or evening, without fear of being ticketed. This is the definition of absolute freedom for urban Jakarta.

Option B: "The Comfort Cruiser" (Comfort Amidst Limitations)

If you are still loyal to conventional engines due to large family needs (7-seater), your strategy is time management. Sometimes, you have to leave earlier or wait for the odd-even hours to end at the office/cafe.

For this scenario, you need a mobile "waiting room" as comfortable as home. The Chery Tiggo 9 CSH offers a spacious cabin with premium features that make waiting time feel untorturous. With high-quality leather seats, an advanced entertainment system, and superior cabin soundproofing, getting stuck in traffic or waiting for 10:00 AM inside the Tiggo 9 feels relaxed and classy.

Conclusion

Jakarta's Odd-Even rules are made to regulate the city's rhythm, not to stop your activities. The choice is yours: adapt to the schedule using the comfort of the Tiggo 9 CSH, or break the rule boundaries with the freedom of the Chery E5.

Whatever your choice, ensure your vehicle supports your productivity and lifestyle in this year of 2026.

Disclaimer: Rules are subject to change at any time according to the discretion of the Metro Jaya Traffic Directorate and the DKI Jakarta Transportation Agency. Always monitor the latest traffic info.