Renting a car in Tanzania makes everything most convenient and flexible whether you intend to embark on a road trip or business tour. But first, be certain that rental cars like your personal vehicle do require routine maintenance to be effective and efficient for your road trip. Ensuring that your rental car is properly maintained, its performances as well are improved and can prevent any sudden breakdowns that may come at a cost.
Ensuring routine maintenance and upkeep of your rental cars to some people is challenging and complicated, especially if you are a first-time user or if you have just began a car hire company. But it is possible to keep your rental cars fit for road trips, and here are some essential maintenance tips for long-term car rentals in Tanzania;
Regularly check fluid levels
Before you set off for actual road trip, it is essential that you cross-check the fluid levels in your rental car. The focus should be on the engine oil, windshield washer fluid, coolant, transmission fluid and brake fluid. If you are traveling during cool weather conditions, you should ensure that the antifreeze mixture is suitable for the temperatures such that it prevents engine damage that comes as a result of freezing.
Be aware that oil is the lifeblood of any car’s engine. It acts as a lubricant – it is what prevents the engine parts from grinding on each other which may result into damage to the engine. If the oil isn’t changed regularly, accumulated contaminants can cause added friction thus damaging the engine. Before you set off or your guests embark on the road trip in Tanzania, be certain that the oil used meets the requirements stated in the user’s manual.
Besides engine oils, you can also check the transmission oil and you can do this by using a dipstick and others may require you to visually inspect levels. Cross-checking the above levels prior to embarking on a long drive is essential. Note; when inspecting coolant levels, you DO NOT need to remove the radiator cap. You can inspect the levels from the transparent refill container.
Car tires
Due to changes in weather conditions, often tire pressure get affected. This is why you should do regular check on the tire pressure of your rental vehicle. Be aware that underinflated car tyres can result into reduced fuel efficiency and poor handling and overinflated tyres can affect traction. The car tyre pressure can be checked using a tyre gauge for you to have accurate readings.
Check through the owner’s manual to find out the exact amount of air pressure that you require. Besides knowing the air pressure, you should also have a spare tyre –this can save you when there is emergency.
Aside from pressure, you should also inspect the tyre tread depth to be certain that it has adequate grip on wet roads.
Replace wiper blades
Weather patterns can change any time and if in any case you anticipate encountering rain on your road trip, ensuring proper inspection of your car wiper blades is essential. Be aware that the worn/damaged wiper blades can impair visibility during inclement weather, thus increasing the risk of road accidents. In case the wiper blades have any signs of deterioration, replacing is the solution to ensure that you have clear visibility.
Maintain battery health
Car battery is one of the useful components that you should take note of and equally, it requires regular tests to be certain it is in top shape. Maintaining your car batter health has numerous benefits and most importantly, ensues safety of your guests on a road trip and also saves you as car hire service provider from incurring a cost when it suddenly breaks down.
Owner’s manual
The owner’s manual is among the items you receive with the car and often, it is stacked away in the glove compartment and at the end, it is left unread. It is one significant item that you should consider because it covers a maintenance schedule section. When you cross-check it, you can have info on the oil change, belts and hoses, etc.
Inspect the HVAC system
Thorough inspection on the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system of your rental car should be a must-do. Any signs of damage/malfunction like unusual noises/weak airflow should be taken note and let the car hire service provider be aware of them,
Lights
Before you embark on actual road trip, make sure that the lights of your car are functional. Cars come with several lights and each play a significant role when you are driving. You should be certain that the car headlights are functioning and also the turn signals, parking and brake lights.
Other essential tips to consider include keep the exterior clean, protect the paint especially from heat, cold and moisture; carry emergency supplies like blankets, flashlight, bottled water, first aid kit, portable phone charger and others; adapt driving habits and more.
