Little habits, big damage—fix these before your car makes you pay for it.
You don’t need to crash your car to ruin it. Sometimes, it’s the small, everyday things—done over and over—that wear it down faster than you realize. Whether you’re driving a brand-new ride or a trusted old “tokunbo,” these five common habits could be silently draining your car’s life (and your wallet).
1. Ignoring Your Tire Pressure
Under-inflated tires don’t just look bad—they work harder. That means more fuel consumption, uneven wear, and in extreme cases, blowouts. Overinflated tires? Just as bad: they reduce grip and make your ride stiff.
Quick fix: Check your pressure monthly (or every 2 weeks in Nigeria’s climate), and always before long trips. Use a pressure gauge or stop by a petrol station with an air machine.
2. Riding the Brakes
Always resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving, especially downhill, wears your brake pads faster. This also generates excess heat, which can lead to brake failure.
Quick fix: Use engine braking (downshift on slopes) when possible, and keep your foot off the brake unless you’re actually stopping.
3. Revving a Cold Engine
Start the car, and then immediately revving it like you’re in Fast & Furious? Bad idea. Your engine oil needs a minute to circulate and lubricate properly.
Quick fix: Let the engine run for 30 seconds to a minute before driving off—especially in the morning. And avoid high revs until it warms up.
4. Skipping Routine Oil Changes
Oil is your car’s lifeblood. Delay an oil change too long, and you risk sludge buildup, poor performance, or total engine failure.
Quick fix: Don’t guess—check your owner’s manual. But as a rule of thumb, change your oil every 5,000 to 7,000 km, or every 3-6 months depending on how often you drive.
5. Driving With a Heavy Foot on Bad Roads
Yes, Nigerian roads are rough—but slamming through potholes at full speed or driving with full loads every day shortens your suspension’s lifespan and misaligns your wheels.
Quick fix: Slow down on rough roads, avoid potholes when you can, and don’t overload your car “just because it’s strong.”
Respect Your Ride
Your car doesn’t need grand gestures—it just needs consistent care. Fix these five habits, and your car will thank you by running longer, smoother, and cheaper.
Want a printable checklist or Instagram version of this post? Just say the word!
