Like most countries, which have a varied geography, Nigeria calls for more care when it comes to the maintenance of the vehicles. Moving from the humid and heat-filled region of the south to the dry and dusty Harmattan region of the north, the vehicle encounters distinct challenges. But with a little more preventive measures and these top tips, we are sure your automobile will run safely and smoothly on the roads in Nigeria.
1. Care for Your Tires
Let’s think of tires as colossal shoes worn by the car; they are the only part of the car that touches the road, and their state determines how safe, economical, and enjoyable driving will be. In Nigeria, with potholes, uneven surfaces, and long stretches of highway driving, tire care is paramount.
● Regularly Check Your Tire Pressure: Keeping the right tire pressure helps proper balance on the road, thereby enhancing control, braking system, and even fuel effectiveness. Flat tires tend to have an adverse effect of increased rolling resistance, resulting in higher fuel costs and quicker damage to tires resolutely concerned with moving. High-pressure tires can reduce grip and increase the risk of blowouts.
○ How to Check: Obtain an accurate tire gauge and check the pressure using it. Note the recommended pressure for your type of tire (usually given in the manual or on the inside of the driver’s door). Check it after the vehicle has not moved for three hours. If possible, adjust at the vulcanizer shop or at a SureMech recommended shop.
● Change your tire. Tire changing is known for encouraging even distribution of wear and tear between car wheels (in every 5,000-8,000 km).
● Get Your Wheels Aligned: If done properly, wheel alignment will allow your vehicle to move in a straight line, lessen the risk of flat tires caused by overused tires, and allow you to keep more money in your pocket. If your car starts to drift to the side or certain tires begin to wear unevenly, consider getting an alignment immediately.
● Examine Your Tires: Assess for any visible problem, such as cuts, bulges, or even wear. Don’t ignore worn-out tires; change them before they become safety risks. Also, think of tires that match the Nigerian roads (for instance, tires with a reinforced sidewall to avoid damage from potholes).
2. Monitor Your Fluids:
As the human body relies on various elements to exist, so does your vehicle. These elements, which are often liquids, must be regularly monitored and changed over time in order to maintain the efficiency of the vehicle and extend its life.
● Engine Oil: The engine oil is that fluid that is used to lubricate the moving components of the engine to help reduce wear and tear as well as friction. Oil should not be used continuously without changing, as this may damage the engine (every 5,000–10,000 km, depending on the oil and driving conditions).
○ How to Check: Find the dipstick, typically yellow in colour, pull it out and wipe it off, replace it fully, then withdraw it out. Oil should be present “between” aloof labeled'min’ and'max.’ Use oil to fill in the gap, but ensure it is that specified in the manual and the right one to use.
● Coolant: Coolant assumes the responsibility of ensuring that the engine does not overheat, which is why it is important to have, particularly in Nigeria where it can get extremely hot. Hence, check the coolant level regularly and fill up if
necessary. Also check for any leaks (e.g., puddles under the vehicle, sweet).
● Brake Fluid: The brake fluid serves to pass control from your foot down to the brakes, allowing for the face-off to be achieved safely. Neglecting to refill the brake fluid can result in an off brake. Observe brake fluid levels within the tank
and refill as necessary brake fluid reservoirs. Do not wait for such obvious signs to get the brake system fixed if you observe a leak or if the brake pedal feels spongy.
● Transmission Fluid: Transmission fluid lubricates and cools the transmission system. Check the transmission fluid level (refer to your owner's manual for instructions) and get it changed according to the recommended service intervals.
3. Battery Care in Hot Weather:
The climate of Nigeria has an extreme effect on the car battery. High heat makes a car battery drain faster than the normal temperatures, therefore controlling the battery life.
● Park in the Shade: When allowed, do not park your vehicle directly overhead the sun, or better use a sunshade. This helps to reduce the heat that builds up under the hood.
● Avoid Short Trips: It is understandable that these short trips make the battery not charge fully. If it’s mostly short-distance driving, then it would be advisable to drive the car for a long distance every so often to fully charge the battery.
● Keep Battery Terminals Clean: A buildup of corrosion on the battery terminals may restrict the flow of electricity from the battery. Remove corrosion by scrubbing the terminals with a solution of baking soda and a wire brush.
● Understand Signs of a Faulty Battery: Look out for slow engine cranking, dim headlights, or electrical issues. If you suspect a weak battery, get it tested and replaced if necessary.
4. Maximize fuel efficiency in traffic;
Traffic congestion is something that most Lagosians would hate to deal with, but certain measures could be implemented in order to reduce the losses incurred due to fuel consumption.
● Driving Style: Try not to accelerate or brake hard, because this uses up fuel.
Drive at constant speeds and look into the distance to see the traffic.
● Do Not Waste Fuel On Idling: In case you sit in a traffic jam for a long period, ignore the urge to leave the engine running, e.g., for more than a minute or so. Idling burns fuel without carrying out work.
● Be Sure the Tires of the Vehicle Have Correct Inflation Levels: As mentioned earlier, under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, leading to higher fuel consumption.
● Scheduled Maintenance: ensure the vehicle is well serviced. A properly tuned engine, cleaned air filters, and workable spark plugs promote good fuel economy.
5. Preventative Maintenance Checklist:
Prevention is better than cure. Preventative maintenance is cheaper and less stressful in the long term. Here’s a checklist to ensure your car is well kept:
● Regularly check all fluids; inspect all fluids. Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, windscreen washer fluid, etc.
● Examine Your Tires: See out for tire pressure, tread depth, as well as signs of wear and tear.
● Try your brakes: Your brakes should be functioning properly, and you should not feel or hear any vibrations or sounds.
● Test your lights: All head, tail, brake, and turning lights should be functional.
● Examine Your Wipers: You will need to change wipers that are old and ineffective due to regular rains.
● Change your air filters: Certain air filters ensure that the engine works better with less fuel consumables.
● Assess belts and hoses: look for any damage in the belts and hoses.
● Regular maintenance should be arranged. Conduct the major maintenance practices as indicated in the service manual under the service intervals.
Conclusion:
Applying these car maintenance tips will help keep your vehicle roadworthy and safe on Nigerian roads. And in case you would require any in-person help, do not forget that
SureMech awaits your order. Our expert car fixing personnel shall be able to deliver easily accessible, open, and reasonably priced car servicing right to your doorstep.
Next time you wish to do any maintenance work for your car, get SureMech to do it and relieve your fears by knowing that the work is being done by a professional
SURE MECH
Suremech Nig. Ltd