Driving in Lagos already comes with its own wahala and some of us car owners make things worse for ourselves without even knowing. Ever felt your engine give a sudden loud roar like a lion? That’s because it’s going through a lot, no thanks to Lagos roads and your driving habits! There are driving habits that may seem common to you but are quietly damaging your car, the next thing, you’re stuck on Lekki-epe expressway with a dead engine, frustration and anxiety.
Here at Strongmas Automobile, we see these issues every day at our Ajah mechanic workshop. Here are 7 common bad driving habits shortening your car’s lifespan right before your face.
1. Revving a Cold Engine
Your engine needs oil to circulate fully before it can perform at its best, revving a cold engine forces dry components to work under stress as engine parts haven’t had time to be lubricated thoroughly with oil circulation. This driving habits wears out pistons, crankshafts, and bearings faster than usual. It also causes inefficient fuel burn and excess smoke. Cold revving can shorten engine life significantly. Give it 30 – 60 seconds before moving off.
2. Ignoring Dashboard Warning Lights
Dashboard lights are your car’s way of sending an SOS. Ignoring them means you could be driving with a failing battery, overheating engine, or worn-out brakes. Many drivers ignore these signals until the car stops completely. Addressing them early can prevent major failures. It’s cheaper and safer to check them quickly. Don’t wait till the light becomes a bill.
3. Driving on Low Fuel
Constantly driving on reserve pulls dirt from the bottom of your tank. This debris clogs fuel filters, damages fuel pumps, and affects combustion. Your engine struggles, causing poor performance and misfires. Over time, it leads to complete fuel system breakdown. Keeping your tank at least a quarter full avoids this. Low fuel isn’t saving money, it’s building damage.
4. Speeding Over Potholes
Potholes are bad enough, hitting them fast is worse. This driving habit bends rims, misaligns wheels, and cracks suspension components. It weakens your shocks and increases tire wear. Your car becomes harder to control, especially in wet conditions. Every bump you ignore today adds up. Drive cautiously, especially on inner roads and rainy days.
5. Resting Your Hand on the Gear Lever
It might feel comfortable, but it’s damaging your transmission. Gear levers are linked to selector forks that are sensitive to pressure. Keeping your hand there adds unnecessary strain and causes internal wear. Over time, gears stop shifting smoothly. This leads to grinding, hesitation, and costly repairs. Keep both hands on the wheel instead.
6. Vehicle Overloading
Extra weight puts extra stress on almost every part of your car. Your brakes work harder, your tires wear out faster, and suspension takes a beating. It reduces fuel efficiency and increases the risk of tire blowouts. Handling becomes poor, especially during turns or emergency stops. Stick to the manufacturer’s weight limit, it’s there for a reason.
7. Ignoring Regular Maintenance Checks
Skipping oil changes or filter replacements sounds minor, but it adds up fast. Dirty oil clogs your engine, and worn filters reduce performance. Belts, plugs, and fluids degrade over time, and unchecked issues become bigger ones. Maintenance is cheaper than repairs and keeps your car running reliably. Make it a habit, not an afterthought.
Don’t Wait Till Your Car Breaks Down
We handle regular suspension checks, wheel alignment, and tire replacement in our Ajah mechanic workshop, we also handle full engine diagnostics and repairs, we offer injector cleaning and pump repairs at Strongmas Automobile. Our expert mechanics fixes automatic and manual gearbox issues with original parts, full brake system repairs, shock absorber replacements, and axle servicing, we do engine servicing, suspension and transmission repairs, oil changes, coolant flushes, inspections, and preventive servicing to keep your car running right.
We’ve seen it all at our mechanic workshop, car owners who ignore small signs until they become major repairs or involved in serious road accidents. A quick scan and fix can save you a lot before things get worse. Visit us at Km 49 Lekki-Epe Expressway, Olokonla Bus Stop, Ajah, Lagos or call 09061700051.
Let an expert mechanic help you fix it before it fails.
