Tuk-tuk maintenance: the Bajaj RE and TVS King

Tuk-tuks work long hours with passengers and goods, often on rough roads. The Bajaj RE and TVS King are the most common. Short service intervals keep them reliable and safe.

Every day

• Check the engine oil level and look underneath for leaks.
• Check all three tyres for pressure and damage. Use the pressures in the manual for your usual load.
• Test the brakes, horn, lights and indicators.

Every 1,500–3,000 km

• Engine oil change at the interval in the manual, with the specified oil. Working tuk-tuks benefit from the shorter end of the range.
• Air filter: clean it, more often on dusty routes.
• Brakes: check the shoes and adjust them.
• Cables: clutch, throttle and gear cables lubricated and adjusted.

Every 6,000–10,000 km

• Spark plug and valve clearance.
• Gearbox oil at the manual's interval.
• Steering: check for play in the handlebar and front fork, and the steering bearings.
• Rear suspension and wheel bearings.

Load

Overloading is the fastest way to wear out a tuk-tuk's tyres, brakes, bearings and gearbox, and it makes the vehicle unstable on corners. Stay within the limits in the manual and on your licence.