Dangers of Driving with Worn-Out Tyres in Nigeria

In this article, we’ll explore the dangers of bald tyres, examine real-life issues surrounding worn tyre accidents in Nigeria, explain why you need new tyres, and look into how bad tyres affect fuel consumption. We’ll also provide practical tyre safety tips tailored to Nigerian drivers.

1. What Are Worn-Out Tyres?

A worn-out or bald tyre is one that has lost most or all of its tread. The tread is the patterned rubber on your tyres that provides grip on the road. In Nigeria, high temperatures, bad roads, and long travel distances cause tyres to wear out faster than in more temperate countries.

According to safety experts, the minimum legal tread depth for tyres is 1.6mm. Once it falls below this, the tyre is officially unsafe. But in reality, once your tread depth drops below 3mm, your tyre performance significantly deteriorates — especially on wet or uneven roads.

2. The Dangers of Bald Tyres

a. Increased Risk of Accidents

Worn-out tyres can’t grip the road effectively. In emergencies, bald tyres drastically increase stopping distance, making it difficult to brake quickly and safely. This often leads to worn tyre accidents — many of which are fatal.

b. Hydroplaning and Loss of Control

During the rainy season in Nigeria, roads can become slippery death traps. Bald tyres are more likely to hydroplane — where your vehicle slides uncontrollably on a wet surface — making it almost impossible to steer or brake properly.

c. Tyre Blowouts

Old, cracked, or bald tyres are at a much higher risk of sudden blowouts. This is especially common on expressways such as the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. A blowout at high speed can cause the driver to lose control and veer off the road or into other vehicles.

3. Realities of Worn Tyre Accidents in Nigeria

According to data from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), a significant percentage of road crashes in Nigeria are attributed to tyre failure. Sadly, many of these accidents are preventable. Nigerian drivers often delay tyre replacement due to financial constraints or lack of awareness.

Case in point: In 2023, a commercial bus traveling from Abuja to Lagos suffered a fatal crash after one of its front tyres burst. Eyewitnesses reported that the tyre had visible cracks and was completely bald — yet it was still being used.

4. Why You Need New Tyres

a. Better Grip, Better Safety

New tyres offer optimal tread depth, which improves braking, handling, and overall stability. Whether you’re driving through rain-soaked roads in Benin or navigating the pothole-ridden streets of Port Harcourt, good tyres will always give you better control.

b. Improved Fuel Efficiency

Many drivers don’t realize the effect of bad tyres on fuel consumption. Worn tyres increase rolling resistance, which means your engine works harder to move the car forward. This results in higher fuel usage and increased costs at the pump.

c. Smoother Ride and Reduced Wear on Suspension

New tyres help absorb shocks from rough roads. This not only gives you a more comfortable ride but also reduces wear and tear on your car’s suspension and steering systems.

5. Tyre Safety in Nigeria: What You Need to Know

a. Check Tyre Age

Even if your tyres look fine, they could be dangerously old. Tyres older than five years start to degrade, even if they have enough tread. Always check the DOT code on the sidewall to see the manufacture date.

b. Maintain Proper Tyre Pressure

Under-inflated or over-inflated tyres can be just as dangerous as bald tyres. Improper pressure affects handling, braking, and fuel efficiency. Make it a habit to check your tyre pressure every two weeks, especially before long trips.

c. Rotate and Balance Regularly

Rotating your tyres every 5,000 to 10,000 km ensures even wear and extends tyre life. Also, have your wheels balanced and aligned during every routine service to avoid irregular wear patterns.

d. Avoid Second-Hand or “Tokunbo” Tyres

While cheap, imported second-hand tyres are common in Nigeria, they are a significant safety hazard. These tyres are often worn, expired, or damaged. It’s better to buy quality, new tyres from trusted dealers.

6. Choosing the Right Tyres in Nigeria

When buying new tyres, consider the following:

• Climate suitability: Choose tyres that perform well in heat and rain.
• Road conditions: If you frequently drive on rough or unpaved roads, go for tyres with reinforced sidewalls.
• Load capacity: Make sure the tyres match your car’s load requirements, especially if you drive a commercial vehicle.

Some reputable brands available in Nigeria include Michelin, Bridgestone, Dunlop, and Continental. Always buy from certified dealers to avoid counterfeit products.

7. Final Thoughts: Prioritize Your Tyre Safety

Tyres are your car’s only contact with the road. Driving with bald or worn-out tyres is not just risky — it’s potentially fatal. The dangers of bald tyres, including accidents and tyre blowouts, are real and far too common in Nigeria.

Whether you’re a commercial driver or a private car owner, don’t wait for a tragic event before taking action. Regular tyre checks, proper maintenance, and timely replacements can save lives and money in the long run.

If you want to reduce fuel consumption, enhance vehicle performance, and most importantly, stay safe, then it’s clear — you need new tyres.