Car Care Resolutions We Should All Try To Keep In 2021!

Happy 2021 from all of us at Carhoot!

 
 
 

We are all still reeling from the unique and history-defying year that was 2020, and as the entire world clamours to achieve a semblance of normalcy this year… there are a few things we should talk about. For instance, have you considered adding your car to your New Years resolution list this year? Think about it, we use our cars every single day. They are our secret keepers, junk carriers, and food stores (sometimes) and its only fair if we give them the much-needed TLC they need to stay slaying for as long as we need them.

 

 

 

Stop Skipping Service Appointments

 

Taking care of your car and going for service checks can be annoying and boring but it can also save your life and the life of other drivers. Aside from the safety implications, keeping up with scheduled service appointments may seem expensive but these checks are vital in ensuring in preventing more expensive issues from arising and affecting you and your vehicle. Keeping up with your car service maintainece checks ensures that:

 

  1. You save money on preventative repairs;

  2. Keep your car running efficiently and safely;

  3. Keep your car in great resale condition;

PRO TIP: Take advantage of Carhoot’s automated car maintenance reminders by downloading the app today on Google Play and the Apple Store.

 

 

 

A Clean Car = A Happy Driver

 

Let’s promise to keep the junk in our cars at a minimum this year. Aside from helping us feel a whole lot better in a clean and great smelling car, getting rid of unnecessary junk and items is very important for road safety. In cases of accidents, items that are not properly strapped down and stored can cause injuries. Also, regularly vacuuming your car interior and keeping it clean will help maintain its resale value and prevent damage to the interior and seats. This year lets all promise to make proper use of our cup holders, wash our car interiors and exteriors regularly and go for detailing as often as we can afford to.

 

 

 

Resist Your Road Rage Cravings

 

We are all human, meaning none of us are perfect drivers. So, no matter how annoying it gets when someone cuts you off or is driving slowly on the highway, take a deep breath and remember that we all make mistakes. The truth is, they most likely did not intend to cut you off or have a whole world of reasons as to why they made that wrong turn. Being nice and polite is way more productive and helpful to other drivers, even in times of accidents and small mishaps.

 

 

 

Protect The Environment

 

Our highways still remain as some of the most littered areas of our cities and towns across the world. The only reason for this is because of a cultivated culture of littering through our car windows. Invest in a collapsible car dustbin for your car to store all those candy wrappers and food packaging during your road trips and make it a rule fo you and any occupants in your car to dispose of any trash responsibly.

 

 

 

Learn A Few Car Maintenance Skills

 

There is no better feeling than learning a new skill. Especially for new drivers, it pays to know what is happening or going on with your car. Whether it’s learning to change your tire or understanding just how your engine works. These skills may come in handy when you are driving in remote places where access to car care professionals is limited and will also help you properly relay information during those instances you need professional assistance from your mechanic.

 

We hope that 2021 is a great year for you and your vehicle!

 
 
 

CHOOSE JOY!

How To Keep Your Car Running Smoothly In A Pandemic

This year has been entirely unique thanks to COVID-19. Our modes of interaction have completely changed. For a lot of us, our daily drives to the office were cut short in favour of remote work systems, and we no longer had to pick our kids from school thanks to online classes. As a result, our cars haven’t enjoyed or received as much attention as they used to. An idle and unmaintained car can be a huge source of danger and we at Carhoot took it upon ourselves to share a few COVID-19 car care tips before we embark on our holiday road trips & adventures:

 

Keep It Clean

It’s really important to keep your vehicle clean, especially if you are going to leave it for long periods of time. Our cars collect tons of germs and dirt, and this can create serious health risks, not to mention, affect the longevity of your car. Research shows that our steering wheels are the dirtiest parts of our cars and with COVID19, maintaining clean surfaces is a life-saving necessity.

 

Dirt on your car can:

 

  1. Limit your visibility. The headlights are subject to all the dirt, road grime, insects and light as the front end of your vehicle, which can quickly eat into the lens surface. This can severely reduce the spread of the headlight beam, making it harder to see and be seen.

  2. Lead to corrosion and rust. Remove enough paint, and the underlying metal will be directly exposed to water and moisture in the air, leading to rust. Even if all the paint is intact, there will still be small unpainted areas at the edges of panels that are still susceptible, especially when salt is present

  3. Breaking Through Clearcoat. Modern car coatings are made up of a primer, a colour coat, and a clear coat. Breakthrough the layer of clearcoat, and your car’s paint will age a lot faster. The clear coat is there to protect the underlying coloured base coat from UV light and physical damage so your car stays the same colour for years. Once that protective layer is removed, the colour will bleach out from light exposure, while it will wear down faster because it isn’t as abrasion-resistant as the topcoat. Primer is designed to adhere to the metal and provide a surface for the paint. If it’s exposed, it will draw in moisture, further accelerating paint damage

  4. A car cover is a worthy investment and will help protect your car from the elements, especially if you will leave it unused for extended periods.

Make sure you get it thoroughly cleaned and pay attention to all those little hard to reach spots.

 

PRO TIP: Spray any unpainted metal with undercoating to help protect against rust and plug in some steel wool in your exhaust pipe to prevent little insects & critters from messing up with your car. You can also use the Carhoot App to request for detailing before storing it.

 

 

 

Keep Your Tires Healthy

When it comes to tires, vigilance is key. Under-inflation is one of the leading causes of tire failure. If tire pressure is too low, too much of the tire’s surface area touches the road, which increases friction. Increased friction can cause the tires to overheat, which can lead to premature wear, tread separation and blowouts. Flat tires are a constant danger on our roads and one of the ways you can develop a flat is if you don’t use/move your car as often. You can keep your tires in tip-top shape by:

 

  1. Filling them with nitrogen prevents air from running out quickly and running flat. Remember in Chemistry class, when we were taught Nitrogen is heavier than Oxygen…well, facts like these come in handy when keeping your tyres in great shape!

  2. Rotate your tires regularly…you can set reminders on your mobile devices or Google Calendar to make sure you don’t forget!

  3. Make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended air pressure levels as per your manufacturer and be careful not to exceed the recommended limit.

  4. Don’t engage the parking brake if you are going to keep your car in storage, as it can become “frozen” and difficult to disengage. If you’re worried about your car rolling, get some wheel chocks or blocks of wood to wedge against the tires.

  5. If you have access to the right tools & space (flat and preferably concrete floored storage space/garage) you can consider raising your car to take off weight from the tires and suspension.

  6. Lastly, always check ALL FIVE TYRES before going anywhere. Even your spare tire needs some TLC before any road adventure.

PRO TIP: Make use of the Carhoot App to replace your old tires with high quality and verified tires, and get your tires balanced.

 

 

 

Check Your Fuel, Fluids & Pow

Cars use a lot of fluids to function properly. A car generally has around 6 primary fluids aside from fuel. If you are not going to use your car as often or even at all, you still need to keep up with your car’s recommended fluid maintenance checks. Keep your car running smoothly by:

 

  1. Keeping your fuel tank full when storing your car. This will help prevent moisture from building up in the fuel tank. Fuel can last up to three months but adding an ethanol-based stabilizer can help keep your fuel lines and engine safe from corrosion.

  2. Check all your fluid levels (engine coolant, transmission fluids, brake fluids, antifreeze, etc )and change them as needed. If you live in colder areas like Limuru & Kericho, make sure you keep a close eye on your antifreeze levels.

  3. Change your engine oil often. It is also recommended that you run fuel through the system every once in a while to keep your engine healthy. Don’t forget to change your oil filter too!

  4. Your car battery will lose charge (discharge) if it isn’t driven in a couple of weeks. All you need to keep your battery running is to connect it to a trickle charger or battery tender with an automatic shut-off feature or float mode. This will make sure that your battery doesn’t get overcharged. The battery can remain in your car or be removed while it’s hooked up to the battery tender.

PRO TIP: Keep a full fuel canister in your garage or on hand, and remember to top off your fuel tank every time you store your car. Alternatively, you can make use of the Carhoot fuel delivery feature if you run out and don’t want to leave home.

 
 
 

We hope you learnt a few neat tricks and drive safe this Festive Season!

 
 
 

#CHOOSEJOY!

We Officially Launched The Carhoot Mobile App!

As Abraham Lincoln said, “ Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” Building Carhoot has been an incredible journey, undertaken by a team of passionate, dedicated, and most of all talented individuals who made it their mission to bring this beautiful vision to life.

 

Like any other event these days, the launch was held virtually, with attendees from all corners of the globe joining in. The majority were tech professionals, who were curious to check out the app’s features and engage with Carhoot Founder & CEO, Moses Kihumba. The event was kicked off at 10 AM, EAT by our accomplished moderator, the amazing Mercy Orangi, a Developer Relations Expert who works at Andela and who is a respected member of the global and African tech community.

 
 
 

Carhoot aims to take advantage of Kenya’s impressive digitization and extensive mobile penetration rates, by giving local drivers access to verified, trusted and convenient services within Nairobi easily. Bill Gates, Co-Founder of Microsoft once said, when asked about where he sees technology heading in the future, that “The advance of technology is based on making it fit in so that you don’t really even notice it, so it’s part of everyday life.” According to Mercy, this is exactly what Carhoot is bringing to the table; a tech-powered local solution to an immense local problem that is available at the touch of a button by everyday tech-savvy drivers.

“Moderating this event was an absolute joy and very apt personally for me, especially being a female driver, because a lot of my car trouble stories revolve around mechanics who take advantage of a % of female drivers who are not quite savvy in car care knowledge hence either bluff them on e.g. parts being changed during service, or overstating car part and car service costs .”

 

Mercy Orangi — Developer Relations Expert in Africa

 
 
 

One of the star features the app boasts, is providing drivers with transparent and open financial management when it comes to taking care of their cars. Since most Kenyan garages are jua kali establishments, it is often quite easy for new car owners or people who aren’t as knowledgeable about cars to fall prey to irregular and unethical pricing practices. The app allows users to pay standard and consistent rates for each service or product and keeps track of each expenditure on your behalf. It is incredibly interesting to note that 72% of our event attendees do not believe that men and women pay the same rates for car care services. For female drivers who are often targeted and made to pay ridiculously high rates for regular services, the app is a huge blessing, that will help solve the huge prevailing gender bias practices in the local auto care industry.

 

Why Carhoot Exists & The Significance of The Launch Event

 

As Kenya’s first homegrown end-to-end car care and maintenance mobile app, Carhoot is a huge deal. We are a middle-income country that has marked a huge increase in motorization over the past decade, yet proper access to affordable car maintenance services is still sorely lacking. Kenya has also noted a 46.5% increase in RTAs (road traffic accidents) according to a report by the NTSA (National Transport Safety Authority) with poor vehicle conditions being ranked as one of the key contributing factors to this sad state of affairs. Despite this fact, very little is being done to create public awareness on the importance of proper vehicle maintenance in saving Kenyan lives; with almost all of the focus being directed towards curbing drunk driving. Part of Carhoot’s mission is to help Kenyan drivers understand the huge & life-saving value of car care, by using technology to build a nationwide culture that encourages vehicle maintenance.

 
 
 

Being a public platform that allows for ratings and feedback by end-users has raised confidence and trust in using the platform for a myriad of car care requests as shared by Mercy and a majority of the event attendees. The Carhoot mobile app is readily available on both Google Play and the App Store ensuring accessibility to as many Kenyans living in Nairobi as possible. The local tech ecosystem in Kenya is definitely growing in the right direction, by creating tech solutions to local problems, and judging by the amazing feedback we received, many of the attendees are eager to see the actualization of Carhoot’s infinite growth potential in scaling both our user base and the number of services we currently offer.

The Keynote Address by Carhoot CEO & Founder, Moses Kihumba

 

The launch was something that Moses has been looking forward to for a while and he began his speech by expressing his extreme good fortune and gratitude for being part of an incredible team that is bringing a game-changing idea to life! Reinstating one of his hero’s, Albert Einstein’s most famous quotes about the impact of technology, he reminded us all about Albert’s famous calls to the public to appreciate the value of innovation, and understand how dramatically it could change our lives.

 

Moses further went on to question one of the most common notions held by local drivers, that the quality of service delivery when it comes to vehicle maintenance is directly impacted by human interaction. For many car owners, being present means your parts aren’t being stolen or tampered with…but does this argument still hold water in a modern world? The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has given us all access to multiple incredible innovations, from banking to communication, to requesting or taxis and even ordering food…spending precious hours under the hot sun in a garage should no longer be a common aspect of our everyday lives in this day and age.

“True innovation today, is centred on humans. It’s focused on our behaviour, our passions and our needs. As that is what makes innovation meaningful, it’s how it transforms our lives and the way we live. Today we bring you Carhoot. An innovation that has been designed to make your car ownership experience completely new.”

 

As we continue to live with the global shadow that COVID-19 has cast on our lives, many people have been unable to properly maintain their cars and keep up with regular service checks. Minimizing social interactions has come at a heavy price that most people assumed was due to poor lifestyle choices; but in fact, the silent danger posed by unmaintained and unserviced vehicles has led to several deaths this year. In Kenya, we witnessed high levels of RTAs during the first weeks after travel restrictions and the major nationwide lockdown was lifted. It is safe to say that a significant number of these accidents were a result of poor car maintenance. Attendees further verified this during a live poll we conducted, with 61% stating that COVID-19 had negatively impacted how often and thoroughly they looked after their cars.

 

“The Africa automotive insights report by Deloitte found that 47 percent of car owners in Kenya, service their cars at jua kali and open-air garages. What we want to do is make car servicing as easy as ordering your next meal. It’s difficult to remember to schedule things like oil changes and brake jobs with so many other things going on in your life. Not to mention being at the mercy of some dishonest mechanics, who may bleed you dry if you still don’t know what an oil filter is.”

 

With Carhoot in the hands of local drivers, social distancing and regular car maintenance can happen concurrently, and drivers can rest easy knowing that their cars are in good hands. Carhoot users are able to track progress and receive updates on the status of their vehicles. The pick-up and drop off feature further allows users to live their lives and attend to more pressing matters without having to do everything on their own.

 
 
 

Carhoot’s presence in the market comes at a time when we have a population that is tech-inclined, with car ownership is on the rise, with more than 3.2M registered motor vehicles in Kenya (As of 2018). The value of time has only risen and people have better things to do than spending precious hours and even days under the sun, waiting for their cars to be fixed. Beyond automation and the ability to provide car care services more conveniently and at more affordable rates; the app also gives us the opportunity to gather much-needed data, to help improve and better identify needs and gaps in the local automotive industry.

 
 
 

We would love to thank everyone who joined and also all the thousands of people who engaged with us on social media during the launch!


WE ARE ON THIS RIDE TOGETHER!

 

Special appreciation to the entire team at Carhoot for making the launch a huge success. For any queries in regards to the app, kindly send an email to jambo@carhoot.app and a member of our team will get back to you. You can keep up with the latest #CarhootNews by following our social pages on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Navigating Through Car Trouble Like A Pro With Kids In Your Car.

It is about that time of the year when plans for trips are in overdrive because Christmas is right around the corner. This year may be a little bit different but people and families are still travelling. Over the past week, the CarHoot Team has received numerous story submissions from our online fuel giveaways and a good number involved car trouble stories where the unfortunate car trouble survivors were parents and caregivers ferrying their kids to or from school, sleepovers or on a road trip when their cars hit some kind of trouble. So, we went ahead and did a ton of research, because if we are being honest, car trouble causes so much stress and anxiety and with younger passengers on board, things can get very intense pretty quickly; especially with toddlers and babies! With CarHoot by your side, things are much but there are still some life-saving tips that we all need in these situations:

 

Standard Car Safety Tips for Parents & Caregivers

 

Before we go into safety tips for kids when your car is in trouble, we have to first go through the basics:

 

  1. Ensure the baby/toddler/young child is safely and properly strapped into their car seat at the centre of your back seat and ensure that they ALWAYS seat in the back. This is because airbags weren’t designed for kids and can not offer them the same level of protection they do to adults. The car seat straps should all fit snugly, especially over the shoulder and thigh areas. The rule here is straps should always lie flat, never twisted. TIP: If you can hold or pinch even a bit of the straps harness between your fingers, it’s very loose. For slightly older kids, consider the use of a convertible seat that can carry up to 30kgs weight.

  2. Keep your kids comfy for the road in attire that allows their legs to move. Shorts, loose-fitting jogging pants or sweats and even leggings are great options. This will make it much easier to strap them in properly. If the weather is freezing cold, first strap in your child, then cover them up with a blanket. TIP: NEVER buckle a blanket under the straps.

  3. Slouching and head flops are common problems for babies and especially newborns in car seats and this can be addressed by adding support to their shoulder and neck areas. TIP: rolled up diapers or towels are great DIY solutions in case your seat isn’t specially made with custom head and shoulder supports. NEVER use a blanket to pad your child. For babies with tilting heads while in their car seats, just make sure the car seat is at a 35–45 degree angle.

  4. Ensure your child keeps ALL their limbs, body parts in the car. Especially for toddlers, talk to your child about why its important not to stick their head or hands outside car windows, even when your car is parked.

  5. Always ensure that your childproof car door lock settings are always active. This feature is available in most cars and ensures your young one can not leave the car unsupervised or without your permission.

  6. Snacks and water for long trips are essential and will help keep your kids hydrated, calm and well behaved. Avoid sugary drinks and snacks as you want your toddler well behaved and relaxed. TIP: forward-facing car seats are best, especially during snack time so you can easily monitor what they are doing from the driver’s seat.

  7. Make sure any loose and unnecessary items are strapped or placed in the glove box to avoid the risk of injury. TIP: Teach your kids to use the cup holders if they are old enough in case of bottles or drinks.

  8. Keep your child happy in the car by engaging them with conversation, music, audiobooks, soft handheld toys and create a reward system for good behaviour in the car and on trips. A rowdy toddler, crying baby or angry child can greatly affect driver concentration. TIP: It is okay to pull over, park your car and give your child some attention if the need arises.

  9. Never leave your child unattended in a car. Opening the windows slightly does not help reduce heat levels on a hot day and especially in dark-coloured cars the heat levels rise quite rapidly.

  10. Ensure as a driver you maintain extreme caution. Avoid driving under the influence or fatigued at all costs. It is okay to pull over and take health breaks even when you are late. Avoid speeding, using your phone and even hands-free devices, as they can limit your concentration while driving.

Life Hacks During Car Trouble In The Presence of Kids

 

These things happen so this is what you can do to ensure your day and your kids day doesn’t get worse:

 

  1. STAY CALM! You are probably freaking out, especially if you are in the middle of nowhere but panicking will make the children anxious and increase your stress levels. Take a few deep breaths and make the necessary calls. TIP: If you have CarHoot on your phone, describe your issue in as much detail as possible to our team and we will dispatch the required help in under 30 minutes if you are in Nairobi.

  2. If your car starts making funny sounds or is not performing the way it usually does, do not hesitate to investigate. TIP: Park your car on the side of the road preferably away from bends and activate the hazard lights. If you have to step out of the car to make checks, calmly communicate the same to your kids if they are older. For younger kids, take another deep breath…your case is a little bit different.

  3. If you are the sole adult or caregiver and your kids are young, and you need to check on the condition of your car, first make calls to family members or close friends and notify at least two different people of the situation. Secondly, ensure that your indicators are on and enlist the help of fellow motorists or friendly bystanders to ensure you have extra eyes on your child or children and car.

  4. If you ABSOLUTELY have to step out of the car for a little while, ensure your kids are within your line of sight and the front seat car window are fully open and that your kids can easily call out or you can hear your child.

  5. Always travel with a car safety kit, that has snacks, an extra car phone charger, snacks, water, blankets, jackets, diapers, tissue, wet wipes and a reflective vest aside from first aid items.

  6. Keep your kids in the loop especially if they are older and give them updates so that they avoid worrying too. TIP: Make the situation part of the adventure and even use it as a learning opportunity and teach them how to deal with problems calmly and effectively.

  7. If you have to wait for roadside assistance, entertain your kids and keep yourself and themselves busy by playing games like I Spy or even singing songs until help arrives.

Choose Joy!

99 Problems But A Car Ain’t One: Transforming Car Maintenance for African Drivers

Isn’t it funny how we can order almost everything at the touch of your fingers, but when your car battery dies the only place you can turn to is your phonebook and that might not even be enough? CarHoot’s sole purpose is to remove the cumbersome burden of car maintenance from regular car owners in Africa. With

 
 
 

the added pressure of social media and the growth of aspirational cultures and habits, the world’s largest population of youth is even more determined than before to join the ranks or the car-owner clique. The reality is that no one understands just how hectic maintaining a car in Africa can get. The situation is even worse for female car owners and drivers who have to overcome gender bias from mechanics, service providers, and even other providers.

 

Women Belong Behind The Wheel!

 

After the laughter has died down from all the jokes, memes, and puns surrounding women drivers what we are left with is a society that preaches water and chugs a crate load of beer. There’s a huge gender bias in the local Kenyan automotive industry that needs to be called out. It’s 2020 and the fact is that a lot of female car owners pay more for regular car maintenance services just because of their gender. There is a silent expectation for women to have a man in their lives to help them with their cars and that’s far from reality. We are surrounded by strong independent women who drive and take care of their cars better than most people and it’s not fair that they get still get targeted in this day and age.

 
 
 

One of the main reasons for CarHoot’s existence is to right these commonly accepted wrongs and create a semblance of equity. By shifting the burden of car service maintenance to our platform, it doesn’t matter what race, gender, religion, or tribe you are. Everyone deserves access to great service without stress.

 

Let’s Put An End To The Paranoia

 

Want to know a shocking fact? 59% of Kenyan drivers have no clue whether the spare parts they buy are genuine. Stories of people taking their cars to be fixed and leaving with their genuine working car parts switched out for fakes or sub-standard parts are commonplace. That’s the main reason why most of us can’t trust our mechanics even when they are great guys. We end up spending way too much unnecessary time “supervising” what’s happening; and if we are really honest, some or most of the time we don’t even have a clue what’s happening.

 
 
 

CarHoot is here to give you the freedom to take care of your car without stress, find all the proper spare parts you need, and get access to free and fair pricing.

 
 
 

Only 14 days to our big launch! Make sure you join our virtual event and stand a chance to be part of the lucky few who try the app live and even win a few cool giveaways!

Why Carhoot Is The Ultimate Hero For Tech-Savvy Kenyan Drivers

Car trouble is one of those nightmares that can actually turn into a reality. From punctured tires to stalled engines, these things have that nagging habit of happening on days you need everything to go right. CarHoot is a mobile car maintenance and service app that takes care of the stress, baggage, time and worry associated with car problems of every kind; And just like our fav heroes, its more than a one-trick pony. CarHoot gives its users access to verified and high-quality spare parts with a warranty, and can even help users buy or import a car!

 

You Are On Your Way To An Important Meeting And Your Engine Stalls?

 

Maybe its a job interview or the day you are meant to give an important presentation to your board or star client…car trouble can change your life (or be the reason it doesn’t change). Picture yourself cruising slowly along Waiyaki Way during the morning rush hour and your engine quits while you are driving! Time slows down and you can feel as you slowly lose control of the power steering. Panic gives way to reality and you engage your brakes and switch on your hazards. Now, its not just the matatus and many cars causing the morning traffic. You feel the pressure, time is slowly ticking by, a good samaritan helps you steer your car to the roadside and you pull out your jumper cables but your baby just won’t start. You call your mechanic, but he is all the way in Industrial Area and isn’t available for another hour or so. The next thing on your mind is probably who to trust with your vehicle as you find a way to go to your meeting on time. It’s a Monday, you have to find someone who is free and knows about cars and can afford to spend whatever time it takes to babysit your car with the mechanic. You look through your phone book and realize your head hurts and your sweaty cause everyone you trust is busy! …

 

 

 

No Stopping Reggae…Life Goes On With Carhoot!

 

With CarHoot the safety, security and care of your car are all we are about. We believe that as a working professional time is money and yours is better spent worrying about more important things. Spending the whole day or days in the garage is the opposite of productive. Our dedicated team is available 24/7 to give you any type of roadside assistance you need. Once you have dropped your pin, confirmed your location and described the issue, all you have to do is place your order and a member of our team will be with you in under 30 minutes. For such cases, we even have verified drivers and towing partners who will take your car to a verified garage and you will receive an update via text message on your phone. Once your car is ready for collection, you will be notified and billed accordingly.

 

 

 

Privacy, Peace Of Mind & Independence

 

Car trouble can be embarrassing, especially if you are not into cars, or are new to driving. Sometimes you don’t want to make that call to your parent, partner, friend or even ex. We all feel better when we can take care of things on our own and CarHoot provides just that. We guide our users on everything they need to keep their car running smoothly. From service reminders and deals to premium wheel care and genuine spare parts. All you need is the app!

 

 

 

New Ride, Who Dis?

 

Looking for an upgrade? The car sales industry in Kenya has been known to have more than a few bad apples. This makes it harder for drivers to trust the good car dealers around and avoid been taking advantage of by unsavoury characters. Our transparent car import service allows users to work hand in hand with a dedicated agent, who will guide them on the best countries to choose from depending on the model they are looking for and even help with the annoying clearing process. Everything is recorded on the app, protecting both the customer and the agent from any “monkey business.” Furthermore, our rates are extremely competitive, giving users access to unmatched and affordable quality services.

 
 
 

JOIN US as we ride into a new era of better days and better drives. Submit your email to the contact form at the bottom of our homepage and get an alert when we launch in 23 days. The app will be available on both the Apple Store and Google Play.

The Trail Blazing 2014 Nissan X-Trail SUV

The X-Trail has been a favourite on Kenyan roads since the early 2,000’s and has greatly shifted previous perceptions about the brand. Compared to other Japanese automakers, Nissan has really had to put in a lot of work to redefine its brand image and even the playing field. The love its designers and engineers have shown the X-Trail, speaks volumes. This car is now a full SUV in its own right, providing drivers access to a 7-seater beast that is versatile, affordable and extremely enjoyable to drive!

 

 

 

Engine Power & Driving Experience

 

 

 

Powered by a 2.0L MR20DD petrol engine that is linked to an Extronic CVT, the X-Trail is available in both 2WD and 4WD. The people at Nissan retained the previous engine due to its reliability in earlier models and invested in significant changes to make its fuel consumption even better than it already was. The 2014 X-Trail boasts a fuel tank capacity of 65L and a consumption rate of 16.4 Km/L making it one of the most affordable SUVs in the market to maintain. Its 8.3 inch ground clearance and sturdy muscular frame means that you can comfortably navigate across even the most rugged terrains with ease. The Nissan X-Trail 20X Extremer X and its counterpart the Nissan X-Trail 20X Extremer X Emergency Brake Package both heighten driving experience thanks to their added off-road packages. However, the X-Trail’s biggest handicap is its famous “lazy acceleration” speeds. It goes from 0-100 kph in 10.8 seconds and has been known to lose power when fully loaded.

 

 

 

How Safe Is It?

 
 
 

Often positioned as a car suited for large families who love adventure, the X-Trail’s safety is constantly under scrutiny. It is comforting to note that the Nissan X-Trail 2014 has received a 5-star rating from Euro NCAP for several years now. It scored well in both front offset and sidecar crash performance. Its safety system makes use of an Active Ride Control (ARC) which levels the track and helps detect bumps. The Active Engine Brake Control has also been a great help in improving engine braking, and managing turns. Other safety-enhancing tools include vehicle dynamic control, side-head and side-chest airbags, anti-lock brakes, a blind-spot detection system, standard regulation seat safety belts, electronic brake distribution, and automatic moving object detection.

 
 
 

Inside the X-Trail…

 

 

 

The X-Trail’s spacious and comfy interior has contributed greatly to making it a fan favourite. The added seats placed it in direct competition with the Toyota Vanguard. Drivers and passengers alike can take advantage of the more than sufficient cabin storage thanks to multiple cup holders, seat pockets and compartment areas. Users can easily switch between both 5 and 7 seat options, with the 5 seat option giving access to a huge amount of boot space. The 7 seat option is great if you travel in large groups, with the two back seats in the third row ideal for children. It also has a mounting point Isofix for child seats on the outer seats helping parents cut down on the time it takes to properly fix car seats.

 
 
 

Verdict

 

 

 

The 2014 Nissan X-Trail is a highly versatile car built for adventure. Its dominant safety features give drivers an added layer of confidence both on and off-road. However, its winning feature comes down to economics. Not only is it extremely affordable and easy to maintain, but the X-Trail has one of the best resale values in the market.

 
 
 

With Carhoot App you can easily take advantage of our dedicated import agents on WhatsApp and have a model with your personal specifications delivered to your doorstep. The best part about Carhoot is, your journey doesn’t have to end after buying your car…we offer a wide variety of car solutions from service and maintenance to accessories and genuine parts.

 
 
 

Visit either Google Play or the App Store and enjoy your car ownership experience like never before!

 
 
 

CHOOSE JOY!

4 Things Every Driver Should Consider Before Importing A Car

The second-hand car market may be booming but we are still years away from being able to provide proper documentation for locally used cars. Poor maintenance habits, lack of ethics by salesmen and a widespread absence of accurate data make it almost impossible for buyers to know the real status of cars they are interested in. Stories of people buying cars and spending additional fortunes to fix them and replace parts are so common that it is no longer news!

 
 
 

The tips below are sure to protect you from making costly mistakes and help you understand that car import is actually quite great!

 

1. Do Your Research

 

 

 

Having sufficient pre-purchase knowledge of what brand, make and model you are looking for goes a long way. When trying to find a car, always take into account your current lifestyle and possible lifestyle changes. The presence or absence of a family and whether your planning to have one soon is a question that should be answered after proper consideration. It’s also important to consider what happens after you buy your car, and how accessible are you to car service providers near your home or place of work and the cost of maintenance long-term. It is important to factor in things like service and insurance costs so that you paint a clear picture of how much you really need not just to buy but to own your dream car. If you are a Carhoot user, this can easily be done on the app or with the assistance of our team. You’ll get accurate car import and car service estimates sent to your phone via the app.

 
 
 

2. Get a Reputable Car Dealer

 

 

 

Car import also has its challenges, with the growth of Japanese based conmen posing as car dealers taking advantage of Kenyans each week. The cases of people losing money through these cartels have caught the attention of the Japanese Embassy in Kenya as well as news outlets. Tech tools like Carhoot are offering local car buyers an extra layer of protection by providing easy access to dedicated import agents who deal only with government verified suppliers in multiple countries. Carhoot goes above and beyond other regular importers by providing buyers with detailed documentation, car assessment checks before and after landing, premium hauling and after-sale services.

 
 
 
 
 

“I had an amazing experience working with Carhoot when importing my first car. Ron was quite helpful in getting me the right unit, I got frequent updates on the progress and it was delivered to my doorstep.”

 
 
 

– ANGELA

 
 
 
 
 

3. The Type of Car (Age, Drive Type & Quality)

 

 

 

Thanks to recent changes in the law, cars must be no older than 8 years from the date of manufacture and registration to be valid for import. That means you can not bring in a car that was manufactured before 2014. The Kenyan government has also placed strict restrictions and only right-hand drive vehicles are allowed for import due to our driving laws. Every vehicle entering the country is subject to safety and maintenance checks and any vehicle being imported must be accompanied by a PSI (Pre-Shipment Inspection) Certificate to verify its condition.

 
 
 

4. Special Criteria

 

 

 

If you are purchasing a car for your NGO, or work for an organisation like the UN or if you are a person living with a disability, a rally driver, or need a car for a special diplomatic mission you are privy to certain tax exemptions from the government. If you fall into this category, our agent will help you organise your documents and ensure that everything is properly captured so that you do not miss out on these special considerations.

 
 
 

Thinking of importing a car? Get honest and reliable feedback with the help of our dedicated agents on WhatsApp HERE. They literally make it their business to help people find reliable cars that are suited to their lifestyle. Give the Carhoot App a try, it’s worth it!

 

 

 

CHOOSE JOY!

Why The Honda CR-V Is Still The Best Crossover SUV

The CR-V is a great example of beast-like performance and beautiful design. The multiple awards this car has garnered across the globe are well deserved. Despite facing stiff competition from counterparts such as the X-Trail and Toyota Vanguard, the CR-V has been able to retain its crown as the best performing modern family SUV. Its usual mix of practicality, efficiency, and fun features make it a valuable addition to any household.

 
 
 

In 2011, the designers and engineers at Honda made the bold decision to come up with a new shape and the results were totally worth the leap of faith! The new aerodynamic design captures a clean and modern aesthetic that is pleasing to all drivers.

 
 
 

Performance and Fuel Economy

 

 

 

The 2014 Honda CR-V comes with 3 engine varieties: the 2.4 Litre K24A i-VTEC petrol engine, the 2.0 Litre R20A i-VTEC petrol engine and the 2.2 Litre i-DTEC turbo diesel engine which is common in European models. These engines are linked to a choice of either a 6-Speed Manual, a 5-speed automatic, 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT and are available in both 2WD and 4WD. Another key change Honda made in 2011, was upgrading the CR-V’s fuel efficiency. The difference between the 20G and 24G in terms of performance is quite significant. While the 20G with CVT transmission performs well, the 24G with the 5-Speed Automatic Transmission is much more enjoyable to drive thanks to its dynamic responsiveness. The 2.4L Petrol model accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 9.9 sec while consuming fuel at a rate of 11.6 km/l and has a fuel tank with a capacity of 58L making it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in the market. The newly added Econ mode further helps when it comes to fuel economics but, drivers have to make do with slower acceleration and a dulled throttle response.

 

 

 

Interior Layout

 

 

 

The windscreen pillars are compatible with a large SUV of its kind because their slim layers enhance perfect visibility. Further, visibility is strengthened by the available parking front and rear sensors and cameras. The dashboard layout, on the other hand, although not different from Honda Civic, it’s not the best for its SUV class. The infotainment is high-end technically but may not meet the expectations for those who have experienced Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan. CR-V’s base model boasts of a 5.0-inch color radio screen but a 7.0-inch infotainment system is typical across other models, especially in the hybrid category. The user interface features an Android auto, Apple CarPlay, and SiriusXM satellite radio.

 

However, the infotainment operating system can be sluggish sometimes and complex to comprehend and manoeuvre through applications. The CR-V’s interior atmosphere is embellished by soft-touch plastics on the upper, gloss black panels, and a silvery theme. More intriguing is the amount of interior space – the central console has plenty of storage space. The rear storage space allows the seats to fold flat and the backrest handles facilitate a 40/60 split of the seats during the folding process. It offers more rear legroom.

 
 
 

Safety and Driver-Assistance Systems

 

 

 

Safety is paramount and automotive companies always strive to ensure they implement world-class safety measures in their cars. For Honda CR-V, safety is at its core of lean processes. The CR-V was awarded a five-star rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and named a Top Safety Car Pick by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). The CR-V 2019 model scored five stars for the frontal crash test at 35mph and the side crash test. Further, it earned four-star in the rollover risk in loss-of-control instances. The lowest ratings were observed in its headlights. Its driver-assistance technologies include standard adaptive cruise control, standard lane-keeping and lane-departure warnings, and automated emergency brakes.

 

Ownership and Maintenance Costs

 

 

 

The Honda CV-R can be costly especially when owning the earliest models. Unexpected break-down issues have been experienced by some owners. In two separate car owners’ reviews, a car owner claimed the car broke down at 867 miles while in the other review at 6,000 miles. This can be frustrating and expensive. Having to take your car for servicing more than is expected affects Honda CR-V’s reliability in the economic sense. However, the CV-R is recognized for holding its value and therefore, can be one of the most affordable cars of its class compared to the competitors. The Edmund True Cost to Own of the Honda CRV stands at $33,306, which is significantly below the 2018 Nissan Rogue S and the 2018 Ford Escape SE 4WD.

 
 
 

Verdict

 

Overall, Honda CR-V has excellent market standings. It has value for money, a spacious interior, and a classy design. Many of its flaws are directed to visibility and mileage issues but besides that, most Honda CR-V owners praise it for its good performance, comfortability and safety.

adaptive cruise control, standard lane-keeping and lane-departure warnings, and automated emergency brakes.

 

Ownership and Maintenance Costs

 

 

 

The Honda CV-R can be costly especially when owning the earliest models. Unexpected break-down issues have been experienced by some owners. In two separate car owners’ reviews, a car owner claimed the car broke down at 867 miles while in the other review at 6,000 miles. This can be frustrating and expensive. Having to take your car for servicing more than is expected affects Honda CR-V’s reliability in the economic sense. However, the CV-R is recognized for holding its value and therefore, can be one of the most affordable cars of its class compared to the competitors. The Edmund True Cost to Own of the Honda CRV stands at $33,306, which is significantly below the 2018 Nissan Rogue S and the 2018 Ford Escape SE 4WD.

 
 
 

Verdict

 

Overall, Honda CR-V has excellent market standings. It has value for money, a spacious interior, and a classy design. Many of its flaws are directed to visibility and mileage issues but besides that, most Honda CR-V owners praise it for its good performance, comfortability and safety.

Why Local Car Prices Are On The Rise In Kenya

More than one year down the line and Kenyans are still reeling from the negative economic implications of the coronavirus pandemic. The local car import sector has not been left unscathed and despite the positive start to 2021, reports indicate that the challenges are far from over. The price of second-hand cars has risen by up to 29% or an equivalent of US$ 5,000 because of the new rise in the cost of buying cars from Japan. As the biggest supplier of used cars in Kenya, and commanding close to 80% of the used car market share in Kenya, this has been a major blow to many local dealers. Thanks to the economic uncertainty brought by COVID-19, people in other countries are keeping their cars for longer, thus limiting the supply and variety Kenyan importers had been accustomed to. Globally new car sales dropped by significant margins and Kenya was slightly luckier than other markets to witness only a 3% decline in 2020. Rising shipping costs between Kenya and Japan are also playing a part in the high import costs of car importation due to a scarcity of containers and ships. Newfound demand for specific products as a result of the coronavirus has completely shifted normal trade flows, leading to bottlenecks and causing empty cargo containers to be left stranded.

The fact that the Kenyan Shilling depreciated significantly against the dollar last year also played a significant role in the current price inflation in local car yards. Popular models such as the Toyota Fielder, Nissan X-trail, and Mazda Demio are prime examples of cars that cost between KES 100,000 and KES 5,000,000 more! The dwindling supply of used cars in the market, the struggling Shilling, and a hike in shipping costs are forcing many dealers to shift the burden to consumers in an already fragile economy that is yet to recover from the toll of the pandemic. Consumer patterns have also significantly changed as the primary buyers of used cars are now facing uphill battles of their own. Many small business owners have been forced to close shop and employees are being forced to make do with significant pay cuts. According to the Kenya Auto Bazaar Association Secretary-General, Mr. Charles Munyori…it is no longer practical for dealers to impart cars they will not sell.

Tech-Based Silver Linings for Car Dealers

 

They say never put all your eggs in one basket and this seems to ring true for Carhoot. By offering customers car import options from over five different countries, Kenyans are more empowered to broaden their scope, explore even more variety, and make better purchase decisions. The reason second-hand imports are so popular in the country is because of the assured documentation and the reduced wear and tear cars from better-developed countries have. With the help of dedicated agents, small dealers can use the app to service their clients by exploring import options from Singapore, Australia, South Africa, U.A.E, and the United Kingdom.