When summer is at its peak in the UAE, the temperature can go up to 50 degrees Celsius. Such intense heat can easily wreak havoc on your car. The heat doesn’t just affect the exterior; it can also cause damage to the internal components that already generate a lot of heat on their own. Therefore, it’s necessary to prepare your car for the warm weather to keep it running smoothly in summer.
Today, we will share some useful tips that will keep your car cool despite the UAE heat.
Check car air conditioning
Before we jump to the mechanical aspects, it is important to ensure that the car is cool enough for the driver and passengers as well. Travelling in a hot car is a health hazard, especially for the younger ones. In a country like the UAE, there is a high risk of heatstroke. To prepare your car for warm weather, examine the vehicle’s cooling system even before summer arrives. Check the coolant levels, air filters and look for any signs of coolant leaks beneath the hood. If the AC doesn’t seem to be working at its best, it needs to be serviced.
Change air filters
Dirty filters prevent fresh air from getting into your engine as well as the cabin. This has a negative impact on your engine’s health, your car’s fuel economy and your own health. Dirty filters release a lot of dust when you turn on the AC, and it can lead to respiratory issues. To prepare your car for warm weather, clean the air filters carefully. This guide will help you to change your car air filters or you may take the car to a professional.
Check tyre pressure
Sweltering heat causes a fluctuation in tyre pressure. Driving a car with tyres that are inflated under or over the recommended level is extremely unsafe, especially in summer when the roads are extremely hot. It is one of the common reasons behind sudden blowouts. To avoid this situation, check your tyre pressure with the help of a tire pressure gauge or take your vehicle to the nearby workshop. Here is a complete guide on tyre maintenance in the UAE summers.
Top off all fluids
Several fluids in a vehicle maintain the temperature by reducing friction between components. To prepare a car for warm weather, drivers must check all the essential car fluid levels including brake fluid, motor oil, coolant and transmission or power steering fluids. Top off all fluid levels in the car according to the owner’s manual. If any of the fluid needs a change, flush it out and replace it with a new one. Be sure to use the type of fluid recommended by the manufacturer.
Protect car exterior
In addition to air filters, engines and tires, extremely warm temperatures can take a toll on the exterior of your vehicle. Your car’s body and paintwork can be damaged by the sunlight. The heat and UV rays can cause the paintwork to fade or crack. Heat is equally bad for a car’s interior.
To protect the car exterior from warm weather, use car shades when parking your car in open parking lots, or better yet, park indoors. Keeping a car cover in the vehicle is always a good idea, especially on sunny days. Car covers can also play a role in keeping the interior of your car cooler in summer. Moreover, using car covers is great for exterior car maintenance in hot weather.
Check car battery
Batteries can easily get damaged from overheating and summers in the UAE have the tendency to do so. One of the reasons why a car battery drains is due to the high temperature. High temperature has the tendency to increase the battery’s chemical reaction. Heat can also evaporate car battery fluids sooner than usual. This causes corrosion in the battery terminals, cable clamps and other connections. Also, if your battery isn’t located properly, the heat can break down an improperly fixed battery.
To prepare your car for warm weather, make sure the battery is placed properly. Always, keep a check on your car battery performance. Moreover, if the car battery is over 3 years old, you should get it tested to see if it needs to be replaced.
Check wiper blades
Wipers aren’t just for the rain. In the UAE, dust storms aren’t uncommon in summer. You will need the wipers to wipe away the dust from the windshield. Not to mention, excessive heat can damage wiper blades made of rubber. See if the current blades are in a condition to endure that kind of heat. If there are any signs of wear and tear, change the blades before they further disintegrate. Also, check if there is enough windshield washer fluid in the reservoir. Here are some tips for protecting car windshields during summers.
Change engine oil
The heat from the environment contributes to the heat generated by the engine. However, one of the key purposes of engine oil is to make sure there is no friction to further aggravate the problem. For that, it needs to be clean and free of impurities. Therefore, the oil level isn’t the only thing to worry about. See if the engine oil in your car has changed its colour or texture. If it seems muddy, gritty or thicker than usual, it is best not to delay changing your car engine oil.
FAQs
How do I keep my car from overheating in the summer?
To protect your car from overheating, park it in the shade, use car shades, keep an eye on the temperature gauge, check air filters, top-up fluids and check the cooling system of your car among other things.
What temperature is it too hot for driving?
No temperature is too hot for driving. However, if your car isn’t maintained properly, the chances of breakdowns on a hot day are higher.
This concludes our guide on preparing your car for hot weather. You must also keep these items in cars during the heat. Since off-roading is popular in the UAE, a lot of people in the UAE prefer cars that are meant to endure the hot climate and rough terrain. It is why SUVs are quite popular in the region. If you are looking for such a car, here are a few good options to consider:
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Stay tuned to the UAE’s top auto blog for more car care and maintenance tips.
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