A car can never move without fuel. Fuel is very crucial for a vehicle to operate. it is very important for a driver to know about the fuel tank capacity.Henceforth every driver needs to know something about the fuel tank capacity especially people (travelers) who rent cars to travel around Uganda. The level of fuel in the car is normally detected by looking at the fuel gauge at the dash board. When the fuel tank is full, the hand at the fuel gauge will get up at the “F” and it will get down at the “E” if the fuel tank is almost empty. The fuel light will also get on warning you that you are running out of fuel.

Knowing the car’s fuel tank capacity

The fuel tank is interconnected to the engine system but found at the basement of the car. The average fuel tank of the car can be 45-90 liters though the sport utility vehicles and the large trucks have a larger fuel tank opposed to that of the small cars.

Nowadays, most of the cars made have one chamber of the fuel tank. It is only the older models and long distance tracks that have two chambers that is the primary chamber (the normal fuel tank) and the secondary tank (the reserve tank). The reserve tank is smaller and is only 15% of the primary chamber.

The amount of fuel to fill in the tank

One can easily know the maximum amount or quantity of fuel needed in your car by simply looking at the fuel inlet cap as there are writings. For vehicles with reserve tanks, 15% of the primary tank is the maximum.  The driver should always leave 5 to 10 liters of fuel in the reserve and this can be determined by the fuel light coming. When you drive on an empty tank, it is likely to damage the engine and more so stop functioning.

There is also a question asked by many drivers,” is it possible to put more fuel beyond the tank capacity?”

This is totally wrong; one should always put the maximum fuel capacity as indicated on the tank. You cannot simply put 60 liters of fuel into a 50 fuel capacity tank. The tank also needs the right volume of fuel to let the free flow of fuel into the engine. If it is floated, there will be no space for aeration and thus leading to vapor locking and in the end damaging the engine.

Distance driven when the fuel light on

The fuel light coming on situation has ever happened to almost every driver of an automobile. Though different driver react different; as there are those that simply panic and rush to the next fuel gas station while others simply drive on. In real sense, when the fuel light comes one, it means that the fuel has reached the reserve level which is around 10%-15% of the full tank, there is no need to panic. One can still drive on for about 5kms. However, it is not good to drive on a dry tank as this weakens the engine since it could be taking in less fuel than the usual one.

Cars require for critical care to operate for a long time. Drivers make mistakes that damage the cars. These  automobiles have become part of us since they ease the movement of people and goods from one place to another.

But cars are not immortal, they have a lifespan and they need to be taken care of to do a good job for the travelers. There have been arguments and debates of how to prolong the life of your car or maintain it in a proper state.

Different views have been aired by travelers though the results have been far from convincing to all car users. Every traveler has his/her opinion about keeping the car alive and in proper state.

As we have previously state there are no clears solutions of keeping the car in its proper state for a long time but here are some of the mistakes car users do to damage the car.

Using Cheap Quality Gas/Fuel

There are different kinds of fuel sold at the gas stations. For instance for the cars that have engines that operate on petrol gas, they can use the common petrol and V Power gas. But these two kinds of gas vary in quality and price.

The V power gas is of good quality and high price so the drivers choose the common petrol which at times damages the engine faster. There are also incidents where petrol stations sell cheap gas, these cheap stations normally add foreign components in the fuel that damage to the car engines. It is best to buy fuel at reputable stations like Shell and Total

Using Inappropriate Parts

Like any operating machine, some of the car parts get damaged or worn out while driving or in case of an accident and they need replacement. Some drivers make a mistake and replace them with cheap inappropriate ones.

In the due course the main car parts like the engine, gear box and lighting system get damaged. It is best to replace worn out part or damage ones with genuine or exact replicas.

Heavy Foot On The Brakes

Brakes are one of the parts of the car that get easily worn out if not handled well. Any driver should steadily press on the brakes. Exacting too much weight on the brakes, makes them worn out easily and damaging them.

Improper Alignment Of The wheels

Wheel alignment is one of most important task to do on a car. When the wheels are not balanced well, they damages lots of parts of the car like the tires, ball joints and the zs. It is commendable to take your car regularly to the wheel alignment machine to fix the wheel imbalances.

Taking Long to Service The Car

Servicing of the car is all about checking and making some amendments in the operating/engine system of the car and this should be done regularly since the fluids (oil, water, coolant and hydraulic) eventually get finished when the car is into use for some time.

On the contrary some people just drive without taking the car for service at the right time. The car must be serviced when it covers about 5000km of mileage.

Resting Hand On The Gear Shifter

This applies to the manual car where the gear shifter is often used. Due to the over use of the gears they get worn out easily if you mistakenly prolong holding the stick.

You should avoid resting hands on the shifter to avoid the transmission components troubles.

Accelerating In Cold Engine

Some people a mistake of starting the car at full acceleration which is normally called accelerating in cold engine. You should first allow the engine to get some combustion or heat up for a little while before you setoff in full acceleration.

Driving Car Without Fuel

One of the prime causes of damaging the car life is driving the car on very little fuel. Some people drive the car till the fuel light starts blinking. Remember the car operates at its full strength when there is enough fuel.

Carelessly Driving Through The Potholes

One of the causes of damaging the suspension of the car is driving the car in raged and pothole roads. Some drivers make this mistake and drive the car reckless through the potholes thus causing the damaging of the car suspension. This eventually reduces the life of the car.

Dull Driving

When the car is not driven regularly, there will be a downward in its life. For instance, some parts may get rusty and also the battery dies out if it is not put into use.

Not washing it regularly

The cleanness of the car also matters to its life. Many onlookers look at the appearance of the car. However some car users tend not to clean their cars and then dust takes its toll all over the car. The dust blocks the aeration system and also leaves stains on the car which makes the car look not appealing.

The above advice is so helpful for travelers who hire out cars for long term rentals in Uganda. It is great to adhere to these tips to keep the car in shape. When you return the car in good condition, you will have a great relationship with the Uganda car rental service provider.

Car overheats is a very common problem in Africa (Uganda) because of the hot weather we experience and old vehicles that we drive.  Over heart of a car is a very challenging and disturbing problem as this may result into the engine failure of the car or even explosion of it. It must be addressed immediately if detected.

Many people hire cars in Uganda for self drive safari but don’t know what to do when the car overheats. This problem is likely to offer to very many travellers who hire cars to visit places like the national park due to the fact the national parks in Uganda are located in the far remote areas. Henceforth driving a long distance, the car is likely to heat at any time if precautions are not undertaken.

We bring to you remedies to use when the car overheats;

Turn the air conditioner off

Every system in the car is attached to the engine so when you realize that the car is overheating immediately turn off the air conditioner system since it regulates temperature. Let the car operate on the usual temperature around it. By also taking off the air conditioner, the engine is relived of the loads of work it is doing. You should open the windows to hasten the process.

Switch on The Heater And Blower

If the heating persist after switching off the air conditioner then turn on the heater and the blower. It looks weird but this normally allows the heat to get away from the engine to inside the car. It will get hotter inside the car but it will save your engine from blowing out.

Burn The Engine While In Idle

This is also another creepy decision but it works as well. When the temperatures of the car raise while in traffic, get the gear into park or neutral and press the gas pedal slowly.  This act speeds up the fun and the water pump, pulling more air and water through the radiator. Both the water and air circulation aid the cooling off the engine.

Stop Driving And Wait

It is best to stop driving the car and park it in a safe place if you detect the engine is about to boil over. Open the bonnet of the car but don’t open the radiator cap since the coolant or water in it is very hot and might get on to your hands thus burning you up. Wait till for some good time and pour water if you want the engine to get back to the normal temperatures.

Precaution tips

Why would you wait for the car to start heating up and then come up with remedies to stop. It is best for you to try to come up with measures to avoid it from overheating.

First the traveller must make sure that the car is serviced well. It has all the necessary fluids for example oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant and water

The driver should always check the coolant or water levels in the radiator regularly especially those on a self drive safari. Long distances normally burn out the water in the radiator.

While driving the car for long distances, ensure that you have some stop overs after every 100kms. With the stop over, the engines gets some relive from burning.

There are many things that can be done on any Ugandan road trip since Uganda is blessed with lots of attractions to enjoy while on a road trip. The things to do in Uganda are some of the most unique and famous to do in world.

You can enjoy a lot in the country including the snow-capped mountains of the moon, boat cruises, Lake Bunyonyi and its views, mountain gorillas and many more.

Even though Uganda is mostly known for mountain gorilla trekking, it’s a very unique safari destination with small bit of everything to offer. This is the main reason why many people prove that Uganda is the pearl of Africa.

1. Mountain gorilla tracking in Bwindi impenetrable national park in Uganda; Half of the population of gorillas resides in Uganda, this is something not to be missed.Over 400 gorillas, 11 habituated gorilla families in Bwindi and 1 group in Mgahinga Gorilla national park. The mountain gorillas are on the must do and see list of most tourists to Uganda. Alongside gorilla trekking, you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, interactive cultural walks with the Batwa people as well as birding.
2. Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda; You can enjoy a one day Ngamba safari, 2 days chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest. The trekking is also done in Murchison falls and also in Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth national park as well as Kibale national park.Kibale Forest is believed to have the highest number of the primates in Africa. The park has got 13 primate species, including the rare red colombus, L’Hoest’s monkeys.

   You can spend an hour observing man’s closest relatives. You might consider spending more time with the chimps with the habituation experience. This is a whole day habituation experience and can be done in Kibale National Park.

3. Murchison falls national park boat cruises and the game drives, visit top of the waterfalls, Zziwa Rhino sanctuary and Budongo Forest walk; the park is in north of Uganda is so amazing.This national offers one of the best all round safari experiences in Uganda. You get to hike down the cliffs of the Murchison falls for the incredible views of the Nile as it explodes through a narrow rocky gap in the gorge, to extend on wards on its long journey to the Mediterranean.

   There is also the Nile cruise to the falls with wildlife in abundance on the shores is so remarkable. Get to visit Ziwa Rhino reserve and also do chimpanzee tracking in Budongo forest.

4. The tree climbing lions of Ishasha plains and a game drive; there are only two places in the whole world to find the tree climbing lions, these Ishasha plains is one of them and other tree climbing lions found in Tanzania. You can track them on a stand-alone safari or a mixed safari with other places of interest.
5. Get to visit Kidepo valley National park for game safaris, scenic viewing, Karamajong pastoral communities as well as culture. This lost valley in the north east, along the Sudanese border, has the most wonderful scenery of any protected area in Uganda.There is the rolling, short grass savanna of the 1442 sq km Kidepo valley national park was named by CNN as one of the best national parks in Uganda.
6. Queen Elizabeth national park and Kazinga channel launch cruise; this is one of the most popular parks in Uganda filled with wildlife and birds. There also activities like chimpanzee tracking, the tree climbing lions, Kazinga channel where you can see the hippos and crocodiles as you cruise along the shores seeing viewing many birds and lots of wildlife.The volcanic craters  offer a magical sight as well as the Rwenzori mountains. This is a perfect park where 5 or 6 days, you can pay a visit to the mountain gorillas.
7. Lake Mburo National Park is another attraction that can’t be missed on any self-drive safari in Uganda. Get chance to see the big cape buffaloes, zebras, antelopes, impalas, elands, Topis, warthogs, on any game drive in the park.The many highlight of the park is the boat safari on the Lake with the Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger, where you will see many hippos, crocodiles, see the eagles and many other animals. The park can easily be visited when you are coming from Kampala and you make a stopover to see a lots of wildlife.

The above six attractions can be enjoyed on any road trip in Uganda, however Uganda ; the pearl of Africa has got a lot to offer to those that visit it.

Though the number of manual transmission cars are gradually decreasing per year, some old school people or even people who love challenge still yearn to drive them.

It really takes some craft to drive a manual transmission. In Uganda, people who normally drive manual transmission cars are considered experts and many people would love to be attached to the attribute. Henceforth some people still rent them for  Uganda self-drive safaris.

By knowing the nature of the road transport system of Uganda, it really takes some work to drive a manual transmission car especially when you are visitor.

Here is a guide to drive a manual car for visitors or tourists in Uganda

Know Your Way Around

A manual transmission requires a diver to act by shifting the gears as per the driving situation is in. it is best for a driver to know and anticipate the situation he/she might get in while on the road other than being caught off guard. Manual car is driven by instincts and technical know-how.

Know where the pedals are

Most of the manual transmission cars the pedal are down, the gas pedal or accelerator on the right in the middle the brake and clutch on the left. The clutch helps in shifting gears and keeping the engine on especially when the gas pedal is not pressed.

The brakes are for stopping the car and the gas pedal or accelerator for the car movement. But the technicality on the clutch pedal is- some of the are hard to press while other are soft so one needs to find that balance while driving a manual car.

Starting the engine

Starting the manual transmission car engine is very tricky. Some experts say that the driver should first put the gear shift in neutral then the engine hits while pressing the clutch and put off your foot gradually on it as you get the other on the gas pedal as shift the gear to the number one.

The popular one is press the clutch and the brake as you get to gear number one then put your foot off the clutch pedal gradually as you press the gas pedal. When the car starts moving then put your foot completely off on the clutch pedal and then good to go.

Parking

Parking is one of the easiest thing to do while driving a manual transmission. All you have to do is; as you nearing to park the car get your foot on the clutch and the brake and then shift the gear to one. The car should always park in gear one.

Back pain is one of the most worrying problems people who drive cars face. This comes as a result poor sitting posture, bad seats and also sitting for long hours while driving. Back pain is really some discomfort that can even go for a lifetime. This is a major problem for long distance travelers since they spend long hours while seated.

Many people who rent cars in Uganda go for self drive safaris to different national parks that are located far away from the city. After the safari, many complain about back pain and here are the 5 tips to drive without back pain.

Have some breaks while driving

Driving a car for a long distance is a very hard task that comes with immerse fatigue for both the mental and physical faculties. It is advisable to take some refreshment breaks for 10-30 minutes. When having a break do some stretching of the limbs and the entire, have some drink and a bite. It is best if you take breaks after every two hours of driving.

Make some stretching as many times as possible

While the seated, the human body system is not at its full operation and thus leading to the contraction of most muscles in the body. Most of the times, muscle contractions come with body discomfort or pain. Therefore while driving get some time to stretch your muscles or body to avoid contraction thus avoiding back pain. You can even stretch in your car while in traffic jam. There are very many stretching ways when sitting.

Carry an ice pack with you

Ice is one of the best reliever of pain. When you place ice on a hurting place especially caused by body inner complications like muscle contraction and body malfunction, it relieves it instantly. It commendable to carry an ice pack in the trunk to treat yourself in case of body hurting problems like back pain arise.

Ensure that your car seat is in the correct position

As the car is driven, the seat is likely to shift its position over some period of time. Therefore, when getting to a self drive safari ensure that you put the seats in their right position or your favored position.

Getting the right position of the seat is one of the most effective remedy of preventing a back pain as most of the back problems come with bad seating posture.

The ideal seat position in car is the angle between the back of your seat and the base of your seat should be between 110-130 degrees.

A good seat position can help a traveler prevent more that 50% of back pain while traveling.

Do body exercise regularly

This is not something that should be tipped off to any human being. It is mandatory for every person to do some work out since the body needs some stretching to burn some fats and expand some muscle to be at full strength to operate well. If you do body exercises regularly, you are likely not to have body pain.

In the world of travel, Africa is known for safari trips. In a common language, safari trips are expeditions that commands for traveling for long distances and staying there for some days. The long trips in Uganda normally involve getting to the national parks which are located in the remote areas of the country.

Therefore, engaging in these travel expeditions sometimes your hygiene and body freshness is comprised in some way or the other since most of the times you are on the road which are most times dusty.  One of the most discomfort moment one might ever get is not being fresh. When you are not fresh enough you feel out of order both physically and emotionally. This can even ruin your trip since traveling requires a person to be in his/her best mood of life.

In order to avoid ruing your trip in Uganda due to your body discomfort, here are some tip on how to stay fresh on long trips in Uganda:

Wear light or athletic clothes

Uganda is a tropical country straddled by the equators which means that it receives and sun and rain throughout the year. It experiences an average temperature of 26⁰C in year which makes it a hot country. This is why most travel tips in Uganda indicate that you have to travel with one layer clothes or athletic clothes. Such kind of garments allow some aeration and somehow minimize the over sweating of the body thus keeping one fresh on the trip.

Avoid heavy perfume or cologne

When traveling on a long trip, bathing becomes very minimal. So the body will not be at its best freshness and when the body is not at its best freshness, it is not commendable to apply heavy perfumes or colognes. This is because body irritation will increase and more so one developing an obnoxious odor. It is advisable to use a deodorant which is anti-precipitant and light.

Furthermore, you should also carry moisturized wipes since they can relatively cool down the body if it gets some irritations.

Indulge in hygiene whenever you can

It is at times hard to get involved in bathing while on a long trip. But when you get a chance like relaxing at your lodge, please try as much as possible to get a shower. There is no better body refreshing mechanism like watering your body.

It is very hard to stay fresh on a long trip but the above tips are really lifesavers if put into consideration.

Balanced tires is one of the top aspects of keeping your Car in a good condition therefore driving a car with unbalanced tires just know that you are putting your life into danger.
Unbalanced tires are usually characterized with a lot of problems which can even limit good performance of your vehicle.

Many people do not pay attention to this issue and that’s why they find themselves into difficulties. Listed below are some of the symptoms to identify this under looked mechanical problem while on your discoverable Uganda Road Trip.

Problems with Steering

When you start experiencing the challenge of steering your vehicle limiting you from turns on the road, just know that your vehicle is characterized by this problem of unbalanced tires. So it’s recommended that you react to the problem before it worsens.

Vibrations

The vibrations from steering wheel are one of the earliest notifications to identify the unbalanced tires. Even a minute unbalance in your tires can cause these vibrations in the steering wheel.

Initially, these vibrations would be limited to the steering wheel but mind you, these can grow higher and reach to the entire front cabinet, if not fixed earlier. After some time you will come to feel the vibrations even in the front and back seats.

Degrade Economy for Fuel

An action of driving a vehicle with unbalanced tires exerts extra pressure on the engine and this will completely destroy its performance and functioning.

Additionally, the resistance generated while driving with unbalanced tires causes a higher force exerted on the engine to function in the inappropriate manner.

Due to this, the engine’s fuel consumption increases.
To avoid bigger expenses which may occur like buying a new engine, its better you attend to simple problem of unbalanced tires once it appears.

Uneven Wearing

Most drivers don’t take it as a point when it comes to checking the Car tires for wears yet it’s an important issue to pay attention. Usually uneven wear in your car’s tire is a clear indication to unbalanced tire level.

Thus, many automobile experts suggest having a visual inspection of your car’s tire often.
Other features to indicate this problem include having tires worn than the others, threading and more.

Replacing these tires is the best solution but you can also rotate the tires as a temporary fix in some circumstances. And don’t forget to balance out the tires as soon as you replace the new ones.

Bearings and Bad Shocks

These are also one of the clear indications towards the unbalanced car tires, these bearings and shocks usually occur under extreme conditions or when your car’s functioning is under high stress.

It’s advised you take some immediate actions against these symptoms of unbalanced tires in order to prevent other damages to your car.

These sudden shocks will also limit the performance of the car along with decreasing its mileage. You might end up spending a lot for replacing many parts of your car if you do not attend to the problem in time.