Keeping your Car in Perfect Condition in Uganda: 17 Tips

One of the greatest inventions of all time, considering its impact on our lives, is the car. Here are a few simple, easy-to-remember tips for keeping your car in excellent shape.

The invention of the car remains one of the greatest inventions of all time, considering its impact on human lives. Its use has simplified the movement of people and goods from one point to another. 

The almost constant demand for cars over the years has been highly attributed to the convenience that comes with car ownership. The auto industry is quite massive.

The same basic concept applies to keeping our cars in the greatest possible condition, just as we take care of ourselves, consume the right foods, and stay in shape.

In Uganda, car owners frequently neglect their automobiles until they break down. An automobile is a valuable asset that should be checked and maintained regularly. 

A little attention to your car’s upkeep can help you stay safe on the road while also preserving the worth of your vehicle. 

A well-maintained vehicle performs better and costs less to operate and repair.

Here are a few simple, easy-to-remember recommendations for keeping your car in great shape.

Change your oil

Oil is the lifeblood of your automotive, and without it, it will not travel far or quietly. Have your mechanic show you how to properly check your oil and change it every 4,000 – 5,000km. 

While oil producers claim that their oil may last 5000 km, it is typically recommended that in Uganda you use the same oil for no more than 4000 km to enhance engine durability and efficiency over time. 

This is because of our poor dusty bad roads where our cars pass every day. 

While in some countries they can use the same 5000km oil for 5000km, it is recommended that in Uganda you can use the oil for 1000km less due to our driving environment. 

Change your oil filter

Whenever you change your oil, make it a point to change your oil filter and put a new one. If you put an old oil filter, the oil is likely to start leaking. 

Therefore it is paramount to change your oil filter whenever you are changing your oil. 

Change your air filter or air cleaner

Make it a habit to change your air cleaner at least after every 2 services are done. 

Most drivers in Uganda tend to always blow out dust from the air cleaner whenever they are doing service for their cars. 

This is not bad but it should have a limit and it should not be done for more than 2 service sessions of your car. 

Change your windscreen wipers

This may look to be a simple task but it’s very necessary to keep changing your windscreen wipers when you see they are no longer wiping your windscreen very well. 

Worn-out wipers will always give you a bad driving experience especially when it’s raining and it’s at night. 

Therefore make it a point to change them when necessary. 

Change your driving habits

This is very serious, especially in the case of countries with bad roads like Uganda. 

Slow down when you see a hump ahead of you, slow down on rough roads and roads with many pot holes. This prevents your car from getting damaged unnecessarily. 

Also, avoid overspeeding unnecessarily then after you brake instantly. Practice good driving habits for your good car maintenance. 

Change your timing belt

Check your owner’s manual to know when you have to change your timing belt. As a thumb rule, you should change your timing belt after every 100,000km. 

OR else when you see warning signs that your timing belt is worn out, endeavour to change it so fast. Most modern cars show an engine warning light when the timing belt is worn out and it needs to be changed. 

If your timing belt completely fails when you are driving, you are likely to face some serious repairs. You will not only replace the timing belt, but you will also have to fix some other components damaged by its abrupt failure.

Maintain brakes 

Modern cars’ braking systems are designed to be replaced regularly to retain optimal braking efficiency and if there is any problem there is normally a brake light warning on the dashboard. 

If you discover a brake light warning sign on the dashboard, it means that your brake system is faulty somewhere, therefore have them examined as soon as possible. 

If your brakes fail, you could have a severe accident.

Pay attention to warning signs 

When you acquire a car, take time to understand the meaning of all the dashboard lights on your car. Remember a car in good working condition should not have any red light while its engine is running. 

When you see any red light on your dashboard, please give your recommended mechanic a call immediately because it’s a warning that something is wrong somewhere. 

Delaying a repair may cause irreversible damage to the vehicle, necessitating a painfully more expensive repair or even may cause your car to break down while you are travelling. 

Only work with reputable mechanics

Finding an honest, trustworthy, competent car technician is similar to finding a fantastic doctor for our annual exam. 

A fantastic technician will assist you in keeping your car in good running order. Look for dealerships that offer the specific automobile in a comprehensive auto shop directory to find a good repair. 

A good old-fashioned referral from a buddy also helps.

Keep the car’s body in good condition 

While most individuals would not go out in public looking shabby, the appearance of our car is also significant. 

Simple actions like keeping your car washed, and waxed regularly and repairing dents and dings will help preserve the value of your automobile and prevent long-term issues like corrosion and fading.

Maintain a clean interior

As needed, clean and vacuum the interior. When it comes the time to trade in or sell an automobile, the inside is sometimes a selling factor. 

While many people are unconcerned with the oil or tyres, the deal is off if the CD player is broken or the interior is messy. It has been claimed that the cabin holds the car’s value, and that statement is correct. 

Every quarter spent at a pay vacuum will be repaid to you with interest if you ever opt to trade the car in or sell it.

Use the right tyres with the right inflate

Ascertain that they are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Tire gauges are inexpensive and straightforward to use. 

When tread wear signs appear between the treads, tyres should be replaced. If you are not sure how to detect tread wear indications, see your local tyre store. 

Check your tyres for pressure each other day and wear or damage once a week. Replace them after they’ve worn out beyond what is acceptable.

Rotate Your Tyres

As we are still on the subject of tyres, rotate your tyres constantly. If you don’t know what this means, please consult your mechanic for assistance. 

This practice helps your tyres wear down evenly with time. 

Check for clear and working windows

Ensure all windows, mirrors, and lights are in good working order. Any faulty lights or mirrors should be replaced as soon as feasible. 

A windshield repair company can assess whether small windshield fractures can be repaired or if the windshield needs to be replaced. 

Check for cracks and damage regularly.

Keep all fluids topped up

The fluids that the drive train requires are the car’s other lifeblood. 

At least once a week, check the coolant, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, windshield washer fluid, brake fluid, and other fluids. 

Request that your mechanic demonstrates how to check these.

Check your car every morning

Make it a habit to check your car every morning and make some simple tasks like checking the brake fluid level, coolant level, water for wipers, battery etc. 

See if all are in good condition and at the recommended levels. 

Emission control systems

Depending on where you reside, you may be obliged to have your car’s emissions examined regularly. 

In most cases, a professional must make the diagnosis. Two frequent culprits are oxygen sensors and EGR valves.

These many simple tasks can help you keep your car in good condition in Uganda. 

The advantages associated with the whole idea of maintaining your car in perfect condition should encourage every car owner to strive towards doing so.