By Akanni Dorcas

Driving in Nigeria can be challenging due to rough roads and unpredictable traffic. Certain car issues can make driving even riskier. Here are five signs that your car may be at an increased risk of accidents:

1. Worn-out or underinflated tyres
Tyres that are worn down or underinflated are a big safety risk. Nigerian roads often have potholes and uneven surfaces, which require good tyres for safe driving. Worn-out tyres don’t grip the road well, which can cause skidding, especially in wet weather or when braking quickly. Low tyre pressure can lead to blowouts, which makes it harder to control the car. Check tyre pressure often to stay safe.

2. Faulty brakes
Brakes are essential for safety, especially in heavy traffic. If your brakes make noises, feel soft, or cause the car to pull to one side, it’s a sign of trouble. In crowded areas, working brakes help you stop quickly and avoid hitting other cars. Faulty brakes increase stopping distance, making rear-end collisions more likely.

3. Poor visibility from broken lights or wipers
Clear visibility is key to safe driving. Broken headlights, taillights, or turn signals make it hard for others to see you, especially at night or in bad weather. Old wipers may not clear the windscreen well during rain, which reduces your visibility. When other drivers can’t see your signals or if you can’t see clearly, the risk of accidents goes up.

4. Suspension problems
Nigeria’s rough roads can wear out your car’s suspension, which is needed for stable handling. Signs of suspension problems include excessive bouncing, pulling to one side, or a bumpy ride. A damaged suspension makes steering harder, especially when trying to avoid potholes or take sharp turns, and this increases the risk of losing control.

5. Missed routine maintenance
Skipping routine maintenance, like oil changes and battery checks, can lead to mechanical issues. Nigeria’s busy roads and tough conditions make regular maintenance essential for a reliable car. Delayed maintenance can cause breakdowns, engine overheating, or sudden stalling, all of which increase accident risk.

Keeping your car in good shape is key to safe driving. Regular checks and fixing any of these issues can lower accident risk and help protect you and others on the road.