Owner's manuals give two schedules: normal and severe. Dusty and rough roads, stop-start traffic, short trips and heavy loads all count as severe — which describes most driving in Kenya.
A sensible schedule
| Item | Typical interval (severe use) |
|---|---|
| Engine oil and oil filter | 5,000 km or 6 months |
| Air filter | Inspect at every service; replace around 10,000–20,000 km |
| Cabin filter | Every 15,000–20,000 km |
| Brake fluid | Every 2 years |
| Coolant | As per manual, usually every 2–5 years |
| Spark plugs (iridium) | Around 60,000–100,000 km |
| CVT / automatic fluid | Check the manual; many specialists advise every 40,000–60,000 km |
Always check your own car's manual: intervals differ between engines.
Use the right oil
Use the viscosity your manual specifies (for example 0W-20 or 5W-30). Thicker oil is not "stronger" — it can make a modern engine work harder.
Don't ignore the small things
- Check tyre pressures every fortnight, when the tyres are cold.
- Top up washer fluid and check the coolant level weekly.
- Listen for new noises: a squeal when braking or a knock over bumps means it's time for a check.
Find a garage near you, or order filters and oil delivered.