A significant number of vehicles in Rwanda are failing emissions tests, prompting an increase in repair requests at local garages.
After one in five vehicles tested for emissions in Rwanda were found to exceed the required pollution limits, garage workers in Kigali reported a surge in vehicle owners seeking repairs. Between August 25 and October 31, the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) tested 9,118 vehicles, of which 22.6 percent emitted pollutants beyond acceptable standards.
Jean Félix Muhirwa, the Workshop Manager at ATECAR Garage in Kicukiro District, stated that they have begun receiving vehicles that failed the new emission tests, most of them being trucks. He noted that since the emissions testing began in late August, the garage now handles at least three vehicles a week with emission issues.
“In most cases, emissions come from poor maintenance, such as damaged air filters that no longer clean properly, or faulty carburetors. Sometimes, the problem is a worn-out engine that releases excess smoke,” Muhirwa told The New Times.
Besides trucks that have failed the tests, some private car owners also bring their vehicles voluntarily after noticing unusual smoke. “Before these tests started, we used to receive one or two small cars per month with similar problems,” he added.
According to Muhirwa, each vehicle goes through a careful inspection by skilled technicians using diagnostic machines to measure pollutant levels. Repairs then focus on key areas such as oil changes, air and fuel filter replacements, and ensuring the correct type of fuel is used.
Repair costs vary depending on the cause and vehicle type. “Some repairs can cost between Rwf1.5 million and Rwf3 million if major components need replacement,” he said. In other cases, it might just require tightening or minor adjustments costing Rwf10,000 to Rwf20,000. Air filters alone range from Rwf35,000 to Rwf65,000, depending on the model.
Muhirwa advised motorists to maintain regular servicing schedules to avoid costly repairs and keep their vehicles environmentally compliant. “Timely maintenance is key,” he emphasised. “It’s not only about passing the test but also about reducing pollution and extending your vehicle’s lifespan.”
Shaffy Gaston Byiringiro, the Managing Director of Gastons Auto Team, another garage based in Kicukiro District, offered a more technical perspective. “When a vehicle fails the emission test, we start by checking the air-fuel balance and compression, that tells us right away whether the problem is electronic, like sensors, injectors or Electronic Control Unit (ECU) readings, or mechanical, such as engine wear or oil burning,” he explained.
Byiringiro noted that since the inspection campaign began in late August, Gastons Auto Team has recorded a 40 to 50 percent increase in emission-related visits, mainly from older imports, particularly 2000–2012 Toyotas and Nissans, with worn catalytic converters and poor maintenance records.
“The biggest difference is between temporary fixes and proper mechanical restoration,” he said. “We insist on the latter, even if it costs more, because it solves the root cause.”
Emissions testing will be carried out alongside regular mechanical inspections once or twice a year, depending on how often a vehicle is used, according to REMA. Testing fees vary by vehicle category, with motorcycles priced at Rwf16,638 for the first test and Rwf8,319 for reinspection within two weeks. Private cars with up to eight seats and a maximum authorised weight of 3.5 tonnes pay Rwf34,940 for the first test and Rwf17,470 for reinspection.
In conclusion, the recent emissions testing initiative in Rwanda has highlighted the importance of vehicle maintenance and environmental compliance, prompting a significant response from both garage owners and vehicle owners alike.
Key Points
- 22.6% of tested vehicles exceeded pollution limits.
- Garage visits for emissions-related repairs have increased significantly.
- Regular maintenance is crucial for compliance and vehicle longevity.
Sources: Rwandan vehicle owners hit the garage after 2,000 fails emissions tests
Image: www.newtimes.co.rw