Driving a car in the UAE means you have to face the harshest of the heats in the world. The burning temperatures, when combined with the dusty conditions, put a very high layer of stress on your vehicle. Something that might be considered as routine maintenance elsewhere turns into mission-critical here. If you neglect these essential checks, then you might find yourself incurring expensive breakdowns, your safety being compromised, as well as experiencing uncomfortable journeys.
Without a doubt, the greatest thing that you can do to make sure that your car operates smoothly and safely throughout the year is to take preventive measures and get it ready for the heat. We have put together a complete guide for you to know what maintenance is required in order to be able to face up to the challenging climate of the UAE.
The Cooling System: Your Engine’s Lifeline
The major factor that leads to the destruction of any vehicle in the UAE is the condition of overheating. Your engine’s cooling system is its defense against catastrophic heat damage. This is the system that gets the most help when the temperature outside is very high, hence, it is absolutely necessary that it is in good condition.
First of all, coolant levels and quality should be verified: Coolant (or antifreeze) is the most important thing in the process of regulating the temperature of the engine. One has to make sure that the fluid level is between min and max lines on the overflow tank. It is also necessary to look at the fluid – if it is a rusty or dirty-looking liquid, then it is time to flush and replace it with a good, heat-resistant coolant mixture that is suitable for the GCC region.
Secondly, belts and hoses should be inspected: The sun and rubber are a poor match. Parts of the hose that are too hot will become weak, crack or change shape, and belts will become brittle. If a hose or a belt is broken, it might mean that the coolant or power will be lost all of a sudden which will result in a vehicle stop. Let your radiator and heater hoses and all drive belts be checked for the presence of wear and tear or damage.
Battery Health: Don’t Get Stranded
Extreme hot that is endured by car batteries is a quiet death. The high temperature speeds up the chemical processes that take place in the battery, which will lead to internal corrosion and fluid release, thus, a shorter battery life is the result. In most cases, car batteries that are used in the UAE can only function for 2–3 years, therefore, it is very important to be on the lookout.
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Monthly Testing: Do not wait for battery failure to test it. Testing should be carried out regularly especially if the battery is more than two years old. The test will measure the battery’s voltage and charging capacity.
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Remove impurities: Check for white or blue-green powdery (corrosion) deposits on the battery terminals. This deposit limits the flow of power. It is very important to keep the terminals clean and tightly connected for them to be at their best function.
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Avoid direct sun: If you park your car in the shade or in an underground parking that provides cover to your battery, then the direct strong sun exposure will be minimized, thus, the battery life will be extended.
Tyre Care: Avoiding Dangerous Blowouts
On one hand, there is hot road and on the other, there is a high-speed car and the two together can be very dangerous. The heat causes the air inside your tyres to expand, thus increasing the pressure and the risk of sudden blowout.
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Pressure should be checked on a weekly basis: The first thing that should be done when the tyres are cold (morning) is to check the tyre pressure. Do the pressure check according to the information that is printed on the sticker which is located at the driver’s side door jamb and not by the figures on the sidewall of the tyre. Both over- and under-inflated tyres are dangerous.
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Wear and Damage Check: Measure the depth of the tread and examine the sidewalls and tread for the presence of cracks, bulges, and any foreign objects. Worn-out tyres can easily blow up when heated.
Air Conditioning: A Necessity, Not a Luxury
The AC is a must-have in the UAE, not a luxury. If you are driving in scorching heat and there is no proper cooling then you will get tired quickly and in addition, you can get heat-related illness.
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Cabin Air Filter: When a cabin air filter becomes dirty it limits the airflow, thus the AC system works more than usual and the cooling effect is less. Change or service that filter before summer.
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Refrigerant and Components Check: If the AC is not blowing cold air, it might mean that the unit is running out of refrigerant or there is a fault in the compressor or the condenser. A professional is required for the inspection, diagnosis, and fixing of the issue.
Protecting Your Car’s Exterior and Interior
The main sources of energy – the sun’s rays – don’t only cause your engine to heat but after all, they also damage your car’s paint and interior.
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Sun Defense: When parked, make use of sunshades not only for the windshield but also for the side windows. Not only the interior temperature drops significantly but also the dashboard, upholstery, and steering wheel get protected from cracking and fading.
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Wash and Wax: Frequent washing gets rid of the dust and sand particles that are very corrosive. By applying a high standard wax, the car is protected against the hard UV rays as the wax acts as a shield thus the paintwork is kept.
Ready for Total Peace of Mind?
Do not allow Mother Nature and her difficult UAE climate to affect your car and/or family’s safety. Maintenance that is proactive and done by experts is the way to be free of worries while driving.
If you want to have a full, professional, Hot Weather Vehicle Check-Up, then be at ease with the AUTOHUB experts. They are specialized in identifying and solving the problems that come as a result of UAE heat, ranging from intricate cooling system issues to simple battery and tyre safety checks.
Be the first to start the coming year with the best quality of use for your car! You don’t have to worry about your car’s peak performance anymore, because AUTOHUB is keeping it simple and hassle-free for you.
