Beat the Heat – Essential Car Maintenance for UAE Summers
The extremely hot summers in the UAE can take a major toll on your vehicle. With temperatures frequently surpassing 45°C, it’s critical to properly maintain your car to handle the desert heat. Here are some key maintenance tips to prepare your car for summer:
Check Engine Coolant
Monitoring coolant levels is critical for preventing overheating issues. The coolant should be filled between the minimum and maximum markers on the coolant reservoir. Use a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water to ensure proper cooling capabilities. It’s also recommended to flush the cooling system annually and refill with fresh fluid to prevent corrosion.
Inspect Hoses and Belts
The abundant heat dries out and cracks rubber hoses and belts faster. Carefully inspect all coolant hoses, heater hoses, and accessory drive belts for any signs of wear, cracks, leaks or bulges. Replace any deteriorated coolant hoses and tighten belts to the proper tension specifications if loose.
Service Air Conditioning
To keep the AC seals lubricated and prevent refrigerant leaks, run the air conditioning briefly at least once a month even in cooler months. If the AC starts blowing warm air, have the refrigerant recharged by a professional. Also replace the cabin air filter as needed to allow proper airflow.
Check Battery and Electrical
The extreme heat kills car batteries much faster in the desert climate. Load test the battery and replace it if its charge is weak. Also tighten any loose electrical connections and use a wire brush to clean corroded battery posts and cable connectors. This maintains optimal electrical operation.
Change Engine Oil and Filter
Use only high quality oil with the proper viscosity rating for the ambient temperature. In extreme heat, the oil breaks down more rapidly so needs changing more frequently. This helps remove contaminants and acidity that can shorten engine life.
Benefits: Proper maintenance at a reputable auto shop like DX Garage keeps your engine running cooler, prevents breakdowns, improves AC performance, extends component life, and saves money.
Preparing for Desert and Off-Road Driving
Taking your vehicle off-roading in the UAE’s desert or rocky terrain is an exhilarating adventure. However, you need to properly prepare your car to handle the demanding conditions:
Essential Vehicle Modifications
Certain modifications help vehicles handle the rigors of off-road driving:
- Install heavy duty suspension lift kits to increase ground clearance
- Upgrade to larger, aggressive off-road tires for traction
- Add skid plates to protect underbody components from impact damage
- Outfit the vehicle with long range driving lights to see obstacles and terrain better at night
- Attach tow hooks to the chassis so you can be recovered if immobilized
Emergency Supplies
- Tow straps, jumper cables, jack, and basic tools
- Food, water, blankets sufficient for all passengers
- Off-road GPS navigation device and two-way radios
- Shovel, sand ladders or boards to escape soft sand
- First aid supplies, fire extinguisher, flashlights
Pre-trip Inspection
- Fluid levels – topping off oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid
- Belts and hoses – replace any severely cracked components
- Shocks and struts – inspect for leakage or damage
- Brake pads and rotors – ensure adequate thickness remains
Safe Driving Techniques
- Air down tires for increased traction and stability
- Accelerate, brake and steer gently to avoid getting stuck
- Maintain momentum in soft sand
- Pick proper lines around obstacles and over dunes
- Use recovery gear if immobilized
Top Auto Repair Tips to Handle UAE Heat
The extreme Emirates climate accelerates vehicle deterioration. Finding a quality repair shop is key to reliable performance in searing summers.
1. Choosing a Reputable Repair Facility
Take your car to a shop like DX Garage with:
- Certified, continuously trained technicians
- Specialization in your vehicle make – Asian, American, European
- A track record of positive reviews for workmanship
- Expertise related to the local driving conditions
- Warranties on both parts and labor
This gives confidence they can accurately diagnose issues and make appropriate repairs.
2. Cooling System Services
Flushing radiators, coolant reservoirs, and replacing deteriorated hoses annually prevents many overheating issues. Quality shops also ensure cooling fans work properly and take corrective action if problems are found.
3. Air Conditioning Repairs
Technicians should conduct leak tests then safely recover and replace refrigerant rather than just adding more. Comprehensive repairs also often involve installing updated AC components better suited for extreme ambient temperatures.
4. Checking Belts and Connections
Heat dries out belts causing slippage that can disable charging systems. It also loosens sensitive electrical connectors. Quality auto shops thoroughly inspect these components and perform any necessary adjustments or part replacements.
5. Upgrading Components
Consider replacing parts like radiators, water pumps, brake pads, and gaskets with heavy duty versions designed to withstand intense heat better. This improves durability compared to factory original equipment.
Relying on a reputable Car repair shop for both routine maintenance and any mechanical issues is essential to safe, reliable car function in the UAE’s harsh summer conditions. Don’t take chances by selecting a substandard auto service facility to care for your vehicle.
Maintenance Schedule for Desert Driving Conditions
| Service Item | Interval |
| Engine Oil and Filter Change | Every 5,000 km or 6 months |
| Rotate Tires | Every 10,000 km |
| Inspect Brake Pads and Rotors | Every 10,000 km or 6 months |
| Check all Fluid Levels | Monthly |
| Inspect all Belts and Hoses | Every 20,000 km or 12 months |
| Replace Timing Belt | Every 100,000 km |
| Flush and Refill Coolant | Every 40,000 km or 36 months |
| Transmission Fluid Change | Every 60,000 km |
| Inspect Suspension Components | Every 40,000 km or 36 months |
Notes: Frequent oil changes, belt/hose inspections, and monitoring fluid levels is even more critical for vehicles subjected to extreme desert heat. Work with your technician to tailor the schedule based on your driving conditions.
Hopefully these expanded maintenance tips, off-road driving best practices, finding a quality repair shop, and scheduled service guidelines assists UAE drivers to keep their vehicles in peak condition year-round. Please contact the service advisors at DX Garage if you need any assistance caring for your car or truck.
