How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It - Car Talk (2)

How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It - Car Talk (2) - Nairaland

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Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by kaludestiny10(m): 1:22pm On Dec 22, 2025

All the long distance transport company drivers do warm their buses before embarking on their journey even with new buses as recommended by the company's mechanic.

ibechris:
Wrong.

Every car produced from the year 2000 to date does not need to warming up before u can drive out.

2 Likes

Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by professore(m): 1:24pm On Dec 22, 2025

Okay

Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by Danchibez: 1:33pm On Dec 22, 2025

Ur car manufacturer identified the required oil the car uses on top of the engine oil cap cover. Always maintain the oil identified therein and have peace with ur car

2 Likes

Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by 99thEnemy(m): 1:33pm On Dec 22, 2025

HacheNoire:
Dumping any engine oil inside the engine!

They will buy anything that KAZEEM recommends, and to top it up, they just buy from any where without concern. Some think they buying Mobil 1 but don’t even know they are buying oil blended in Aba.

Another one is using water for coolant 🤣🤣🤣

The water for coolant baffles me till date.

Why won't their cars keep overheating...

2 Likes

Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by JAOS(m): 1:39pm On Dec 22, 2025

Good info

1 Like

Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by HacheNoire: 1:40pm On Dec 22, 2025

99thEnemy:
The water for coolant baffles me till date.

Why won't their cars keep overheating...

Over heating is even the least. If you see the rust that builds up, you will be scared! Especially when you see such in high performance cars. You feel like slapping the owner.

1 Like

Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by kelechi50: 1:41pm On Dec 22, 2025

I bought a car in 2018 and the engine entered code and refused to start and mechanic advised me to change engine, which I did but the mechanic didn't check the radiator pipes and I took the car to Ibadan, before togate Ibadan the overheating burn gaskets and I had tow the vehicle to togate.

After changing the gaskets, instead of the mechanic to advise me to change radiator from single cell to double cell, the vehicle keeps heating up on daily basis.

Out of curiosity I told my parts seller about it and he advised me to change radiator to double cell and that was the end of my stress.

2 Likes

Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by Vision101(m): 1:42pm On Dec 22, 2025

HacheNoire:
Dumping any engine oil inside the engine!

They will buy anything that KAZEEM recommends, and to top it up, they just buy from any where without concern. Some think they buying Mobil 1 but don’t even know they are buying oil blended in Aba.

Another one is using water for coolant 🤣🤣🤣

Water for coolant? Coolants come in small containers and expensive. The cost will be heavy if you use only coolant because of the volume that will fill the radiator. I usually use water and add one or two cans of coolant.

2 Likes 1 Share

Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by gabbasin(m): 1:42pm On Dec 22, 2025

Change your car engine oil at every 5,000 kilometres covered, this I have been maintaining for the past 13 years on the same car, but the issue is that nowadays it takes me 3 years to get to 5,000 kilometres, and it's been 2 years I last changed my car engine oil

3 Likes 2 Shares

Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by Ojemedad: 1:44pm On Dec 22, 2025

kaludestiny10:
All the long distance transport company drivers do warm their buses before embarking on their journey even with new buses as recommended by the company's mechanic.

Old habits are difficult to quit

1 Like

Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by RaptorX: 1:44pm On Dec 22, 2025

Gotocourt:
Removing thermostat is the number one killer

Why would anyone remove their car thermostat?

Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by obinna58(m): 1:45pm On Dec 22, 2025

gabbasin:
Change your car engine oil at every 5 kilometres covered, this I have been maintained for the past 13 years on the same car, but the issue is that nowadays it takes me 3 years to get to 5 kilometres, and it's been 2 years I last changed my car engine oil

you mean 5k km

1 Like 1 Share

Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by ChybuzzDD(m): 1:46pm On Dec 22, 2025

2special:
oh, I'm already used to it, I don't know the technique is meant for older cars

You didn't know and you went ahead to advice based on that?
That's the problem with Nigerians.....offering advice straight out of the abundance of their ignorance

1 Like

Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by yommysure(m): 1:54pm On Dec 22, 2025

gabbasin:
Change your car engine oil at every 5,000 kilometres covered, this I have been maintained for the past 13 years on the same car, but the issue is that nowadays it takes me 3 years to get to 5,000 kilometres, and it's been 2 years I last changed my car engine oil

5km bawo? I no understand you oo

1 Like

Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by gabbasin(m): 1:54pm On Dec 22, 2025

obinna58:
you mean 5k km

oh thanks I meant 5,000 kilometres. Already modified

1 Like

Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by MrJames007: 1:55pm On Dec 22, 2025

Btruth:
I don't get? I thought it's been removed because of the temperature?

Those who put it there weren't dumb.

2 Likes

Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by ibechris(m): 1:55pm On Dec 22, 2025

kaludestiny10:
All the long distance transport company drivers do warm their buses before embarking on their journey even with new buses as recommended by the company's mechanic.

Na follow follow dey kill us for this country. Can't u read it up.

I have known this for many years and yet I am surprised u are using those agbero mechanic to prove ur points.

Why are u then educated? I am telling u that it is not compulsory to warm ur car before driving.

Google is there for u counter me and here u are using motor park mechanics to compare.

If Google is hard for u to use,use YouTube to educate yourself bros.

That is how those agbero mechanic will tell u to remove ur thermostat and u too will follow them.

3 Likes 1 Share

Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by Osanoghodua1: 1:55pm On Dec 22, 2025

Fantastic write up but:

Changing oil at least once in a month is not totally true, after every service, the engine is supposed to cover some dance before changing the Oil, it can cover it before 1 month or even at 3 months. I usually change mine every 6 months. I use Hardless Gold.

Also the fallacy that if you're using mobile, you can never change to Total or Ondo is a big fat lie just the oil grading is what you need to consider. If you want to argue this, why don't you start buying oil from the USA after importing your car from the USA?

2 Likes

Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by martinz1: 2:02pm On Dec 22, 2025

when they buy i4 engine and expect v12 perfomance

1 Like

Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by Kanixt(m): 2:03pm On Dec 22, 2025

ibechris:
Wrong.

Every car produced from the year 2000 to date does not need to warm up before u can drive out.

where did you get that from??

1 Like

Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by 99thEnemy(m): 2:05pm On Dec 22, 2025

HacheNoire:
Over heating is even the least. If you see the rust that builds up, you will be scared! Especially when you see such in high performance cars. You feel like slapping the owner.

Exactly.

Using water to avoid cost, which is negligible in the long run leading to rust, corrosion, frequent top-ups, water-pump and gasket failures, clogged radiators, and eventually major engine damage, all of which proper coolant is designed to prevent.

And the worst part is that the so called regular Nigerian mechanics that people hold in high esteem when it comes to car maintenance knowledge actively contribute to this ignorance.

If you advice people about it, the common reply is, "You sabi pass mechanic?".
And there is a common myth peddled by some local mechanics that coolant is only mandatory for cars in temperate regions.

7 Likes

Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by 2cribz: 2:07pm On Dec 22, 2025

Lies.
Na yur ba3 go sapa after a year

Femeto:
Don't use AC your engine go last long.

1 Like

Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by HacheNoire: 2:07pm On Dec 22, 2025

99thEnemy:
Exactly.

Using water to avoid cost, which is negligible in the long run leading to rust, corrosion, frequent top-ups, water-pump and gasket failures, clogged radiators, and eventually major engine damage, all of which proper coolant is designed to prevent.

And the worst part is that the so called regular Nigerian mechanics that people hold in high esteem when it comes to car maintenance knowledge actively contribute to this ignorance.

If you advice people about it, the common reply is, "You sabi pass mechanic?".
And there is a common myth peddled by some local mechanics that coolant is only mandatory for cars in temperate regions.

You know them very well! 🤣🤣🤣

2 Likes

Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by TheStoriesOfMan: 2:10pm On Dec 22, 2025

Electric bicycle riders like us can't relate grin

1 Like

Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by Loonyy(m): 2:11pm On Dec 22, 2025

NaijaCars234:
Fuel prices and maintenance costs are already high, but many drivers make a mistake that silently damages their engines. Skipping regular oil changes is the main cause of engine problems in Nigeria.

Engine oil lubricates moving parts, reduces friction, and keeps the engine cool. When oil is old or low, parts grind against each other, causing heat, wear, and reduced efficiency. This leads to higher fuel consumption and poor performance. If left unchecked, engine failure can cost hundreds of thousands of Naira to repair.

Some drivers wait until the engine makes strange noises or overheats before checking oil. Others use the wrong type of oil or extend the interval between oil changes beyond the manufacturer’s recommendation. All of these habits shorten engine life.

The solution is simple. Check your oil at least once a month and change it according to the schedule in your car manual. Use the recommended oil type and quality.

No be Person Way Buy Car way get Manual go Sabi Manufacturer's recommendation for the Matter

Drivers who follow this habit save fuel, avoid costly repairs, and keep their cars running smoothly on Nigerian roads. How often do you check your engine oil? Has it affected your car’s performance or fuel usage?

1 Like

Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by 2cribz: 2:11pm On Dec 22, 2025

Before I do my oil change,I usually buy 3litres of cheap mineral oil ,those sold in bottled water container,1 buy 1 liter of diesel, 50cl of thinner...then I drive the car for 3 days mildly ,after the drain,the whole carbon and dirt usually comes out clean,b4 I do almight mobil 1 6 litres.

2 Likes

Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by kaludestiny10(m): 2:14pm On Dec 22, 2025

Anyway, the mechanics I'm referring to are not road side or agbero mechanics. I once worked with a transport company and the company also assemble the buses they use in the business. And the chief mechanic is not a Nigerian. Anyway, I'm not disputing your opinion but only expressing my thoughts based on what I observed.

ibechris:
Na follow follow dey kill us for this country. Can't u read it up.

I have known this for many years and yet I am surprised u are using those agbero mechanic to prove ur points.

Why are u then educated? I am telling u that it is not compulsory to warm ur car before driving.

Google is there for u counter me and here u are using motor park mechanics to compare.

If Google is hard for u to use,use YouTube to educate yourself bros.

That is how those agbero mechanic will tell u to remove ur thermostat and u too will follow them.

1 Like

Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by JuanDeDios: 2:14pm On Dec 22, 2025

Gotocourt:
Removing thermostat is the number one killer

Really? Hmm

1 Like

Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by Hotguy27: 2:15pm On Dec 22, 2025

NaijaCars234:
Fuel prices and maintenance costs are already high, but many drivers make a mistake that silently damages their engines. Skipping regular oil changes is the main cause of engine problems in Nigeria.

Engine oil lubricates moving parts, reduces friction, and keeps the engine cool. When oil is old or low, parts grind against each other, causing heat, wear, and reduced efficiency. This leads to higher fuel consumption and poor performance. If left unchecked, engine failure can cost hundreds of thousands of Naira to repair.

Some drivers wait until the engine makes strange noises or overheats before checking oil. Others use the wrong type of oil or extend the interval between oil changes beyond the manufacturer’s recommendation. All of these habits shorten engine life.

The solution is simple. Check your oil at least once a month and change it according to the schedule in your car manual. Use the recommended oil type and quality.

Drivers who follow this habit save fuel, avoid costly repairs, and keep their cars running smoothly on Nigerian roads. How often do you check your engine oil? Has it affected your car’s performance or fuel usage?

Nigeria environment is completely different from what manufacturers factor in when recommending use and change of engine oil.
So, it should depend on how and where you use the car. Nigeria atmosphere has a lot of dust particles that unfortunately find their ways into the engines. This alters completely the efficiency and the duration of whatever engine oil you use. For me, I change engine oil every month or once I drive the car for 3,000 km

3 Likes

Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by femi4: 2:17pm On Dec 22, 2025

Gotocourt:
Removing thermostat is the number one killer

Honestly, was suprised it wasnt no 1

Kazeems with wrong advice

2. Use water instead of coolant..as time goes on radiator is full of rust

2 Likes 1 Share

Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by dederocs(m): 2:17pm On Dec 22, 2025

AfroBeatDiary:
How?

How?
17 more characters needed
Follow this

Removing thermostat overworks the engine, and fills it with excess water, because nothing to stop the water from flowing in, removing thermostat also leads to excess fuel usage...when engine is not working at optimised functionality, wear and tear occurs quickly.

3 Likes

Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by dederocs(m): 2:17pm On Dec 22, 2025

femi4:
Honestly, was suprised it wasnt no 1

Kazeems with wrong advice

2. Use water instead of coolant

Using water instead of coolant makes the engine rusts quicker

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