Dubai:The UAE summer is upon us, with the worst yet to come. That means it’s time to pay extra attention to your car’s maintenance needs to ensure it runs smoothly and keeps you safe in the midst of soaring temperatures.The extreme weather in the region over the next few months can lead to overheated engines, drained batteries, blown out tyres, and fluid degradation in your vehicles.
The key to protecting yourself while out on the roads in these high-risk conditions is regular maintenance checks, which is why Autotrust Service Centre, a leading automotive services provider under the AW Rostamani Group, is offering free Summer Checks for your vehicles until the end of July.This initiative is part of Gulf News’ UAE Summer Road Safety Campaign in collaboration with Autotrust, SHIFT Car Rental and Yango, and is aimed at raising awareness, making preventive care more accessible to the community, and keeping drivers safe during the scorching summer.The main focus of these routine maintenance checks will be your vehicle’s AC system, tyres, battery, and cooling system, to make sure they’re road-ready for summer.
Checklist for summer
Summer brings the risk of tyre blowouts as pressure fluctuates with heat, and hot asphalt and under-inflated tyres are a dangerous combination. Extreme heat can also push engines beyond their limits, especially if coolant levels are low or the radiator is clogged, and can accelerate fluid evaporation in batteries, leading to corrosion and reduced lifespan. Fluids such as engine oil, brake fluid, and transmission fluid can also break down faster in the blistering heat, reducing their effectiveness.
Here’s a summer checklist to ensure road safety:
Check coolant levels and radiator condition at regular intervals
Clean battery terminals, check for corrosion, and test voltage
Inspect tyres for cracks, maintain proper pressure, and check tread depth
Top up engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid and windshield washer fluid
Look for signs of wear or leaks in belts and hoses, as rubber components degrade faster in heat
Make sure air conditioning is functioning efficiently
Extra care for EVs
EVs are particularly susceptible to heat damage and need extra care in the summer months. This might mean taking simple precautions to avoid battery overheating, such as parking in shaded areas, avoiding fast charging during peak heat, and charging during cooler hours. You could also pre-cool the car while plugged in so that the AC usage doesn’t drain the battery too quickly during drives.And once again, maintenance becomes crucial. As EVs have thermal management systems, coolant levels need to be checked regularly and fans must be kept dust-free. In addition, EVs are heavier, so tyre maintenance becomes even more critical in hot weather.
Warning signs to watch for
Above all, driver awareness is key for safety in the summer months. When you’re out on the road in these extreme conditions, it’s essential to watch out for critical warning signs that tell you it’s time to take your car in for a check-up.Keep a lookout for dashboard alerts, especially engine temperature, battery, or tyre pressure warnings. If you see any steam or smoke, pull over immediately—this could mean overheating or fluid leaks.Unusual noises such as squealing belts or grinding brakes could signal heat-related wear. Soft or swollen tyres might be a sign of over-inflation or heat damage. And if your AC is blowing warm or smells musty, it may be in need of servicing.So keep yourself informed, keep your vehicle’s battery, cooling systems and tyres in optimal condition, and stay safe out there this summer.
