Essential Car Knowledge

1. Engine Capacity (CC)

Engine capacity, measured in cubic centimeters (cc), refers to the total volume of all the cylinders in an engine. A higher cc generally means more power — but also more fuel consumption and often higher import duties.

2. MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price)

The MSRP is the original selling price of the car when new, as suggested by the manufacturer. It's a key factor used by customs officials to assess the car's value for tax purposes — even if you bought the car second-hand.

3. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Every car has a unique VIN — like a fingerprint. It provides important information about the car's origin, specs, manufacturing year, and sometimes even accident or repair history.

4. Fuel Type

Vehicles typically use petrol (gasoline), diesel, or increasingly, electricity. Each has pros and cons in terms of fuel efficiency, maintenance cost, and environmental impact. In Ghana, diesel cars may have lower fuel costs but sometimes face stricter regulations or duty implications.

5. Transmission Types

Cars come in either manual or automatic transmission. Manuals are often cheaper to maintain and buy, while automatics are more user-friendly — especially in traffic-heavy cities like Accra.

6. Car Maintenance Basics

• Oil changes: Crucial for engine health. Typically every 5,000–10,000 km.
• Tire pressure: Check monthly to prevent wear and improve fuel economy.
• Battery: Should last 2–4 years; keep terminals clean and check voltage periodically.
• Brakes: Squeaky or soft brakes? Get them checked immediately.

7. Tips When Buying a Used Car

• Ask for the full maintenance and accident history.
• Check for signs of rust or poor repairs.
• Verify the chassis number and paperwork (registration, insurance, etc.).
• Have a trusted mechanic inspect it before purchase.

8. Understanding Vehicle Age & Import Penalties

In Ghana, vehicles over 10 years attract additional import penalties. The older the vehicle, the higher the overage charge — which can significantly increase the total cost. Always confirm age-based duty categories before importing.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're importing your first car or just want to understand what makes your ride tick, basic car knowledge can save you money, reduce stress, and improve your long-term ownership experience.

Stay tuned as Kitannex continues to add more tools and guides to make vehicle ownership and importation simpler.