7 Must-Check Things in Your Car Before Hitting the Open Roads

Picture this: You’re cruising along the winding roads of the Great Rift Valley, and the golden savannah of Maasai Mara stretches out before you like a scene from ‘The Lion King’. The sun is setting, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink that would make even the most bored Nairobian stop and stare. You’re feeling on top of the world, ready to spot some Big Five action, when suddenly…

Your car’s engine starts coughing like that first time your friend had Shisha. The distressing sound gets worse within minutes, and before you know it, you’re stranded faster than you can say “Hakuna Matata”.

It happens.

You see, whether you’re planning an epic road trip to Diani Beach, a weekend getaway to the misty tea plantations of Kericho, or just your daily commute through Nairobi’s notorious traffic, a little car care goes a long way. 

And here are the must-check things in your car before you leave your car park in the morning.

1. Do a Daily “How Do You Do?” with Your Car Each Morning

First things first, channel your inner detective and give your car a quick glance – kind of like the admiration you gave it when you first brought it home. Well, this isn’t just about admiring your ride (though a little pride is inevitable). It’s about spotting any issues before they become full-blown disasters.

What to look for:

• Any new dents or scratches (we all know how those Nairobi PSVs can leave ugly scars in traffic)
• Are all your lights intact? 
• Tyres looking good? (More on this in a bit)
• Anything suspicious underneath the car?

This quick inspection takes less time than scrolling through your WhatsApp messages. Plus, it’ll save you from that embarrassing moment when a friendly passerby shouts, “Gari yako haina bumper msee!” It also helps you catch problems early, preventing costly repairs and potential accidents. 

2. Tyre Check: Because Nobody Likes a Flat Surprise

Nobody likes a flat tyre surprise – especially when you don’t have a spare. Save yourself the trouble. Check the tyre pressure. Use the “press test.” If they feel softer than a politician’s promises, it’s time to add some air. 

While at it, check the tyre tread. Legally, the minimum tread should not go below 1.6mm, but most experts would recommend a minimum of 3mm for safety reasons.

Additionally, visually inspect the wheels for any lodged/embedded objects, bulges or cracks. If you notice any signs of damage, visit your mechanic.

Doing this will ensure better fuel efficiency, handling, and safety. It can prevent blowouts on those long stretches between Nairobi and Mombasa!

3. Check the Fluid Levels

Just like how we can’t function without our morning tea or coffee, our cars need their fluids too. Here’s a quick rundown on what to check:

• Engine oil: With the car on level ground, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and then pull it out again to check the level. Ensure it’s at the right level and doesn’t look dark.
• Coolant: Check the level in the transparent reservoir under the bonnet. If it isn’t between the minimum and maximum lines, it’s time to replace it.
• Windscreen washer fluid: Open the cap (usually marked with a windscreen symbol) and peek inside. If the levels are low, refill the fluid.
• Brake Fluid: Locate the brake fluid reservoir under the bonnet and on the master cylinder. Gently clean the top of the reservoir, open the top and check the fluid. If the level is low or if the fluid is dirty, top it up or change it with a new and appropriate one.

Checking your car’s fluid levels keeps it running smoothly. Low oil can cause engine damage, low coolant might lead to overheating, and you don’t want to spin off the road just because your vision is obstructed by mud, or your brakes aren’t working!

4. Your Lights and Indicators

Before leaving your parking lot in the morning, ensure that your headlights are both dipped and full beam, your brake lights are working correctly, and that your indicators and reverse lights work as they should.

Turn on all lights (including indicators) and walk around the car to check that they’re working. For brake lights, press the brake pedal and check the reflection in a window or ask someone to help.

Doing this takes less than a few minutes, and it is important as these lights are important for your visibility and for communicating your intentions to other drivers. They’re especially important during dusty seasons or unexpected fog in places like Limuru and Olkalou.

5. Brakes: Because “Pole Pole” Isn’t Always an Option

Nairobi traffic might move slower than a snail sometimes, but when you need to stop, you need to stop! Give your brakes a quick check:

• Listen for any unusual squeaks or grinding noises
• Feel for any vibrations when braking
• Check that the pedal doesn’t feel spongy

Your brakes are your primary safety feature. Faulty brakes can lead to accidents, especially on our hilly terrain or in heavy traffic. If you notice anything unusual, better get your car checked out first rather than relying on faith. Remember, good brakes are like a good handshake – firm and reliable!

6. Are All the Mirrors Working Correctly?

Adjusting your mirrors is crucial for safe driving. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your rear-view mirror gives a clear view of the road behind and that your side mirrors are angled to minimize blind spots. Also, ensure that all mirrors are clean and not cracked. 

Properly adjusted, mirrors reduce blind spots, helping you navigate chaotic traffic or spot that speeding matatu coming up behind you.

7. Dashboard Warnings

Modern cars are chatty – they’ll tell you if something’s wrong. But you need to listen! Ignoring these warnings is like ignoring your mama’s “We need to talk” message. Not wise!

While seated in the driver’s seat, turn the key to the ‘on’ position without starting the engine. All warning lights should illuminate briefly. Then start the engine – most lights should go off.

Make sure that there:

• No warning lights stay on after starting the engine
• The fuel gauge isn’t flirting with empty
• The temperature gauge sits in the normal range

These lights are your car’s way of communicating problems, which should help diagnose a specific problem your car has.

Other Things to Check

While this list isn’t exhaustive, other things you must do is confirm that the windscreen wipers are working properly and, that there are no loose pipes or cables under the hood, fluid leaks, or loose/dirty battery terminals. Make sure your seat belts are functioning properly as well.

Make these checks part of your daily routine, like checking your M-PESA balance or dodging calls from your relatives asking for money. But while these DIY inspections are a must-do, nothing beats the keen eye and expert touch of a professional. At Peach Cars, we are committed to not only giving you options for an upgrade but keeping your current ride in tip-top shape. 

Whether you need routine maintenance, a thorough inspection before that epic road trip to Mombasa, or you’re simply tired of playing ‘guess that strange noise’, we’ve got you covered! Don’t wait to get stranded ukienda ushago at night – book an appointment with Peach Cars today and reach home safe and sound!