3.1 Vehicle performance and safety maintenance

A tour vehicle is the guide's workplace and the guests' safety cell for hours each day, often on rough murram roads, steep escarpments and park tracks far from a garage. Vehicle performance and safety maintenance means keeping the vehicle's main systems in good working order and checking its safety-critical parts regularly, so that it delivers its full power, comfort and economy and does not break down or cause an accident. The driver-guide carries out daily checks, reports faults early and keeps the vehicle on the operator's service schedule. Example: a safari company based in Narok requires every driver-guide to complete a written pre-trip checklist before leaving for the Maasai Mara, and a vehicle with an open defect is not released.

3.1.1 Vehicle performance

Vehicle performance is the vehicle's ability to deliver power, carry its load, ride comfortably and run economically under the conditions of a tour. It depends on the condition of its main mechanical systems, each of which needs routine attention.

Engine maintenance

The engine converts fuel into power, and its condition decides the vehicle's pulling power, fuel use and reliability.

• Engine oil: Check the level on the dipstick daily with the engine cold and on level ground; top up with the grade in the manual and change oil and filter at the service interval.
• Air filter: Dust from park roads clogs the filter quickly; clean or replace it more often on dusty routes.
• Belts and hoses: Check the fan and alternator belts for cracks and tension and the hoses for leaks.
• Warning signs: Report knocking noises, heavy smoke, loss of power or oil leaks immediately.

Transmission and clutch

The transmission (gearbox, transfer case, propeller shafts and differentials) carries engine power to the wheels; the clutch connects and disconnects the engine from the gearbox.

• Fluid levels: Check gearbox and differential oil at service and look for leaks under the vehicle.
• Clutch operation: The clutch should engage smoothly without slipping, judder or burning smell.
• Four-wheel drive: Engage four-wheel drive and low range periodically to keep the mechanisms free, and use them correctly on mud and sand.
• Driving habits: Avoid riding the clutch and changing gear roughly, which wear the clutch and gearbox.

Suspension system

The suspension (springs, shock absorbers, bushes and linkages) keeps the tyres on the road and absorbs shocks from bumps and potholes.

• Visual checks: Look for broken leaf springs, leaking shock absorbers and worn bushes.
• Ride quality: Excessive bouncing, knocking over bumps or the vehicle leaning to one side shows a fault.
• Load: Overloading the roof rack or cabin overstresses springs and shock absorbers.
• Rough roads: Reduce speed on corrugated and rocky tracks to protect the suspension and the guests.

Cooling system

The cooling system (radiator, coolant, water pump, thermostat, fan and hoses) keeps the engine at its working temperature, which is critical on long climbs and in hot lowland parks.

• Coolant level: Check the expansion tank daily with the engine cold; never open a hot radiator cap.
• Radiator: Keep the fins free of mud, grass seeds and insects, which block airflow.
• Hoses and leaks: Look for wet patches, white deposits or swollen hoses.
• Temperature gauge: Watch it while driving; stop safely if it rises above normal.

Fuel system

The fuel system (tank, pump, filters, injectors and lines) delivers clean fuel to the engine.

• Clean fuel: Buy fuel from reputable stations, as contaminated fuel damages pumps and injectors.
• Filters and water separator: Drain the water separator and change filters at the stated intervals.
• Leaks and smell: Report any smell of fuel or wet fuel lines at once, as leaks are a fire risk.
• Fuel planning: Keep the tank well filled before entering remote parks where fuel is scarce.

Air conditioning system

The air conditioning system cools and dries the air in the cabin, which matters for guest comfort on long, hot drives.

• Performance: The system should blow cold air within a few minutes of being switched on.
• Cabin filter: Clean or replace it regularly on dusty routes to keep air flowing and clean.
• Leaks and noises: Report weak cooling, unusual noises or bad smells for servicing.
• Economy: Use the system sensibly, since it increases fuel use.

3.1.2 Safety checks for vehicles

Safety checks are the inspections of parts whose failure could directly cause an accident or injury. They are done before each trip, during long journeys and after any incident such as hitting a pothole hard.

Braking system

• Brake pedal: The pedal should be firm and not sink towards the floor.
• Brake fluid: Check the reservoir level and look for leaks at wheels and lines.
• Performance: Test the brakes at low speed before setting off; the vehicle should stop straight without pulling.
• Handbrake: It should hold the loaded vehicle on a slope.
• Warning signs: Grinding, squealing or a brake warning light must be reported before the trip continues.

Battery and electrical system

• Battery: Terminals should be clean and tight, the battery firmly clamped and the casing undamaged.
• Lights: Check headlights, indicators, brake lights, hazard lights and reversing lights.
• Horn and instruments: Confirm that the horn, gauges and warning lights work.
• Charging: The battery warning light should go out after starting; if not, the alternator may be faulty.

Windshield wipers and fluid

• Wiper blades: Blades should clear the screen cleanly without smearing or juddering.
• Washer fluid: Keep the reservoir full, as dust and insects quickly obscure the screen.
• Windscreen: Report cracks in the driver's line of vision, which are illegal and dangerous.

Steering and alignment

• Free play: The steering wheel should have little free movement before the wheels respond.
• Pulling: The vehicle should run straight on a level road without pulling to one side.
• Noises and vibration: Knocks, clunks or shaking at speed indicate worn joints or wheel imbalance.
• Uneven tyre wear: Wear on one edge of a tyre shows misalignment that needs correcting.

Tyre conditions

• Pressure: Check pressures cold, including the spare, against the manufacturer's figures for the load.
• Tread depth: Tread must be above the legal minimum; more is needed for mud and wet roads.
• Damage: Look for cuts, bulges, embedded thorns and stones, especially after off-road driving.
• Spare and tools: Confirm that the spare tyre, jack and wheel spanner are present and usable.

Safety features

• Seat belts: Every seat belt should work and be available to guests.
• Fire extinguisher and first aid kit: Present, in date and accessible.
• Warning triangles: Two reflective triangles carried for breakdowns.
• Doors, hatches and roof: Locks and pop-up roof catches should secure firmly.
• Communication equipment: Radio or phone charged and working for emergencies.