Little habits, big savings—don’t let your car drain your wallet!
In Nigeria, car repairs can hit hard—both in surprise and in price. One minute your car is fine, and the next you’re staring down a mechanic’s quote that could buy you a decent second-hand smartphone.
The good news? Most major car issues are preventable with a few simple, affordable habits. Let’s break down five cheap maintenance moves that can save you from shelling out over ₦100,000 in repair bills.
1. Change Your Engine Oil on Time (₦8,000–₦15,000)
Why it matters: Delayed oil changes are a death sentence for your engine.
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Old oil gets dirty and stops lubricating your engine properly.
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This causes overheating, wear, and eventually full engine failure.
What you save: Replacing an engine in Nigeria can cost ₦500,000 or more. Just change your oil every 5,000–10,000 km, depending on your oil type.
2. Rotate Your Tires Regularly (₦3,000–₦5,000)
Why it matters: Tires don’t wear out evenly. Rotating them spreads the wear.
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Front tires wear faster due to steering and braking.
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Ignoring rotation leads to bald spots, blowouts, or early replacement.
What you save: A full set of new tires can cost ₦100,000+. Rotation extends tire life and boosts fuel efficiency.
3. Check and Top Up Coolant (₦2,000–₦5,000)
Why it matters: Your engine gets hot—especially in Lagos traffic or under the Abuja sun.
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Low coolant = overheating = warped engine components or a blown gasket.
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Always check your coolant levels monthly, and never top up with just water.
What you save: Repairing an overheated engine can cost ₦150,000+.
4. Replace Brake Pads Early (₦10,000–₦20,000)
Why it matters: Brake pads are designed to wear out—what matters is replacing them before they destroy other parts.
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Waiting too long ruins the brake rotors and calipers.
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Early replacement = safe stopping and fewer expensive repairs.
What you save: Damaged rotors and calipers? That’s ₦80,000–₦120,000 gone.
5. Clean or Replace Your Air Filter (₦3,000–₦7,000)
Why it matters: A clogged air filter chokes your engine and kills fuel efficiency.
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Your engine needs clean air to burn fuel properly.
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Dirty filters increase fuel consumption and engine strain.
What you save: Better fuel economy = long-term savings. Ignoring it could lead to sensor issues or worse—costing ₦40,000+.
You don’t need to be a mechanic to save money—just a little consistent and curious. These habits take less than an hour a month and can save you hundreds of thousands of naira over time.
Pro tip: Find a trusted local mechanic who explains things clearly. A ₦5,000 check-up today could save you ₦150,000 tomorrow.
