What to check before you drive out

Most roadside breakdowns give a warning first: a soft tyre, a drip under the car, a light that stays on. Build the habit of a quick walk-around before every drive and a slightly deeper check once a week (and before any long trip upcountry), and you'll catch the majority of problems while they're still cheap. A handy way to remember the weekly check is POWDER: Petrol, Oil, Water, Damage, Electrics, Rubber.

Step by step

1. 1

   Walk around the car

   Before you get in, walk all the way round. Look at every tyre — is one visibly lower than the others? Look for fresh dents, a hanging bumper, broken glass or a cracked mirror. It takes 30 seconds and it's the single most useful habit on this list.

2. 2

   Look underneath where you parked

   Glance at the ground under the engine. A few drops of clear water under the front passenger side is usually just aircon condensation and is normal. Anything else — black or brown (oil), green, pink or orange (coolant), red (transmission or power-steering fluid), or clear and slippery near a wheel (possibly brake fluid) — needs checking before you set off.

3. 3

   Clear your view

   Clean the windscreen, windows and mirrors, especially after dusty roads or overnight dew. Check the wipers clear the glass without smearing and that there's fluid in the washer bottle — on murram roads you'll use it more than you think.

4. 4

   Start up and watch the dashboard

   When you turn the key, most warning lights come on briefly as a self-test, then go out once the engine is running. Any red light that stays on (oil, temperature, battery, brakes) means don't drive until you know why. Amber lights mean get it looked at soon. See our dashboard warning lights guide for what each one means.

5. 5

   Check fuel and plan for it

   Know how far you're going and where you'll refuel. Upcountry stretches can have long gaps between stations, and running a modern car very low on fuel can overheat the in-tank fuel pump. A good rule is to refuel at a quarter tank.

6. 6

   Test the lights (weekly)

   Switch on headlights (dipped and main beam), indicators, hazards and brake lights. Use the reflection in a shop window or garage door, or ask someone to stand behind the car while you press the brake. A dead brake light is one of the most common causes of being rear-ended.

7. 7

   Check oil and coolant levels (weekly)

   With the car parked on level ground, check the engine oil on the dipstick and the coolant level in the expansion tank — both take under two minutes once you know where to look. Our oil and coolant guides walk you through it step by step.

8. 8

   Check tyre pressures and tread (weekly)

   Check all four tyres — and the spare — with a gauge while they're cold, against the pressures on the sticker in the driver's door frame (not the number moulded on the tyre). Look for bulges, cuts and worn tread. See our tyre pressure and tread guide.

9. 9

   Set up the driving position

   Seat, steering wheel and all three mirrors adjusted before you move — not while driving. Everyone in the car wears a seatbelt, front and back, and children are in the right seat or booster for their size.

10. 10

    Check what you're carrying

    Driving licence, a valid insurance certificate, and your emergency kit (see the tips below). Kenyan traffic rules require every car to carry two reflective warning triangles. A fire extinguisher isn't legally required for private cars (it is for PSVs and commercial vehicles), but it's well worth carrying.

General guidance only. Your owner's manual has the final word on specs, fluids and procedures for your vehicle. Last reviewed 24 September 2026.