Essential Car Maintenance Tips for Summer in the UAE and GCC

The advent of summer in the UAE and GCC nations is nothing short of pandemonium for cars plying on the roads. Vehicles incessantly battle challenging weather conditions, comprising sultry winds and swirling dust storms, making it increasingly difficult for them to maintain an ambient temperature inside the cabin. As the impending season makes its presence felt yet again, here are some tips to ensure your car’s health.

1. Keep Windows Partly Rolled Down

While some follow the practice of rolling down their car windows once seated, many overlook the significance of keeping the windows rolled down after exiting the vehicle. This practice will not only detoxify the cabin but also ensure natural air ventilation and reduce excessive pressure, preventing the interior from getting too warm. Moreover, if cars are left with windows fully rolled up in heat for long durations, there is a risk of abrasion for interior materials and the potential for plastic objects to explode, causing severe damage to interior plastics, leather, and other trim.

2. Ensure That the AC Gas is Topped Up

In a region where air conditioning is indispensable, ensure that your vehicle—whether old or new—has its AC gas topped up for efficient cooling inside the cabin. This will allow for better cooling without needing to switch to high-speed for the fan, thus improving fuel efficiency. If filling up the gas doesn’t solve the issue, the compressor may be defunct due to continuous use over time. In such cases, it is advisable to get it repaired or replaced as needed.

3. Park the Car in the Shade

Shaded parking spaces might not always be available, but if there is a probability of finding a shaded area for parking, use it, even if it requires some walking. Parking directly under the sun for prolonged durations can attract hazardous substances in the air, which can be harmful when inhaled. Additionally, parking under a canopy or roof preserves the car's paint quality, helping it maintain a newer and fresher appearance over time.

4. Avoid Stowing Plastic Objects Inside the Car

Plastic objects tend to emit poisonous and carcinogenic elements when exposed to direct sunlight and heat. While it’s common to stow plastic water bottles and sanitizers for hydration and cleanliness, consider replacing plastic bottles with steel or copper alternatives, and choose sanitizer bottles made of different materials.

5. Top Up the Engine Coolant

Rising temperatures can have a compounding impact on the engine, increasing heat levels. Regularly check the symbols on the instrument cluster. If the engine coolant light appears, top up the coolant immediately and check that the radiator pipe hasn’t ruptured. Tire bursts and pipe ruptures are common during summer as materials expand due to heat. Other signs of engine overheating include the engine cooling fan running continuously and the cabin becoming warm even on short drives.

6. Refrain from Keeping Electronic Devices Inside the Vehicle for Too Long

Routine office commutes often require carrying laptops, tablets, and other electronics. However, during summer, avoid leaving these devices in the car for extended periods. Temperature and climate affect electronic devices, and sensitive components such as batteries and chips can become damaged, leading to malfunction. Many electric cars have caught fire due to excessive heat exposure. Devices that are frequently used should be kept in a ‘cool and dry place’, as recommended on their packaging, to prevent damage.

7. Carefully Test-Drive the New/Used Car

If you’re looking forward to buying a new car in Dubai or buying a used car in Dubai, conducting a comprehensive test drive is essential. This will reveal any faults with the AC system, engine overheating, or coolant leaks. If a new car suffers from cooling and engine heating issues, it’s best to avoid it, as this can indicate potential long-term reliability issues. For used cars facing similar issues, ask the dealer or seller to resolve these problems for a hassle-free ownership experience.

Hard cornering can reveal hidden information about tires; worn-out rubber can cause tire bursts. Thus, replacing outdated tires with new ones is crucial.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Which cars provide the best cooling during summer?

A: While most manufacturers pay special attention to their car’s cooling and AC system, Japanese brands have proven to be stalwart in designing extremely efficient AC systems. Cars such as the Toyota Camry and Nissan Patrol are known to offer great cooling in minutes.