⚡️ The Green Shift: Electric and Hydrogen Vehicles—The Future of Sustainable Mobility in Kenya Kenya is rapidly establishing itself as an African leader in the transition to sustainable transport, a shift that JETOUR and its parent company, Chery Group, are strategically prepared to support. While the immediate focus of JETOUR's Kenya launch is on high-quality, locally assembled SUVs, the long-term vision articulated by Managing Director Farouk Sheikh includes the crucial development of infrastructure and vehicles powered by electric and hydrogen energy . This move aligns perfectly with Kenya’s national goals for industrialization, job creation, and mitigating climate change. I. The Electric Vehicle (EV) Boom : Riding on Clean Energy The adoption of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) is already surging in Kenya, particularly in the two- and three-wheeler segments, and the passenger car sector is catching up. JETOUR's planned expansion into this space is timely and potent bec...
The Essential Car Care Checklist: A Beginner's Guide to Keeping Your Ride Running
Taking care of your car doesn't have to be intimidating. Regular maintenance is the single most important thing you can do to prolong your vehicle's life, save money on costly repairs, and keep you safe on the road.
This checklist breaks down the essential tasks every car owner, especially beginners, needs to know.
Phase 1: Monthly Checks (The Quick Glance)
These are simple checks you can perform in your driveway or at a gas station in just a few minutes.
| Item to Check | How to Check It | Why It Matters | Expert Tip |
| Tires | Use a quality tire gauge (don't trust your eyeballs!) to check the pressure in all four tires and your spare. | Proper pressure is vital for safety, handling, and fuel economy. | The correct PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch) for your tires is listed on a sticker inside your driver's side door frame. |
| Fluids | Check the engine oil level using the dipstick. (Check when the engine is off and cold—ideally first thing in the morning. | Oil is your engine's lifeblood; running low can cause catastrophic damage. | Always verify the correct oil type (e.g., 0W-20) on your oil cap before adding or changing it. |
| Lights | Test all exterior lights: headlights (low and high beams), turn signals, running lights, and brake lights. | Essential for seeing and being seen, preventing accidents, and avoiding tickets. | Ask a friend or family member to stand behind the car to confirm the brake lights and reverse lights are working properly. |
| Wiper Blades | Visually inspect the rubber for any tears, cracks, or dry rot. | Good wipers are critical for visibility in bad weather. Change them if they leave streaks. | Consider changing your wiper blades every spring and fall to be ready for the changing seasons. |
Phase 2: Seasonal Checks (The Deeper Look)
Do these checks at the start of a new season or every 3–6 months.
| Item to Check | How to Check It | Why It Matters | Expert Tip |
| Battery | Inspect the battery terminals for corrosion or gunk. | Clean terminals ensure a strong connection and reliable starting power. | If you see corrosion, you should clean the battery terminals, as this will improve the battery's performance. |
| Coolant | Check the coolant level in the overflow reservoir. Never open the radiator cap when the engine is hot. | Prevents your engine from overheating or freezing. | It's easy to shine a light near the overflow tank to see the fluid level. |
| Belts & Hoses | Visually inspect drive belts for cracks, damage, or dry rot. Check hoses for softness, leaks, or bulges. | Ensures components like the alternator, power steering, and AC compressor operate correctly. | Look for signs of wear and tear—details matter. A mechanic once found a windshield washer line rubbing against an AC line, which could have eventually worn through. |
| Brake Fluid | Check the level on the reservoir (there's usually a "max" and "min" line). | Maintains braking power. | If your brake fluid level is low, it's a good indication that your brake pads are worn down and should be checked next. |
Phase 3: Long-Term Maintenance (The Schedule)
These are mile-based services, typically following the schedule laid out by the car's manufacturer.
| Service | When to Do It | Why It Matters | Check The Manual! |
| Oil & Filter Change | Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or as recommended in your owner’s manual. | Fresh oil prevents friction and heat buildup, extending engine life. | |
| Tire Rotation | Every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. | Promotes even tire wear, extending tire life and improving handling. | |
| Air Filter Replacement | Typically every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. | A clean filter ensures your engine gets enough clean air for efficient performance. | |
| Spark Plugs | Varies greatly, often every 30,000 to 100,000+ miles. | Affects engine power and fuel efficiency. | |
| Other Fluids | Transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid should be flushed/changed according to the manufacturer’s schedule. | Prevents sludge and component wear. (Note: Transmission fluid checks may not be possible on all modern vehicles.) |
🎧 The Mechanic's Perspective
For an in-depth visual guide and tips directly from an expert, watch this video from veteran mechanic, EricTheCarGuy:
A Mechanics Guide To Maintaining Your Car
🧐 Pro-Tip: Listen to Your Car
A mechanic's best piece of advice is to simply pay attention when you drive [
Turn the radio off sometimes. Do you hear any weird noises as you go over bumps?
When you step on the brakes, does the car pull to one side, or are there any noises?
Do you notice any strange smells?
If you hear or smell something unusual, check it out—don't ignore it. Problems only get worse, not better [
📘 The Most Important Tool: Your Owner's Manual
The single most important resource for your car care checklist is your owner's manual [
When to change fluids.
What type of fluids and filters to use.
The exact maintenance schedule [
06:47
❓ Essential Car Care FAQ
Q: How often should I change my oil?
A: This depends on your car and the type of oil you use. Modern cars using synthetic oil often go 5,000 to 7,500 miles between changes. Always check your owner's manual for the exact manufacturer-recommended interval.
Q: What do I do if I see a fluid leak under my car?A: If you see a leak, place a piece of cardboard under the car overnight [05:14]. In the morning, check the color:
Yellow/Green/Pink: Likely coolant.
Clear/Yellowish/Brown (oily): Possibly engine oil or transmission fluid.
Clear Water: Usually just condensation from the A/C system (normal).
If it's anything other than water, you should have it inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible, as leaks never get better on their own.
Q: When should I rotate my tires?
A: Tire rotations should typically be done every 5,000 to 8,000 miles to ensure all four tires wear down evenly, which extends their lifespan and maintains balanced handling.
Q: What is the most important part of my car to maintain?
A: According to many mechanics, your tires are the most important part of the vehicle, as the entire car rides on just four spots of rubber. Maintaining the correct pressure and monitoring the tread wear are critical to the vehicle's health and safety.
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