Every summer, UAE workshops see the same breakdowns: dead batteries, overheating engines, failing AC and tyre blowouts. Most of them are preventable with a few checks before the hottest months. Here is a practical list.
1. Battery
Heat is the battery's biggest enemy. If yours is two years old or more, have it tested before summer. Look for slow cranking, corroded terminals or a swollen case. Battery guide.
2. Coolant level and condition
With the engine cold, check the coolant is between the marks. Old or discoloured coolant should be changed with the correct type. Dubai mechanics consistently name the cooling system as the most important summer check.
3. Hoses, radiator and fans
Look for cracked or swollen hoses and white or green crust around joints. Make sure the radiator and condenser aren't packed with sand, and that the cooling fan runs when the engine is hot.
4. Air-conditioning
If cooling is weaker than last year, there is probably a leak; get it found before the compressor suffers. Replace the cabin filter. AC guide.
5. Tyre pressure
Check pressures cold, using the figure on the door sticker. Under-inflated tyres overheat on hot roads, which is a common cause of blowouts.
6. Tyre age and condition
Check the DOT date code and look for cracks in the sidewalls. Sun and heat age rubber quickly here. Don't forget the spare.
7. Engine oil
Check the level and whether a change is due. Heat thins and ages oil faster. How often to change oil in the UAE.
8. Drive belts
A cracked or glazed belt can snap, and on many cars it drives the alternator, water pump and AC compressor.
9. Brakes and brake fluid
Brake fluid absorbs moisture and its boiling point drops; most makers say replace it every two years.
10. Wipers and washer fluid
Summer dust storms and occasional sudden rain need wipers that clear properly and a full washer bottle.
11. Never leave these in a hot car
Cabin temperatures in a parked car in summer get extremely high. Don't leave lighters, aerosol sprays, power banks, phones or plastic water bottles inside, and never leave children or pets in a parked car, even for a minute.
12. Carry a small summer kit
Drinking water, a phone charger, a sun shade and a basic tyre-pressure gauge. Know your roadside-assistance number.
Good summer habits
- Park in shade or use a windscreen sun shade.
- Open the windows for a minute before running the AC hard.
- Watch the temperature gauge in traffic; if it climbs, switch off the AC, turn the heater on and stop safely.
- Avoid overloading the car on long trips.
Want us to check it for you?
At Partinn Auto Service we check the battery, cooling system, AC, tyres, oil, belts and brakes and tell you what needs attention before summer, with nothing done without your approval. Our AC service package is AED 199 and our oil change offer starts from AED 99. Cooling system repair · AC repair · battery service.
Book a summer check
WhatsApp 052 296 5483 or call 058 821 2219. We are in Dubai Investment Park 2, open Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 10 PM.
