What to Check Before a Long Road Trip

Long-distance driving in Kenya is unforgiving to a neglected car. Heat, altitude changes, loose gravel, potholes and long stretches between garages mean a breakdown can ruin a trip and cost thousands. A 30-minute inspection before you leave can save all of that.

Under the bonnet

• Engine oil level and colour.
• Coolant level and condition.
• Brake fluid, power steering fluid, clutch fluid.
• Washer fluid topped up.
• Drive belts — cracks, glaze, tension.
• Battery terminals clean and tight; battery age.
• Any leaks under the engine bay.

Tyres and wheels

• Tread depth across the whole tyre, not just the centre.
• Cold tyre pressure — including the spare.
• Sidewall condition — no bulges, cracks or cuts.
• Wheel nuts tight.
• Jack, wheel brace and locking nut key present.

Brakes and suspension

A mountain pass is a bad place to discover your pads are finished. Get a visual brake inspection before any trip longer than 200 km. Check shocks aren't leaking. Make sure the handbrake actually holds.

Lights and signals

Walk around the car with the ignition on: low beam, high beam, indicators, brake lights, reverse lights, hazards, number plate light. It takes two minutes and it's what a traffic stop — or a rear-end collision — comes down to.

Documents and emergency kit

• Insurance certificate valid for the whole trip.
• Driving licence, logbook copy, ID.
• Reflective triangle and vest.
• First aid kit and torch.
• Water, phone charger, basic toolkit.
• Your garage's phone number saved offline.

The best breakdown is the one that never happens because you caught it in the driveway.

Book a pre-trip inspection with us before your next long drive — we'll catch what a quick glance won't.