The engine is like the heart of the car, which makes everything run smoothly. So, when you’re cruising in air-conditioning comfort, immune to the weather – hot enough to make you hallucinate – or feeling cool and nodding your head to your favorite afrobeat banger, or even overtaking that diesel-spewing truck, always remember you owe your engine a thank you for that.
Like that dusty ceiling fan in your room (we’ve all had one, don’t pretend!), the engine is often ignored by many Nigerians, especially mums, who are convinced that as long as it starts, everything is fine, until, of course, it leaves them stranded by the side of the road with no cell service to call daddy to come to the rescue. If you hold a diploma in ‘deliberate ignorance’ and wear your misconceptions like a big, fat gold chain, you just might find yourself going around Ladipo market soon, looking for a new engine (hint: they don’t come cheap these days).
Together, we shall go through how to keep your engine in top shape and prevent it from giving up on you.
Regular Oil Changes
Don’t treat your engine like your favorite Tommy Hilfiger underwear – you know, the one you refuse to toss even when it’s lost its shape and charm. Don’t wait until the engine oil is stripped of its dignity, begging for mercy like worn-out bathroom slippers. Luckily, carmakers have made it easy for us. They’ve given us a simple rule of thumb: oil changes are due every X miles or kilometers. If you’ve misplaced your owner’s manual (no judgment), just Google it like you would any other life crisis. Remember, engine oil is like that fancy living room freshener – it’s got an expiration date. Use it for too long, and it’ll start to degrade, inviting wear and damage to the party. It’s like you’ve forgotten your “village people” (you know, those imaginary haters) are rooting for your engine to fail.
Use The Right Type of Oil
Engines come in different shapes and sizes, and so do their performance abilities. And just like that, engine oils vary too – synthetic, conventional, and semi-synthetic, each with its own unique viscosity grade. So, if your car’s manufacturer specifically recommends full synthetic 5w30 oil, I’m puzzled why you’ve got 20w50 oil gallons gathering dust in your backyard “abeg jare! wetin be the difference” you tell yourself. Oga (boss), you’d better Stick to the recommended oil type and change it before embarking on that long journey to the village. Your engine will thank you, feeling refreshed and living its best life.
Never Let Your Engine Overheat!
An engine with a faulty cooling system is like a ticking time bomb, waiting to unleash its fury. But don’t worry, your engine’s “nannies” – the fan, coolant, thermostat, and radiator – are working overtime to prevent a meltdown. However, if you neglect them, your engine might just turn into a boiler with enough steam to power a locomotive. A leaky radiator or hose, a stuck thermostat, a faulty fan, or coolant shortage ( we know you use water) are what you should look out for, so you don’t end up blaming your “village people”. Just take responsibility, change your coolant every 50,000 kilometers, keep an eye on those levels, and glance at the temperature gauge every now and then if you suspect anything.
Change Spark Plugs
Spark plugs, the tiny titans of your engine’s performance. Don’t be tempted to go for the cheap ones, my friend, or you’ll be cursing your engine’s fate. Good quality spark plugs are like a healthy diet for your engine, while bad ones are like feeding it junk food – they’ll slowly kill it! Think of bad spark plugs as cigarettes for your engine, causing inefficient combustion and eventually sending it to an early grave. Don’t be a ‘Naija-preneur’ (Nigerian entrepreneur) when it comes to spare parts, invest in good spark plugs and keep your engine in top condition for a long time.
Avoid Overloading
Just as obesity is bad for the heart, overloading is bad for your engine’s health. Don’t turn your vehicle into a Sahara Desert truck, loading it up like a cargo ship. Those 25-litre jerrycans you load your car with might not seem like a big deal, but they’ll turn your engine into a scrapyard candidate faster than you can say “it is well”. Keep it lean, keep it mean, and keep your engine happy and healthy.
Maintain Tire Pressure
Try pushing a car with flat or low-pressure tires, and you’ll feel like you’re trying to move a mountain! It’s like trying to run a marathon in quicksand. And have you ever wondered why okada riders sit on their tanks when the rear tire pressure is low? It’s not just a cool pose, my friend! Low tire pressure is a constant opposing force, making the engine work overtime and stressing it out like a nagging wife. Keep those pressures in check and keep your engine happy and stress-free.
Stop Driving With a Heavy Foot
Newsflash: your Corolla is not a Formula 1 racer, and your Civic is not a rally car! Stop driving like you’re in a high-speed chase, trying to win the Grand Prix of Lagos. Pushing your engine to the limit will only lead to one thing: a blown engine and a blown budget! Remember, the only finish line is the one to your next oil change. Drive smart, drive safe, and save your engine (and your savings) from the stress of being a wannabe speed demon.
Extending your engine’s life is not rocket science, but it does require some care and attention. By following these simple tips – using the right oil, changing spark plugs, keeping your engine cool, avoiding overloading, maintaining proper tire pressure, and driving smart – you can help your engine run smoothly for many years to come. Remember, a well-maintained engine is not only more reliable but also more fuel-efficient. So, take the extra time to give your engine the tender loving care it deserves, and it will reward you with years of faithful service.
