Car Maintenance Nigerians Ignore Until It’s Too Late

Across Nigeria’s highways, many crashes blamed on “bad roads” or “driver error” often have a silent accomplice, poor vehicle maintenance.

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From burst tyres on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway to brake failure on the Lokoja axis, neglected vehicles are contributing significantly to road deaths.

In a country where cars are driven far beyond recommended service limits, maintenance is no longer optional, it is a safety obligation.

RoadKing.ng examines the most commonly ignored car maintenance issues among Nigerian drivers, how they directly contribute to crashes, and what every motorist must start doing differently.

1. Worn Tyres: Nigeria’s Moving Time Bombs

One of the most common and deadly maintenance failures on Nigerian roads is driving on bald or expired tyres.

Why it’s dangerous:

• Reduced grip on wet or damaged roads
• Longer stopping distance
• High risk of tyre burst at speed

According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), tyre-related issues account for over 30% of mechanically induced road crashes in Nigeria.

Yet, many drivers:

• Use tyres beyond their expiry dates
• Mix different tyre sizes
• Ignore visible cracks and bulges
• A tyre burst at 100 km/h is often unsurvivable.

2. Brake Neglect and Sudden Failure

Brake failure is frequently reported in fatal crashes involving:

• Commercial buses
• Fuel tankers
• Fully loaded private vehicles

Warning signs drivers ignore:

• Squealing or grinding sounds
• Vibrations when braking
• Soft or sinking brake pedal

On hilly routes like Lokoja–Okene, weak brakes almost always result in loss of control, collisions, or plunges into ditches.

3. Suspension and Shock Absorbers

Bad Nigerian roads punish vehicle suspension systems daily.

When shocks and bushings fail:

• Vehicles bounce uncontrollably
• Tyres lose contact with the road
• Steering response becomes unstable

Drivers often mistake this for “road shaking,” not realizing the car is no longer roadworthy.

4. Overheating Engines and Coolant Neglect

Many roadside breakdowns are caused by:

• Low or dirty coolant
• Faulty radiators
• Broken cooling fans

An overheating engine can:

• Seize suddenly on highways
• Cause vehicles to stall in dangerous locations
• Lead to fire outbreaks in extreme cases

Stopping unexpectedly on fast-moving highways exposes occupants to secondary crashes and robberies.

5. Poor Lighting and Electrical Failures

Faulty headlights and brake lights are a major reason:

• Vehicles are rear-ended at night
• Drivers fail to spot potholes and stalled trucks

Night travel already carries high risk in Nigeria. Driving with weak or dead lights multiplies that danger.

6. Ignoring Warning Lights

Modern vehicles provide warnings for a reason. Unfortunately, many Nigerian drivers:

• Tape over dashboard warning lights
• Ignore engine, ABS, or oil alerts
• Continue driving until failure occurs

A warning light is often the last chance to prevent a breakdown or crash.

Why Poor Maintenance Is Common in Nigeria

• Rising cost of spare parts
• Dependence on used vehicles (“Tokunbo”)
• Lack of regular vehicle inspection enforcement
• Poor mechanic standards and fake parts.
• “Manage it” driving culture

These factors create vehicles that are barely safe, yet still daily driven on highways.

RoadKing.ng Maintenance Safety Checklist

Every Nigerian driver should ensure:

1. Tyres are within expiry date and properly inflated
2. Brakes are checked every 3–6 months
3. Engine oil and coolant are topped and clean
4. Headlights, brake lights, and indicators work properly
5. Suspension and steering are inspected regularly
6. Dashboard warning lights are never ignored

The Bigger Picture

Bad roads make crashes worse but poor vehicle maintenance often triggers them.

A well-maintained car:

• Responds better to sudden hazards
• Survives potholes and rough terrain
• Protects lives during emergencies

Maintenance is not about luxury. It is about survival.