The maintenance of a vehicle is key to keep it in good condition and as long as possible. And when you go overlanding for a long period of time, its maintenance is essential and a matter of safety.
Even though I check and do basic oil & filter change (and will implement the tyre rotation from now on as well!!), I try to bring Rafiki to a garage every 10,000 km (or so).
Obviously, I brought Rafiki to its very first service check a week before the solo expedition started, in France. A week before gave me enough time to work on a potential issue -luckily, Rafiki was in good shape and more than ready to go!
The second service check took place in Cape Town with @elmotorworkshop where I could receive the best support and training (during 78 hours!) by Renier. Indeed, I just collected Rafiki at the harbour (sailing from Germany) and Renier’s workshop has been recommended by my dear friend Roland @my_life_in_africa.
At that time, Rafiki already drove 10,000 km across Europe and Turkey and was ready for a check-up.
The third service check was carried out by Chris, the owner and mechanic of the famous Jungle Junction campsite in Nairobi (Kenya), after Rafiki hit one other 12,000 km. Chris changed the original battery (from 2014) and Rafiki, again, was in amazing health!
The latest service check took place in Hermanus, at my friend Morne’s workshop @all_terrain_vehicle_ctr with his fantastic and super friendly team (as on the pictures).
Morne found Rafiki in surprisingly great health and enjoyed that time to replace a few parts (to last even longer) that I will detail later (also thanks to the team at Terrain Tamer in Cape Town @terraintamer4wd ). At that time, Rafiki drove a total of 34,000 km since it left France.
You can see Morne's dedication with Rafiki on the photo below:
I’m more than convinced that a Toyota Hilux is ideal for the African roads if you want to travel with a peace of mind. Absolutely no doubt that a Land Cruiser would steal the first place though!
But again, whatever the make of your car, its maintenance and your love for it ARE the most important things. Be proud of your beast whatever it is because it’s YOURS.
Thank you dear Morne! You’re a rockstar.
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