Counterfeit spare parts are wreaking havoc in all African markets and Kenya has not been spared. This is a challenge that seems to have established strong roots and it’s not only endangering the lives of drivers and passengers, but also affecting the performance of the vehicles. The list of spares that are usually counterfeited include light bulbs, spark plugs, brake pads, oil, filters, oil pumps, water pumps, steering linkages and airbags. Unsuspecting customers are misled by spare parts that are packaged in exactly the same way as the original brands. It’s mostly experienced mechanics and spare parts dealer that are able to tell them apart. Counterfeit parts are usually way much cheaper than the original brands, though unscrupulous dealers sometimes sell them at the same price to unsuspecting buyers. While pricing seems to influence purchase decisions in Africa, one needs to understand…
They say a car is like a child when it needs something, it will make noise. Car noises can range from normal to horrible and it’s up to the driver to determine which noises need your immediate attention. Unfortunately, many drivers, especially new ones, have no idea what different car noises mean. This could cause unnecessary panic or worse, further damage to your car. It is, therefore, important to be acquainted with different car noises. Here are some car noises you should never ignore. Noise When Shifting Gears Any noise when shifting gears is a clear indication that something isn’t right. It could be a problem with the clutch, torque converter or transmission fluid. Failure to address the issue immediately could lead to further damage to the gearbox which can be quite costly. It’s important to bring your car to a specialist who will…
It’s not uncommon for car manufacturers to make drastic changes to a new generation of cars, including changing an entire engine. Therefore, it didn’t come as a shock when Subaru announced that they will no longer be using the EJ20 engine in their WRX STi vehicles. The Japanese automotive company made the announcement during the 46th Tokyo Motor Show. This will be the final edition of the highly beloved Subaru WRX STi running on the horizontally opposed engine EJ20, one of Subaru’s leading sports engines, as orders close in December 2019 Many might be wondering what the big deal is about this engine. While very little is known or heard about the EJ20 engine, this is the driving force behind Subaru’s numerous victories in the World Rally Championship. It has been in production with Subaru since 1989 and while it mostly features in the…
Many car owners are faced with the conflict of when the best time is to sell their car. There are a number of situations that will prompt you to sell your car. However, you also need to ensure that you get value for your money. Selling your car relies on timing more than anything. If you wait too long, you might get shorthanded. On the other hand, if you sell your car without considering important factors that affect its resale value, you might not get what you expected. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect time to sell. Safety Newer model cars have better safety features than older models. Therefore, this is something to motivate you to sell your car. If you have a family, it’s important to consider a car with higher safety ratings to ensure that they are safe…
With new technology comes new upgrades to install in your car. Many car enthusiasts lust over the latest car technology like foodies lust over a beefy burger. Upgrading your car can be as drastic as an entire body kit or as simple as replacing your padded seats with leather seats. While some do it as a fun pastime, it might be necessary to upgrade your car for better performance and appearance. However, there are some things you should consider before upgrading your car. Here are some tips on whether or not you should upgrade your car. Stability Will an upgrade affect your car’s performance for the better or worse? Some upgrades might make your car less stable hence more prone to accidents. Additionally, it might make your car too powerful, something that you might not be accustomed to. Ensure that before you upgrade your…
Fuel consumption is a point of concern for many drivers and car buyers. Fuel prices affect everyone and with the rising costs, most people opt for cars with lower fuel consumption as they are more economical. Additionally, it’s better for the environment if your car isn’t a fuel guzzler. Without proper care and good driving, you can increase your car’s fuel consumption by up to 30%. That’s quite a significant amount that can be prevented. Here are some driving tips to minimize your car’s fuel consumption. Avoid Carrying Too Much Weight Make sure your car as light as possible before driving. Remove any unnecessary items that are on the heavy side. According to a study done, every 50Kgs adds 2% more fuel consumption. So, assuming you’re carrying one adult plus yourself with a combined weight of 150Kgs, that’s already a 6% fuel consumption increase….
Buying a secondhand car is much like buying any secondhand item. The risks and rewards might be bigger since it’s a big purchase. However, you’ll encounter similar ups and downs as we discussed in Pros & Cons Of Buying A Locally Used Car. This also happens to be the most preferred method of acquiring a car, especially in the Kenyan market. Therefore, deciding whether to buy a secondhand car is only half the battle. A lot of things come into play that you should keep in mind. Here are some things to consider when buying a secondhand car. Do Your Research It’s not as simple as contacting a seller and buying the car. You need to ensure you know what you’re getting yourself into. Research on the car’s resale value, if it has any common defects and how suitable it is to your needs….
To most people, a petrol engine might seem better than a diesel engine. This assumption is based on their efficiency, convenience and availability in the market. However, to be fair, most people lack enough information about the two types of engines and what each has to offer. The truth is, it’s not as simple as saying a petrol engine car is better than a diesel engine car or vice versa. Therefore, if you’re having this debate, here are some things to take into account. Performance Petrol engines have racecar-like performance. In terms of acceleration, petrol engines are quicker than diesel engines. Since diesel fuel is thicker, it requires a heavy engine which contributes to the car’s weight and acceleration time. Additionally, petrol engines are finely refined which leads to quick burning. The lighter machinery contributes to faster acceleration time. However, the higher density…