In Rwanda, keeping a car in good condition often depends on more than just regular maintenance, it’s also a matter of access.

For many vehicle owners, finding reliable spare parts remains a test of patience, cost, and connection, as supply chains stretch from Kigali’s busy garages to factories in Europe, China, South Africa, Japan, Korea, and Dubai.

ALSO READ: Inside surge in hybrid cars in Rwanda’s automotive market

Regulation and quality control

Dr. Vincent Biruta, the Minister of Interior, recently noted that as Rwanda’s vehicle population grows, so does the need for tighter oversight of auto parts entering the market.

"There must be clear regulations on how spare parts enter the country,” he said. "We need to assess how these parts are imported and used, and most importantly, ensure their quality. Currently, spare parts are mainly checked during the vehicle’s technical inspection.”

In Kigali, areas like Muhima and Gatsata are hubs for garages and spare parts dealers.

According to Junior Munyororo, Chief Mechanic at ATECAR, that’s where most drivers and mechanics begin their search.

"Most of the parts come from local dealers, but when necessary, we import from Dubai,” he explained. "It depends on the client’s budget. Air shipments can arrive in three days, while sea freight can take up to a month or slightly more.”

For taxi operators, logistics companies, and private motorists, the availability of a single component often determines whether a vehicle gets back on the road or stays idle for weeks.

ALSO READ: How Uwineza defied the odds to make it as a spare parts dealer

Local production and legal limits

Although discussions on local manufacturing have begun, experts say Rwanda still faces structural and legal hurdles.

Sylvestre Karemera, Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IPRC Kigali, said producing spare parts locally requires authorisation from original manufacturers.

"Not everyone is allowed to make spare parts,” he said. "In Rwanda, we could produce some light components, but we must obtain the patent from the car’s original producer. Intellectual property and standards are often the main barriers, not just capacity.”

ALSO READ: What are the most affordable EV brands on Rwandan market?

Dealerships and stock management

At Rwandamotor, one of the country’s authorised dealerships, spare parts for various brands are readily available.

Richard Mudereva, an employee at Rwandamotor said maintaining sufficient stock has helped the company reduce dependency on imports.

"We usually have most parts in stock,” he said. "When we do import, delivery time depends on the country of origin, the type of spare-part, the client’s budget, and the shipping method. But we rarely face shortages because we manage our inventory well.”

A visit to the company’s warehouse reveals shelves stocked with everything from body panels and electronic systems to brake assemblies and wheel components, a lifeline for motorists seeking quick service.

The global supply chain

The auto parts supply chain often begins thousands of kilometres away. For example, Chongqing Ruisilaifu Tire Co. Ltd in China says a standard 20-foot container carries between 1,000 and 1,200 passenger car tires, while larger importers use 40-foot containers.

ALSO READ: Regional tyre company enters Rwandan market

Logistics firms such as Panair Global Logistics Company Limited link manufacturers to East African markets. Most shipments bound for Rwanda pass through the Port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania before being transported by road to Kigali.

Tire prices vary by size. In China, a 185/65R14 tire costs about Rwf32,000, while a 195/65R15 costs roughly Rwf38,000. In Rwanda, the most common sizes correspond to popular models such as Toyota RAV4 (225/65R17 and 225/60R18), Toyota Corolla (195/65R15 and 205/55R16), and heavy-duty trucks (315/80R22.5).

Newer cars, same challenges

Even newer cars are not spared from sourcing difficulties. Senator Hadija Murangwa Ndangiza said the issue affects both old and new vehicles.

"Even government officials who drive new vehicles sometimes need parts that must be imported,” she said. "It can take a long time depending on the model. It’s not easy to find the right parts locally.”

Technology and evolving demand

At Auto Korea Maintenance Ltd in Gikondo, Managing Director Erie Ndikubwimana said demand for electronic-based components has surged with the growth of hybrid and electric vehicles.

"We often need essential parts such as filters and sensors,” he said. "Hybrid and electric vehicles rely heavily on electronic systems. We also buy gaskets that prevent leaks, maintain pressure, and ensure optimal engine performance.”

According to him, global improvements in logistics have eased delays.

"Today, importing spare parts by air takes about three to five days,” he said. "By sea, it can take one and a half to two months.”

Replacing entire engines, however, remains costly. "A brand-new engine can cost between Rwf1.4 million and Rwf4.5 million, depending on the model and source,” Ndikubwimana said.

The fight against counterfeit parts

Despite regulatory efforts, counterfeit parts continue to flood the market, posing safety and financial risks to motorists.

Toyota Rwanda warns that fake components such as spark plugs, wiper blades, brake linings, oil filters, and cabin air filters can severely damage vehicles and even endanger lives.

Counterfeit parts lack proper materials and quality control. Their use can lead to mechanical failure and void manufacturer warranties.

Spark plugs, for instance, are vital for engine ignition. Fake ones can cause misfires, poor fuel economy, and reduced acceleration. Genuine plugs, by contrast, deliver efficient combustion and longer engine life.

Similarly, genuine oil filters remove carbon residue and metallic particles from engine oil. Counterfeit ones can clog easily, reducing lubrication and causing engine damage.

Brake pads are also a safety-critical component. Counterfeit versions, often made from substandard materials, wear out quickly and cause vibrations or uneven braking.

"They may look identical but don’t offer the same performance,” Toyota Rwanda cautioned. "Genuine pads are designed for specific models, ensuring full compatibility and safety.”