Traffic. The very word conjures images of endless waiting, blaring horns, and the slow, painful creep of vehicles on Lagos roads. It's a daily reality for millions, and while you can't magically make the gridlock disappear, you can control how much it costs you at the fuel pump.
That persistent crawl isn't just frustrating—it’s a massive fuel drain. Are you inadvertently pouring your hard-earned money down the gas tank with your driving habits? Let's break down the common mistakes and how to fix them with a practical, no-nonsense guide.
🛑 The "Stop-Start" Killer: Aggressive Braking and Acceleration
Imagine your fuel gauge crying a little every time you slam on the brakes only to immediately rev the engine again. This is arguably the biggest fuel-waster in stop-and-go traffic.
The Mistake: Drivers often rush to close the gap between their car and the one in front, only to be forced to brake hard a few seconds later.
The Fix (The "Lagos Roll"): Give yourself space! When the traffic ahead begins to move, don't accelerate immediately to chase the bumper in front. Instead, start moving gently and maintain a constant, slow speed—a 'roll.' This allows you to coast for longer and eliminates the need to brake and accelerate constantly. Every gentle roll is a sip of fuel saved.
💨 The Air Conditioner Addiction: Over-Chilling in Traffic
It's hot, humid, and stressful. The AC is a lifesaver, but it's also a major power consumer. Running the air conditioner, especially on maximum cooling, puts a significant load on your engine, forcing it to burn more fuel.
The Mistake: Blasting the AC at full power the entire time you are stuck in a jam.
The Fix: Use your AC strategically. In heavy, slow-moving traffic, consider turning the AC off and rolling down your windows (if it's safe to do so) for a few minutes. Once the traffic eases up and you can drive at a steady speed of about 40-50 km/h, the AC is more efficient to run than having your windows down (due to drag). In a dead stop, give the AC a rest!
⚙️ The "Clutch Rider" and Gear Misuse
For manual transmission drivers, riding the clutch (keeping your foot rested on the clutch pedal) causes slippage, heat, and ultimately wastes power that could be driving the wheels.
For all drivers, using a lower gear than necessary (e.g., staying in 1st gear for too long) keeps your engine RPMs high, unnecessarily burning fuel.
The Mistake: Riding the clutch in a manual car or letting your automatic car rev too high before the gear shifts.
The Fix:
- Manual: When completely stopped, put the car in neutral and take your foot off the clutch.
- All Cars: Aim for the highest possible gear without causing the engine to struggle. In a slow crawl, shifting up earlier (e.g., into 2nd gear) will keep your engine quieter and happier—and save fuel.
🛑 The Idle Problem: Waiting with the Engine On
This is a subtle but constant drain. Leaving your engine running (idling) while you are stationary—perhaps waiting for a passenger or a brief moment of road clearance—consumes fuel without moving you an inch.
The Mistake: Idling for more than 60 seconds.
The Fix: If you anticipate being stationary for more than one minute (like waiting at an exceptionally long stoplight or a closed-gate crossing), it is more fuel-efficient to turn the engine off. While Lagos traffic rarely affords this luxury for long, be mindful of those prolonged waits.
🛞 The Forgotten Factor: Tire Pressure and Extra Weight
While not a driving habit, these factors multiply the fuel wasted by bad habits. An under-inflated tire creates more rolling resistance, making your engine work harder just to move the car forward. Extra junk in your boot means the engine has to haul more weight.
The Mistake: Driving with soft tires or a boot full of non-essentials (like old spare parts or heavy tools you rarely use).
The Fix:
- Check your tire pressure at least once a month. The correct pressure is usually listed on a sticker inside your driver's door jamb.
- Clear the boot. Remove any unnecessary weight. Every kilogram counts when you're moving in stop-start traffic.
💡 Your Fuel-Saving Mantra
Lagos traffic is inevitable, but expensive fuel consumption isn't.
By embracing the "Lagos Roll," strategically managing your AC, and paying attention to your engine's happy place (lower RPMs), you are not just saving fuel—you are extending the life of your brakes and engine, reducing your stress, and keeping more Naira in your pocket.
Start with one habit today. Your wallet will thank you!
You can also read How Fuel Scarcity is affecting Nigerian Ride-Hailing Fares