If you’ve ever stepped into your car during a UAE summer, you know it feels like opening the door to an oven. With temperatures soaring well above 45°C, cars here face extreme stress that can lead to breakdowns, costly repairs, and even safety hazards.
I learned this the hard way during my first summer in Dubai. I ignored simple Car Care Tips like checking coolant and tire pressure, and I ended up stranded on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road with an overheated engine. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to prepare early and follow strict summer car maintenance routines.
In this blog, we’ll explore the most common car care mistakes UAE drivers make during summer — and how you can avoid them with practical Car Care Tips. From AC efficiency to battery health, we’ll cover everything you need to keep your vehicle safe and road‑ready.
Step 1: Ignoring Your Car’s Cooling System
The cooling system is your car’s frontline defense against the brutal UAE heat. Yet many drivers skip regular checks.
What You Should Do:
- Inspect coolant levels weekly.
- Ensure your radiator and hoses are free from leaks.
- Replace coolant every 2 years or as per manufacturer guidelines.
Personal Note: Once, I topped up with water instead of proper coolant — bad idea. It evaporated quickly and nearly cost me my engine. Always use approved coolant.
Step 2: Overlooking Tire Pressure & Condition
Tires expand in the heat, and under‑inflated or worn‑out tires are a recipe for blowouts — a common summer accident in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Car Care Tips:
- Check tire pressure weekly, especially before long trips.
- Inspect tread depth — minimum 1.6mm is required.
- Don’t forget the spare tire!
Lesson Learned: A friend ignored his tire pressure before a drive to Fujairah. Midway, a tire burst — luckily, no injuries, but it ruined the trip and cost him AED 1,200.
Step 3: Forgetting Battery Maintenance
High temperatures speed up battery fluid evaporation, cutting battery life short.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Have your battery tested every 6 months.
- Clean terminals to prevent corrosion.
- Replace batteries every 2–3 years in the UAE climate.
When my car refused to start one July morning in Dubai Marina, the culprit was a 4‑year‑old battery. Since then, I’ve never skipped routine checks.
Step 4: Neglecting the Air Conditioning System
Nothing makes summer driving more miserable than weak AC. Many drivers wait until it fails before servicing it.
Car Care Tips:
- Service your AC before peak summer.
- Replace cabin air filters regularly.
- Check refrigerant gas levels.
Personal Insight: I once delayed AC maintenance, and during a 2‑hour Dubai traffic jam, the AC blew warm air. Never again — now I book AC service every May.
Step 5: Skipping Regular Oil Changes
Engine oil thins faster in extreme heat, reducing lubrication and increasing engine wear.
Maintenance Routine:
- Stick to the manufacturer‑recommended oil change intervals.
- Consider high‑quality synthetic oil for better heat resistance.
- Always check oil levels before long drives.
Step 6: Parking Without Sun Protection
Leaving your car under the blazing sun can damage interiors, electronics, and paint.
Car Care Tips:
- Use windshield sunshades.
- Opt for legal RTA‑approved window tinting.
- Whenever possible, park in shaded or covered areas.
I once left my leather seats unprotected. Within one summer, they started cracking. A simple sunshade could’ve saved me thousands.
Step 7: Overloading Your Vehicle
Summer trips often mean packing heavy, but overloading stresses tires, suspension, and brakes.
Smart Practices:
- Check the car’s maximum load rating (in the owner’s manual).
- Avoid roof loads that disrupt aerodynamics in high heat.
- Distribute weight evenly.
Step 8: Ignoring Windshield Wipers & Fluid
Dust storms and sudden summer rains can reduce visibility. Worn wipers make it worse.
Car Care Tips:
- Replace wiper blades every 6–12 months.
- Keep washer fluid topped up (with cleaner, not just water).
- Check for cracks on the windshield.
Step 9: Driving Without Emergency Essentials
In the UAE’s long desert stretches, a breakdown without essentials can quickly turn dangerous.
Must‑Have Kit:
- Extra coolant and water
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Torch and phone charger
- Portable air compressor
Personal Note: During a road trip to Al Ain, my AC suddenly failed. Thanks to the emergency water bottles I carried, I avoided heat exhaustion until help arrived.
Step 10: Skipping Pre‑Trip Inspections
Whether you’re heading to Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah for a weekend getaway, skipping checks is a recipe for disaster.
Quick Checklist Before Long Drives:
- Tire pressure & spare
- Fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid)
- Lights and indicators
- AC performance
FAQs – Car Care Tips for UAE Summers
At least once a week, especially before long trips.
Q2: Can window tinting really help in summer?
Yes, RTA‑approved tints reduce cabin heat and protect interiors from UV damage.
Q3: Is synthetic oil better for UAE heat?
Absolutely. It resists breakdown better under extreme temperatures.
Q4: How can I extend battery life in the UAE?
Regular testing, cleaning terminals, and replacing before 3 years.
Q5: What’s the most common summer car failure in Dubai?
Overheating engines and tire blowouts top the lists.
Beat the Heat with Smart Car Care
Summer in the UAE isn’t just tough on people — it’s brutal on cars too. But with the right Car Care Tips, you can keep your vehicle safe, efficient, and comfortable throughout the season.
From my own experience, I’ve realized that prevention is always cheaper than repair. A quick coolant check, proper tire maintenance, and regular AC servicing have saved me from countless headaches — and expensive RTA tows.
So before the mercury climbs, take the time to give your car the attention it deserves. Because in the UAE, summer readiness isn’t optional — it’s the key to safe and stress‑free driving.
