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How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It - Car Talk (4) - Nairaland

Nairaland ForumNairaland GeneralCar TalkHow Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It (34238 Views)

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Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by 3kay945(m): 4:34pm On Dec 22, 2025
GboyegaD:
Is this the part they try to disconnect the heater? Why do people allow their rewire do this? It is very wrong.
No, heater is different. I disconnect my heater too when my whole dashboard was removed twice just to change an AC Evaporator or something.

But when they remove the thermostat, the radiator fans will work every time the engine or ignition is on.
Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by spoilerx: 4:46pm On Dec 22, 2025
pak:
Sincere question here - do you think modern engines still need the warm up?
I thought that was an issue with older cars
No, most recent cars used much lighter oils, so u only need like 30 seconds to warm up the engine.
The one we usually never think about is this transmission oil, you shouldn't move immediately to high speed, move slowly( about 5 - 10 minutes) for transmission oil to circulate before increasing speed.

Also people need to change transmission oil especially for CVT cars.

Also beware of fake oils.
Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by babzo(m): 4:49pm On Dec 22, 2025
2special:
The first start of the day, always allows the RMP to drop to 1 or a bit lower than 1..... that's allow the car to warm up before driving.
Warming up the car is something I have never seen in the West except during winter when its really cold and the car is like a freezer.

But summer, just get in the car and drive. Never even heard any car manufacturer recommending warm your car.

Also why do we put water in the engine instead of Coolant?
Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by 3kay945(m): 4:54pm On Dec 22, 2025
SlavaUkraini:
What is the point of changing Oil, when the engine is already operating on Oil Shortage mode... ?

You just have to top up the Oil on a daily basis with fresh oil.
Funny you.. dirty still full inside the engine sitting at the bottom and slugs nko
Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by Osanoghodua1: 4:54pm On Dec 22, 2025
You guys should try and pay attention to details when reading
Thanks it's check
I just went back to read it
Thanks.
But he didn't tell when to Change it.
Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by 3kay945(m): 4:57pm On Dec 22, 2025
goodman55:
I saw some pple saying cars produced from yr 2000 to date doesn't need worm up b4 driving especially old engine from Night till morning. Every car with any model engine deserved to be worm up for at least 4-5minutes especially in the morning b4 driving bcus the engine has taken over 8 hours to cool so as the engine oil so when you start the engine small, it stimulates the engine oil to go round the engine and ensure some level of lubrication and its make your engine move well b4 you will start accelerating at higher speed. These engines are just like human beings; sm1 just woke you up and start running immediately?
grin cheesy
Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by 3kay945(m): 4:58pm On Dec 22, 2025
PHIPEX:
Very dangerous. My car once knocked engine because I failed to check oil level after driving from Lagos to East and almost back.

Mind you, I serviced the car a day before the trip
If you serviced the car a day before the knock, when what happened? Just curious
Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by qtx(m): 5:14pm On Dec 22, 2025
PheelzAlmighty:
Oil change is important.
Rubbish president change is importanter
bhuaahahahahahaha , wetin bring president here na?
Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by juwoonn(m): 5:15pm On Dec 22, 2025
Lekby25:
How is this relevant to the topic under discussion now
E pain you??

You're obviously guilty...lol
Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by davidque: 5:50pm 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?
A good post
Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by PHIPEX(m): 6:30pm On Dec 22, 2025
3kay945:
If you serviced the car a day before the knock, when what happened? Just curious
I suspected I covered a distant that's equivalent to what I cover in 2months in Lagos. I covered over 2,000 Kilometers during the trip.

I serviced a day before I left Lagos but stayed over a week in the East and it knocked at Benin on my way back
Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by safariman(m): 6:38pm On Dec 22, 2025
nedekid:
Exactly, that is what people don't know.
My guy (driver/mechanic) removed my thermostat unbeknowning to me until I noticed the engine light was always on. I was told most Tokunbo cars have to have their thermostart bybassed. I decided to have my mechanic put a new thermostat back and the car is running fine
Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by Femeto: 6:51pm On Dec 22, 2025
2cribz:
Lies.
Na yur ba3 go sapa after a year
How? Less load.
Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by Femeto: 6:51pm On Dec 22, 2025
Kobicove:
So make I let heat kill me because I wan preserve car engine for 50 years grin
Heat no fit kill you.
Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by Realteeyee123(m): 6:59pm On Dec 22, 2025
goodman55:
I saw some pple saying cars produced from yr 2000 to date doesn't need worm up b4 driving especially old engine from Night till morning. Every car with any model engine deserved to be worm up for at least 4-5minutes especially in the morning b4 driving bcus the engine has taken over 8 hours to cool so as the engine oil so when you start the engine small, it stimulates the engine oil to go round the engine and ensure some level of lubrication and its make your engine move well b4 you will start accelerating at higher speed. These engines are just like human beings; sm1 just woke you up and start running immediately?
While it’s a beautiful piece from an engineering perspective you wrong

Modern engine are designed to be warmed for 30-60 seconds . Warming it for long actually does the opposite as it doesn’t reach operating temperature early rather the right way is warm it for 30-60 seconds and drive gently for 2-5 minutes before hitting full throttle . That’s the right way it’s done . Check your sources all cars are literally designed this way to a large extent
Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by 3kay945(m): 7:15pm On Dec 22, 2025
PHIPEX:
I suspected I covered a distant that's equivalent to what I cover in 2months in Lagos. I covered over 2,000 Kilometers during the trip.

I serviced a day before I left Lagos but stayed over a week in the East and it knocked at Benin on my way back
Ok, maybe oil being leaking steadily?

No dashboard lights for oil check?

Do you mind sharing name of vehicle..

My RX300 dey short oil too gradually but since I don't travel long distance, I don't worry about it.
Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by Connoisseur(m): 7:30pm On Dec 22, 2025
ibechris:
Driving cars produced from 1990 to present day does not need to be warmed before driving.

Reason is thus:
1. Fuel,synthetic oil and faster acting components eliminate the need to idle. U can read it up yourself.

My car Manuel explained all this to me and that is why my CRV of 10years has been fantastic till date.


U can read it up online for better clarity. But I have known this for long sha.
I have read about that too...
But, I wonder why cars start at a higher rpm and then comes down after some seconds.

Do you normally start your car and engage the gear on that high rpm?
Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by philipobiz: 8:20pm On Dec 22, 2025
Gotocourt:
Removing thermostat is the number one killer
Nice one. I follow the process. But I noticed shortage of my oil significantly but no sign of leakage. Though my car engine still running great.

What could be the cause
Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by dru23(m): 8:44pm On Dec 22, 2025
goodman55:
I saw some pple saying cars produced from yr 2000 to date doesn't need worm up b4 driving especially old engine from Night till morning. Every car with any model engine deserved to be worm up for at least 4-5minutes especially in the morning b4 driving bcus the engine has taken over 8 hours to cool so as the engine oil so when you start the engine small, it stimulates the engine oil to go round the engine and ensure some level of lubrication and its make your engine move well b4 you will start accelerating at higher speed. These engines are just like human
beings; sm1 just woke you up and start running immediately?
Baba no car should take up to 4 to 5 minutes before driving off ......

If you are maintaining the car and you are using the recommended the oil , the most it should take is 30 seconds or wait till the RPM drops down below 1k . If you the maintain the engine it shouldn't take more than that......

Now if you are using much thicker oil like 20w50 , which modern cars don't really use . It will take more time for that thick oil to circulate before driving off ......

A healthy car that uses recommended engine oil should only take at most 50 seconds for the RPM to get below 1k before driving.....

You can always catch me on tiktok on car maintenance tips and imported products from the USA

Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by Realteeyee123(m): 8:54pm On Dec 22, 2025
dru23:
Baba no car should take up to 4 to 5 minutes before driving off ......

If you are maintaining the car and you are using the recommended the oil , the most it should take is 30 seconds or wait till the RPM drops down below 1k . If you the maintain the engine it shouldn't take more than that......

Now if you are using much thicker oil like 20w50 , which modern cars don't really use . It will take more time for that thick oil to circulate before driving off ......

A healthy car that uses recommended engine oil should only take at most 50 seconds for the RPM to get below 1k before driving.....

You can always catch me on tiktok on car maintenance tips and imported products from the USA
Exactly what I was trying to point out to the guy . Our mechanics have done so much damage it’s scary .
Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by dru23(m): 8:54pm On Dec 22, 2025
pak:
Sincere question here - do you think modern engines still need the warm up?
I thought that was an issue with older cars
A modern engine that uses factory recommend oil only should take 30sec or less to warm up. Or better yet until the RPM goes down to 1k
Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by dru23(m): 9:00pm On Dec 22, 2025
Realteeyee123:
Exactly what I was trying to point out to the guy . Our mechanics have done so much damage it’s scary .
Very scary, I was Tiktok comment section and someone said our Nigeria weather is different so they can't follow recommended advice for thinner oil that manufacturers suggested...
I said to them places like Arizona, Las Vegas, Florida , and Texas have a similar weather to Nigeria weather year long,even hotter.. so does that mean car manufacturers build different cars for different regions in the USA...
Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by AfDapone: 9:02pm On Dec 22, 2025
2special:
oh, I'm already used to it, I don't know the technique is meant for older cars
Technique is not meant for older cars only. Warn up ur engine for at least 30sec. Good at 2mins.
Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by Nteogwuija(m): 9:29pm On Dec 22, 2025
femi4:
Any holts product
Thank you alot
Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by Realteeyee123(m): 9:59pm On Dec 22, 2025
dru23:
Very scary, I was Tiktok comment section and someone said our Nigeria weather is different so they can't follow recommended advice for thinner oil that manufacturers suggested...
I said to them places like Arizona, Las Vegas, Florida , and Texas have a similar weather to Nigeria weather year long,even hotter.. so does that mean car manufacturers build different cars for different regions in the USA...
So true , they don’t want to educate themselves , they do rubbish and argue with you . Some don’t even have basic OBD2 scanner literally in 2025 or even 2026 we about to enter .

Also , I blame the car owners you spend over 10 m on an important machine and can’t use 10 minutes to do a simple research , many don’t know oils need to be changed every 5k miles using recommended oil viscosity

Transmission fluid need to be drained and refilled at 60k miles , and then 30k miles, if you buy a tokunbo car and it’s over 150k miles just forget doing this , it might slip , just keep using the transmission until it fails but less than that please do a drain and refill not a flush

Coolant drain and refill every 5 year or 100k kilometers and then 60k going towards

Brake fluid every 2 years

For AWD cars, differential fluids every 60k miles

Spark plugs every 100k kilometres using Idrium plugs

And little things like these, they just keep driving the car until it all falls apart and then blame the brand

These fluids mentioned don’t cost an arm and a leg but could save you millions in needing a new engine or transmission or radiator and all

Also keep your car interior and dashboard clean, use dashboard cleaners and all
Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by nairamaniac: 10:17pm On Dec 22, 2025
sharpwriter:
The question is that, why are they fond of removing people's car thermostat? Why?
Most times it's becos the thermostat technology gets altered unintentionally while trying to fix something else.

But becos they don't know how to put it back in order, dey would just tell the customer that "e no mean anything*

Or *e better pass like this*.

It a case of arrogance disguising ignorance.
Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by nairamaniac: 10:28pm On Dec 22, 2025
NovusHomo:
Your catalyst converter
.
Catalytic converter
Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by nairamaniac: 10:41pm On Dec 22, 2025
2cribz:
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.
wow!


Where did you learn this from?

Does it really work?

Thinner and diesel into the engine?
Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by GenFunction: 11:17pm On Dec 22, 2025
Well
Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by 2cribz: 11:43pm On Dec 22, 2025
Diesel works wonders,all though i dont idle it more than 20mins b4 draining it. While thinner,i buy 500 naira own after ive driven th car dor like 40mins.when i know every piston and valves are damn hot. I buy 5 litres and pour the thinner inside. Only once a year.so far nothing was damaged. Not even the o rings on my fuel pump inner casing
nairamaniac:
wow!


Where did you learn this from?

Does it really work?

Thinner and diesel into the engine?
Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by minista94(m): 11:49pm On Dec 22, 2025
The mobil 1 i use say 10k miles protection guaranteed...
Does it mean I should be changing the oil after 10k mile?

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?
Re: How Nigerian Drivers Destroy Their Car Engines Without Knowing It by minista94(m): 11:56pm On Dec 22, 2025
No car rpm can go below 1 in 50 seconds except that engine has been warmed, but parked over night? It would take at least 2 to 3 mins or more

Realteeyee123:
Exactly what I was trying to point out to the guy . Our mechanics have done so much damage it’s scary .
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