In Rwanda, the vehicle fleet grows every year. Roads are improving, there are more vehicles on the road, and journeys are more frequent. In this context, safety does not depend solely on the driver. It also depends on the condition of the vehicle. Many breakdowns and accidents could be prevented through serious preventive maintenance. A comprehensive periodic check,  often called a tune-up, keeps your car in good shape and helps you avoid unpleasant surprises.

What does a periodic service actually involve?

Regular maintenance is not limited to a simple oil change. It is a comprehensive inspection of the vehicle’s essential components:

• The engine: spark plugs, filters, belts
• The braking system
• Various fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid)
• The battery and electrical system
• Tires and tire pressure

These checks ensure the vehicle operates at its best. They reduce the risk of sudden breakdowns, especially on long journeys across the country. A well-maintained car is more reliable, safer, and more pleasant to drive.

Why maintenance directly improves safety

Regular maintenance plays an important role in accident prevention. Here are the most important points.

Effective brakes in every situation

Worn brake pads or degraded brake fluid increase stopping distances. Regular inspection ensures a quick response, especially in heavy traffic.

Better visibility on the road

Functioning and properly adjusted headlights are essential, particularly on routes between Kigali and Musanze, where fog and darkness can catch drivers off guard.

More stable road handling

Rwanda’s hilly and sometimes uneven roads put significant strain on suspensions and tires. Poor wheel balancing or worn shock absorbers can compromise vehicle stability.

A reliable battery

A weak battery can leave your car stranded at the worst possible moment. A simple test can prevent this inconvenience.

Regular maintenance: a real financial saving

Some drivers put off services to save money. In reality, the opposite is often true.

• An undetected small oil leak can lead to a costly engine failure.
• A poorly tuned engine uses more fuel.
• A complete service history increases the vehicle’s resale value.

In Rwanda, where the second-hand market is very active, a maintenance record reassures buyers.

How often should your vehicle be serviced?

As a general rule, a full inspection is recommended every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometres, or at least once a year. However, it all depends on how you use your vehicle:

• Frequent urban driving in Huye or Kigali: repeated braking, faster wear.
• Rural or mountainous roads: greater strain on the engine and suspension.

Adapting the frequency of your services to your driving habits is essential.

What about electric vehicles?

Electric vehicles are gaining ground in Rwanda. Their maintenance is different, but equally important. The key checks concern the battery system, regenerative brakes, and software updates.

To explore electric models suited to the local market, the EV24.africa platform offers import solutions designed for Africa.

Where to get your vehicle serviced in Rwanda?

The country now has many qualified garages specialising in preventive maintenance. On Carisoko.com, for example, you can find reliable partner workshops suited to your vehicle. For local automotive news and practical advice, also visit Automag.rw.

Koto.rw is part of the Africar Group network, an automotive ecosystem present in more than 20 African countries. This network enhances service quality and access to reliable information for Rwandan drivers.

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