The Ultimate Car Maintenance Tips and Checklist (Kenya Edition)
A well-followed car maintenance checklist is key to extending your vehicle’s lifespan, preventing unexpected breakdowns, and avoiding expensive repairs. Whether you’re a first-time car owner or a seasoned driver, staying consistent with your car maintenance checklist keeps your car running smoothly and safely on Kenyan roads.
At Thoonjo Errand Runners, we connect you with trusted car mechanics and auto service professionals across Kenya. From oil changes and brake checks to tire rotations and engine diagnostics, our partners ensure your checklist is fully covered.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ultimate car maintenance checklist that every driver in Kenya should follow for long-term performance, safety, and peace of mind.
Why Car Maintenance is Essential
Many car owners in Kenya only take their vehicles to a mechanic when something goes wrong. This reactive approach can result in expensive repairs, dangerous roadside breakdowns, or reduced fuel efficiency.
Regular car servicing helps to:
. Detect mechanical issues early before they escalate
. Improve fuel economy, saving you money at the pump
. Extend engine and transmission life
. Reduce emissions and environmental impact
. Maintain your car’s resale value
. Enhance road safety for you and your passengers
With increasing traffic congestion, poor road conditions in some areas, and extreme weather variations, routine car maintenance in Kenya is no longer optional, it’s essential.
Complete Car Maintenance Checklist for Kenyan Drivers
This simple vehicle maintenance checklist, which is based on how people drive and how roads are in Kenya, will help you stay ahead of problems:
Monthly Maintenance Tips
Perform these basic checks once every 3–4 weeks to keep your vehicle running efficiently:
. Check the engine oil level using the dipstick. Top up if low, and monitor for signs of leakage or contamination.
. Inspect tire pressure and adjust to the recommended PSI. Uneven pressure can lead to blowouts or poor fuel consumption.
. Refill windshield washer fluid, especially during rainy seasons or when driving on dusty rural roads.
. Test all exterior and interior lights, including brake lights, turn signals, headlights, and reverse lights.
. Inspect under the vehicle for visible leaks from the engine, transmission, or fuel tank.
. Check coolant/antifreeze levels, particularly during hot weather or long-distance driving.
Every 3–6 Months (or 5,000–10,000 km)
Schedule a professional service through Thoonjo to address these essential components:
(i) Change the engine oil and oil filter to maintain lubrication and engine cooling. Dirty oil leads to premature wear.
(ii) Rotate your tires to ensure even wear and prolong their lifespan.
(iii) Check and clean your car battery terminals to prevent corrosion that could affect ignition.
(iv) Inspect your car’s air filter; a clogged filter reduces engine performance and increases fuel usage.
(iv) Replace windshield wiper blades if they leave streaks or skip across the glass.
Annual Service (or Every 20,000–30,000 km)
. Remove the air and fuel filters to get good combustion and optimum working.
. Change and replace brake fluid to have powerful and responsive braking.
. Brake pads and discs should be checked for wear and tear and warping, or squeaking.
. Examine the suspension system, including shock, struts, and bushings.
. Exchange spark plugs to get easy ignition and fuel efficiency.
. Check all electrical parts, particularly in the case of the newer cars featuring the advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
. Fill and top off the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) where available.
Expert Car Maintenance Tips from Kenyan Mechanics on Thoonjo
1. Never Ignore Dashboard Warning Lights
When your dashboard shows a check engine, ABS, or oil light, don’t assume it’s a minor issue. These are your car's early warning system. Prompt diagnosis can prevent major engine damage or brake failure.
2. Stick to a Preventive Maintenance Schedule
Instead of waiting for your car to stall, follow your car’s manufacturer service intervals. Most Kenyan car owners ignore their service books—don’t be one of them. Preventive care is cheaper and more effective.
3. Be Cautious with Used Car Parts
While buying used spare parts may seem cost-effective, only source parts from reputable suppliers or mechanics. Poor-quality spares can lead to breakdowns and costly repairs later.
4. Regular wash and wax
The dust and rains in Kenya are able to destroy the underbody and the paint on your car. Washing and waxing are beneficial as they will save your car the effects of corrosion and rust, particularly in coastal cities and towns such as Mombasa.
5. A Mobile mechanic when you are busy
Not able to go to a garage? No problem. Thoonjo lets you get repairers of mobile cars in Nairobi, Kisumu, Eldoret and others. They visit your doorstep at home, work place or the road side.
Book These Common Car Services on Thoonjo
Thoonjo Errand Runners makes it easy to hire trusted mechanics in Kenya for services like:
(i) Engine oil change and filter replacement
(ii) Wheel alignment and tire balancing
(iii) Brake repair and replacement
(iv) Full car diagnostics (OBD scanning)
(v) Suspension and steering system repair
(vi) Battery replacement and jumpstart services
(vii) AC servicing and refrigerant refill
(viii) Auto detailing and interior cleaning
Each provider is vetted, reviewed, and location-specific, so you always get quality service from a nearby expert.
Why Choose Thoonjo for Your Car Maintenance Needs?
1. Certified Auto Experts:
All auto service providers are verified and qualified.
2. Low Prices:
No extra costs. Open competitive quotations.
3. Accessibility throughout the country:
Access booked services in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, etc.
4. Mobile Mechanics On Call:
if you are unable to free your schedule to have your car serviced, then you can have the work done in the comfort of your home or work or even roadside.
5. Customer Support:
Have a difficulty deciding which mechanic to use? We have a ready support team.
Signs of an Immediate Car Repair
Ask an emergency mechanic immediately when you have:
. Overheated engine or steam underneath the hood
. Scares, squealing, or grinding brakes
. Hard start or stall.
. Slow or jerky transmission, Transmission slipping
. Rough engine knocking, rattling, or shuddering
. Weird odours (burning, gas, or coolant leaks)
Wait too long and your car will get severely damaged, but search Thoonjo and find a certified car mechanic today.
Call to Action- Book a Mech now on Thoonjo
You do not want to wait till your car stalls in traffic. Manage the health of your car now.
Find a Mechanic Near You
It is offered in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and EldoretNeed help? We will pair you up with the right professional by our customer care team.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How frequently must I give service to my car in Kenya?
Most vehicles need servicing after every 5000-10000km or every 3-6 months. Refer to the manual provided by your manufacturer and fine-tune it to the road conditions and usage.
2. Is it possible to get a mechanic to visit where I am?
Yes. Thoonjo has mechanics on board who will drive to your home, office, or even on the road should you be in a major town and want your car serviced.
3. What does a full car service do?
A complete package will include changing of oil and filters, checking brakes, filling up the fluid, inspection of tires, engine diagnostics, and other things as per the age and condition of a vehicle.
4. Are Thoonjo mechanics verified?
Absolutely. All service providers listed on Thoonjo are vetted, licensed, and come with verified customer reviews for quality assurance
){kind=link}