Your car wants to live a long life. But are you the reason it’s dying young?
If cars could talk, most of them would be crying quietly in your driveway.
Not because they’re old. Not because they’re weak. But because we, the drivers, often neglect the small stuff—and then act shocked when a “small issue” becomes a ₦300,000 repair job.
Here’s why many cars in Nigeria (and beyond) break down way before they should—and how you can keep yours running strong without breaking the bank.
1. Skipping Oil Changes Until the Engine Cries for Help
The mistake:
Waiting too long between oil changes, or ignoring them completely.
Why it matters:
Oil keeps your engine parts moving smoothly. Old, dirty oil turns into sludge. Sludge = death.
How to fix it:
Change your oil every 5,000–10,000 km, depending on the oil type and your car’s age. It’s cheap. Engines are not.
2. Ignoring Warning Lights Like They’re Just Decorations
The mistake:
“Check engine light? It’s been on for months. The car still moves.”
Why it matters:
Dashboard lights are early warning systems. Ignoring them means you miss your chance to fix small issues before they become big ones.
How to fix it:
Buy an OBD scanner (they’re cheap), or take it to a mechanic as soon as that light pops up. Trust the dashboard. It knows things.
3. Running on Water Instead of Coolant
The mistake:
Using regular water in your radiator instead of proper coolant.
Why it matters:
Water boils and evaporates quickly. It also causes rust inside your engine. Coolant is designed to handle heat and prevent corrosion.
How to fix it:
Use the correct coolant (also called antifreeze). If you must use water in an emergency, replace it with coolant ASAP.
4. Overloading Your Car Like It’s a Haulage Truck
The mistake:
Carrying too many passengers, cement bags, or goats (yes, really).
Why it matters:
Overloading damages your suspension, brakes, and tires. It also ruins your fuel economy and safety.
How to fix it:
Respect your car’s limits. If you need a truck, get a truck. If you need a Benz… don’t treat it like a Keke.
5. Letting Your Battery “Die Naturally”
The mistake:
Driving with a weak battery until the day it completely gives up on you—usually in the rain, at night, or during a wedding.
Why it matters:
A dying battery can damage your alternator and leave you stranded. Not fun.
How to fix it:
Replace your battery every 2–4 years. If you notice slow starts or dim lights, get it tested. A new battery is cheaper than a new alternator.
6. Skipping Basic Routine Checks
The mistake:
Only popping your bonnet when something is already broken.
Why it matters:
Small maintenance—like checking tire pressure, oil level, and fluid leaks—can catch problems early.
How to fix it:
Create a simple monthly checklist. You don’t need to be a mechanic. Just be curious.
7. Not Listening to the Weird Noises
The mistake:
That grinding sound? Probably nothing. That squeak? Probably the road. Right?
Why it matters:
Cars have a way of “talking” before they fail. Ignoring those sounds lets minor issues become major bills.
How to fix it:
When in doubt, ask your mechanic to take a listen. Early detection = easy correction.
Treat It Well, It’ll Treat You Better
Your car isn’t just a machine—it’s a partner. And like any partnership, it needs attention, respect, and care. Most breakdowns don’t come out of nowhere—they come from neglect.
The good news? You don’t need a fat wallet to prevent them. Just a bit of consistency and common sense.
Do the small things now… so you don’t pay big later.
