Tanuki Garage: Everything You Need To Know
Tanuki Garage is a popular Kenyan YouTube channel that focuses on cars, car culture, and automotive adventures.
After watching several of his videos, it’s clear this channel is run by someone with a true passion for all things automotive.
The channel is run by Kim JH, who goes by the online alias GTR Tanuki.
Based in Nairobi, Kenya, Tanuki Garage has amassed a dedicated following with its engaging content and unique perspective on the automotive scene in Kenya and beyond.
This is a refreshing change from the typical Western-centric automotive content often seen online.
Table of Contents
Content and Style
Tanuki Garage videos cover a wide range of automotive topics, offering something for every car enthusiast.
Cars Featured
Kim showcases a variety of cars on his channel, with his cars, a BMW X3M and a Nissan GTR, making frequent appearances.
He often takes viewers along for modifications and maintenance work on these vehicles, providing a glimpse into his hands-on approach to car ownership.
Car Reviews and Comparisons
Kim provides detailed insights into various car models, highlighting their features, performance, and overall driving experience.
He often compares different cars to help viewers understand their strengths and weaknesses.
For example, in one video, he compares the performance of a Mercedes to a BMW, offering a balanced and informative perspective on both brands.
Maintenance and Repairs
The channel features videos on car maintenance, repairs, and modifications. Kim shares his knowledge and experience, offering tips and advice to car owners.
In one video, he documents a trip to Auto Express to install spacers on his car, demonstrating the process and explaining the benefits of this modification.
He also shares videos on more complex repairs, such as changing a head gasket and troubleshooting oil leaks.
Car Troubleshooting
Kim doesn’t shy away from sharing his challenges and learning experiences with his viewers.
In one video, he documents the process of troubleshooting technical difficulties with his Nissan GTR.
He openly discusses the error messages, potential causes, and his plan to work with his tuner to resolve the issue.
This transparency and willingness to share his struggles make his content relatable and informative for viewers facing similar challenges.
Automotive Adventures
Tanuki Garage takes viewers on exciting adventures, showcasing scenic drives, road trips, and motorsport events.
In one video, he takes his cousin from South Korea on a thrilling drifting experience, capturing the excitement and reactions dynamically and entertainingly.
He also documents a road trip across Europe with his brother, encountering challenges and unexpected situations along the way.
Vlogs and Behind-the-Scenes
Kim often vlogs about his daily life, giving viewers a glimpse into his experiences as a car enthusiast in Kenya.
He also shares behind-the-scenes footage of his video shoots and projects.
In one vlog, he shares his experience of giving a fan a ride in his car, highlighting his connection with his audience and his down-to-earth personality.
He also provides insights into his video production process, discussing his preference for using iPhones for vlogging due to their convenience and high video quality.
The channel’s style is characterized by its authenticity, humor, and high-quality production.
Kim’s passion for cars is evident in every video, and his engaging personality makes the content both informative and entertaining.
He often incorporates cinematic shots and dynamic editing to create visually appealing videos.
Petrol Station Investigation
One of Tanuki Garage’s most impactful videos involved testing the quality of petrol at various petrol stations in Nairobi.
Using an octane tester, Kim measured the Research Octane Number (RON) of different fuel samples, including Shell V-Power.
His findings revealed inconsistencies in fuel quality, raising concerns about whether consumers were receiving the advertised octane levels.
The video went viral, prompting a response from Vivo Energy, the company that distributes Shell fuels in Kenya.
Vivo Energy emphasized its commitment to quality control and launched an investigation into the matter.
This incident highlights Tanuki Garage’s influence and its role in holding businesses accountable.
The video sparked widespread discussion among Kenyan motorists and potentially contributed to increased scrutiny of fuel quality standards in the country.
Personal Life
While Kim JH prefers to keep his personal life private, some information can be gleaned from his videos and online presence.
He is passionate about cars and enjoys sharing his knowledge and experiences with his audience.
He is also an advocate for safe driving and responsible car ownership. He is 24 years old as of February 2025.
He has expressed interest in potentially buying a car in another country, suggesting a broader international outlook on the automotive world.
He’s open about the high fuel consumption of his Nissan GTR (4 km per liter) and has considered making a video about his life expenses, offering a candid glimpse into the realities of owning and maintaining high-performance vehicles.
While he enjoys car shows, he avoids participating in racing events due to the potential financial risks and high maintenance costs involved.
Other Ventures
Kim JH’s interests extend beyond cars.
He has collaborated with Eric Moryoki and Ce Palmares on “A Very Kenyan Sketch Show,” showcasing his involvement in the Kenyan creative scene and his diverse talents.
This collaboration highlights his willingness to explore different creative avenues and engage with a wider audience.
Social Media and Website
In addition to YouTube, Tanuki Garage has a presence on Instagram (@gtrtanuki) and TikTok (@gtrtanuki).
These platforms provide additional content and updates for fans.
The channel also has a website ([email protected]) where viewers can contact Kim JH and learn more about his work.
He also has a merchandise line, which has previously sold out, demonstrating his strong connection with his fanbase.
Conclusion
Tanuki Garage is a rising star in the Kenyan automotive scene.
With its engaging content, unique perspective, and commitment to quality, the channel has captured the attention of car enthusiasts across the country and beyond.
Kim JH’s passion for cars, his authentic and relatable personality, and his dedication to producing high-quality videos have all contributed to the channel’s success.
Tanuki Garage offers a rare glimpse into car culture and ownership in Kenya, providing a different perspective from typical Western-centric automotive content.
Kim JH’s willingness to share his experiences, knowledge, and even his challenges makes his channel both informative and inspiring for car enthusiasts of all levels.
His petrol station investigation video demonstrated his influence and potential to drive positive change in the automotive industry.
Tanuki Garage is a must-watch for anyone interested in the automotive world, especially those seeking a fresh and engaging perspective on car culture and ownership.
Read also:
