What every driver needs to know

Before turning that key each morning, follow these critical steps. First, walk around your vehicle, checking for fluid puddles underneath. Oil, coolant, or fuel leaks spell disaster in extreme heat.

Open your hood and visually inspect the engine bay. Check your coolant reservoir, it should be between minimum and maximum lines. Ensure your fuel cap is clicked tightly after your last fill-up; loose caps create dangerous vapour buildup.

Start your engine and immediately watch the temperature gauge. It should rise gradually, not spike suddenly. Listen for unusual sounds like grinding, squealing, or knocking, which indicate immediate attention is needed.

With asphalt reaching 70°C, your tyres face extreme stress. Check tyre pressure every three days using a digital gauge. Heat expands air, potentially causing dangerous over-inflation. Inspect for sidewall bulges, embedded nails, or uneven wear patterns that could trigger blowouts at highway speeds.

Using nitrogen inflation instead of regular air maintains consistent pressure better in extreme temperatures. Replace tyres showing steel belts or those over four years old, regardless of tread appearance. The rubber compounds deteriorate faster in intense UV exposure.

Never leave water bottles, lighters, aerosol cans, hand sanitiser bottles, or electronic devices inside your car.

These items can explode or ignite. Also, remove phone chargers and power banks when parked—they generate heat even when unused.

Clean your engine bay regularly. Oil residue on hot surfaces ignites easily. Carry a 2kg fire extinguisher and position it where you can grab it quickly. If you smell burning, see smoke, or notice steam, pull over immediately and turn off the engine.

G. Chacko, owner of Motoka Auto Services in Dubai, said: “The most common mistake people make is ignoring the temperature gauge. When it starts climbing past the normal range, don’t panic. Immediately slow down and stop the car at a safe point on the road.

Switch the engine off, set up the safety triangle, and call for recovery assistance to take the vehicle to a professional garage. This can reduce or eliminate severe damages.”

“Check your car’s A/C and engine cooling systems before summer hits. A Dh200 repair now might help prevent a Dh15,000 engine replacement later.”

“For fires, exit the vehicle immediately, move 30 meters away, and call 999. Never attempt to retrieve belongings from a burning car. Periodic maintenance services, proper tyre maintenance, and fire awareness aren’t just recommendations—they’re important for survival,” he added.

Car experts recommend checking coolant levels weekly and replacing cabin air filters monthly during the sandstorm season. It is also advisable to park your car in the shade whenever possible and use windshield reflectors. Taking these steps will help ensure that your car remains in optimal condition throughout the season.