Car Care Tips for Hot Climates like the UAE
When using a car to travel, it is best to keep it in top condition. When you are travelling for long periods in hot weather, you may run the risk of a car breakdown.
There are plenty of ways to help prevent this. All of which can be done by your own hand, to help save you trouble later down the line.
This guide can offer a few tips on how to take care of your car when travelling. From getting paint protection film on headlights to refilling your coolant.
Checking the Battery
Battery life can be a common problem for car breakdowns. In hot countries like Dubai, the increase in temperature can shorten the life of the battery. This is due to the fluids in the battery (electrolytes) evaporating from the heat.
Always make sure to check the fluid levels so that the battery can run correctly. You can do this by adding some distilled water into the container.
Some batteries won’t have a sealer cap to allow you to do this. If so, you should still check to see if there are any leaks.
Air Conditioning
Air conditioning can be a vital tool in helping keep your car cool. Not only does it help you and travel companions but the car system itself.
Always make sure it is working correctly by using it regularly. This is so the vents are in constant use and run less risk of a leak happening. Try to make sure the vents are clear so that the full airflow can get out.
Professionals recommend you re-gas your air conditioning once every two years. If you have an older model or the rental has been around for a while, get it checked.
Tire Maintenance
The hotter the weather, the more pressure will build up on your tires. If this happens, this will add more strain on the rubber and further increase the risk of punctures.
If the wheels were more bloated, they could even blow out entirely from so much pressure. Check your tires once they have cooled down, since burning rubber can be harmful.
Make sure that the tires have less pressure built up by pushing any excess air out. You should also check for any possible marks or dirt that can result in more possible punctures.
Belting Up
The only types of cars that don’t have belts would be electric ones.
You most likely will find a belt driving your many engine parts. This includes the main engine, the air conditioning, the water levels, steering pump, and more. These belts can be damaged by extremely high temperatures. The belt itself could melt away.
If they break, this will cause numerous problems in your car. The hotter it gets, the faster the belt will be riding to keep the functions going. Check your belts for proper tension and wear and tear, replacing them if any real damage has occurred.
Dusting Off
Another way to cool your car is by keeping it clean. If you let the dust settle, this can generate more heat in your car, burning the metal. If you give your car a good hose down, the cool water will help lose all that built-up heat.
You can also make sure the paint itself isn’t melting off and leaking onto other parts. If there is a risk of that, getting paint protection for important parts like the headlights can prevent this. You can find such surfaces available in hot climate countries like Dubai.
Extra Tips
Here are just a few extra reviews to keep your car in top shape. They have less priority, but you’ll never fail to check every nook and cranny:
- Check the windshield wiper blades
- Measure all fluid levels
- Look at the coolant cylinder
- Waxing your car
- Fix up the brakes
- Park your car somewhere safe
The best way to keep your vehicle cool is to park it with plenty of shade. This final piece of advice can apply to all types of vehicles.
You can find helpful garages and parking lots everywhere in Dubai and other similar hot places.
