By: David Opeyemi Shodunke
Lagos Roads are now largely un-motorable because of the rains and widespread construction works.
Engineer, what are the effects on my car if I keep driving on bad roads?”
This enquiry informs our write-up today.
Many of this column’s readers, who own and drive automobiles across the wide network of Nigerian Roads (if the word “road” can be borrowed for the potholes-infested tracks that many motorists ply in Nigeria), can actually identify with the enquiry.
The information below captures a summary explanation of how some major systems of an average vehicular object deteriorates when subjected to rough roads.
Alignment
Rough roads can easily affect a car’s alignment. Your vehicle’s alignment is not only an important key to its quality of drivability and safety but also to the life of your tyres.
Tyres
Obviously, your tyres take the brunt of the damage from driving on rough roads. And we all know the damages a pothole can do to a perfectly good tyre. If your alignment is off, then, that affects the way your tyres wear and significantly reduces their lifespans. One tyre may begin to wear more than the others, therefore, increasing the chances of a flat tyre or even a blowout.
Suspension
Your vehicle’s suspension system is responsible for your car’s ability to balance. However, consistently driving on roads in poor conditions can really wear on the suspension. If there is a problem with your suspension, you may notice that your car bounces or sways more than usual and could be hard to control or steer, even at low speed.