While modern vehicles are designed to handle extreme heat, skipping essential maintenance can quickly result in overheating, breakdowns, and expensive repairs.
On Thursday evening, Dubai resident Abdul Aziz, an engineer at a fintech firm, was driving home after work when he noticed a burning smell coming from inside his car.
As he drove through Ras Al Khor, the smell grew stronger, raising concerns that something was wrong. He quickly pulled over and headed to a nearby garage for an inspection. Thankfully, the issue was identified before it escalated. After opening the bonnet, the mechanic discovered that the coolant level had fallen below the recommended minimum, putting the vehicle at risk of overheating.
The mechanic told Abdul Aziz that problems like these are much more common during the UAE summer, when extreme temperatures place additional stress on vehicles.
“During this time of year, we see a significant increase in vehicles coming in with overheating issues, weak batteries, damaged hoses, and coolant leaks. Most of these problems don’t develop suddenly; they begin as minor faults that drivers often overlook until the vehicle shows clear warning signs, such as a burning smell, steam from the engine, or a rising temperature gauge,” he said.
Mechanics said Abdul Aziz’s experience highlights how minor issues can quickly turn into costly repairs during the UAE’s hottest months. Extreme temperatures put additional pressure on key vehicle components, including the cooling system, battery, tyres and engine.
Although modern vehicles are designed to handle high temperatures, ignoring routine maintenance can still result in overheating, breakdowns and expensive repairs.
“The good news is that many of these problems can be avoided,” said Sony Rajappan from Carlynx, a Dubai-based workshop. “Regular checks and simple preventive maintenance can significantly improve a vehicle’s performance and reliability.”
Mechanics recommend that drivers carry out these six checks to keep their vehicles in good condition during summer:
1. Monitor the cooling system
Experts say the cooling system is the most important area to check during the summer months.
Rajappan advised motorists to regularly inspect the coolant reservoir and never overlook even a minor coolant leak.
“Many drivers focus only on engine oil, but the cooling system works hardest during summer. A small coolant leak can quickly develop into a serious engine issue if ignored. If the temperature gauge starts climbing, stop driving immediately and get the vehicle checked,” he said.
He also noted that dust and sand can build up on the radiator, restricting airflow and reducing cooling performance. Regular radiator cleaning can help maintain efficiency.
2. Check for leaks under the bonnet
A simple weekly inspection under the bonnet can help prevent major repair costs.
Nabeel Ahmed from Rukn Yaqoot Garage in Sharjah said drivers should look out for signs of coolant, engine oil or fuel leaks, as well as cracked hoses and damaged wiring.
“These problems may appear minor at first, but extreme heat can quickly make them worse. Repairing a small leak early is much cheaper than dealing with major engine damage later,” he said.
3. Test the battery before it fails
High temperatures are one of the leading causes of battery problems in the UAE.
Ahmed recommended testing batteries that are more than three years old, especially before the peak summer period.
“Many drivers assume their battery is fine until the vehicle fails to start. Heat can significantly reduce battery life, so regular testing helps avoid unexpected breakdowns,” he said.
4. Check tyre pressure when tyres are cold
Tyre pressure naturally increases as temperatures rise, making regular checks important.
Abdullah from Falcon Garage advised motorists to measure tyre pressure early in the morning before driving.
“Incorrect tyre pressure can affect handling, increase tyre wear and create safety risks in hot weather. Following the manufacturer’s recommended pressure is always the safest approach,” he said.
5. Inspect belts, hoses and electrical wiring
Rubber parts can become brittle with age, while damaged wiring can cause serious issues in extreme heat.
Abdullah said drivers should check that hoses are free from cracks and that electrical connections are secure, particularly in vehicles with aftermarket modifications.
“Avoid low-quality electrical accessories or loose wiring. If you notice damaged cables or unusual smells, get the vehicle inspected immediately,” he said.
6. Clean the radiator and engine bay
Dust, sand and debris can accumulate quickly in UAE conditions, reducing airflow and causing heat to build up.
Mechanics recommend carefully cleaning the radiator and removing debris such as leaves, plastic bags or other materials from the engine bay.
“It takes only a few minutes, but it helps the engine cool more effectively and prevents unnecessary heat build-up,” Rajappan said.
A few minutes of checks can save time and money
While following the recommended servicing schedule remains essential, mechanics advised drivers not to wait until their next service appointment to inspect their vehicles.
Regular visual checks, especially during summer, can help identify problems early and prevent expensive repairs.
“Most major breakdowns do not happen without warning,” Rajappan said. “Vehicles usually show signs before a serious failure occurs. Paying attention to those signs and carrying out basic checks can save drivers both time and money.”
