In the heat of the UAE sun, your car’s engine can break a sweat. Whether you are commuting on Sheikh Zayed Road or embarking on a trip to Fujairah, it is crucial to protect your vehicle from heat-related breakdowns. Car overheating tips in Dubai are not just good advice. They are a need-to-know for every driver who is out on the open road in our intense summer climate.
If your engine breaks down from heat that is too great, it may result in serious damage, high repair costs, and ruined plans. In this guide, we will walk you through how to prevent the engine from overheating, which also includes proper coolant checkups, smart use of air conditioning, and long-term care for your radiator. We have tailored this for UAE drivers.
Why Do Cars Overheat in Dubai Summers?
High temperature, which at times will reach over 45°C, we seen in many cases to be the issue. As engines run, they produce great heat, which, if not dissipated properly, will cause your car to highway, which in turn may break off your trip or, in severe cases, cause your engine block to crack.
In Dubai, overheating typically results from: In Dubai, what we see mostly is:
- Low coolant levels
- Radiator malfunction
- Overuse of AC under high load
- Poor maintenance habits
Thankfully, all of these are preventable.
1. Coolant Check: Your First Line of Defense
Cooling agent — which is what we also call antifreeze — takes in engine heat and expels it through the radiator. If your cooling agent is past its prime, is low, or is diluted, the system will not work well.
Checklist for coolant care
- Check out your engine before it warms up (don’t open that hot radiator cap).
- Check the reservoir for green, red, or blue fluids.
- Flush out and replace coolant at 40,000 to 50,000 km or 2 years.
- Use what your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends for coolants
Coolant does what it is to control temperature. It also deters corrosion in the engine, which makes it a key element of summer preparation.
2. Smart AC Usage in High Temperatures
AC usage at all times, especially in traffic, puts strain on the engine. In out-of-date or under-maintained cars, this may cause the engine to overheat.
Car AC care tips to avoid engine overheating:
- Do not turn the AC to maximum immediately; start with the windows down to let hot air out.
- Get your AC checked before the summer begins.
- Monitor the engine temp gauge at the first sign of rise and turn off the AC.
- Do not leave the AC on in the park.
You may not totally avoid AC, but using it smartly will save your engine on hot days.
3. Radiator Care: Clean, Unclogged, and Efficient
Over time, the radiator, which is the core of your car’s cooling system, may become clogged with dust, sand, and mineral deposits that will impede heat escape.
Here is what you can do to keep it in shape:
- Check the radiator for soot or blockages at least once a month.
- Gently clean the fins with compressed air or a hose (high pressure is not to be used).
- Replace old or rusty radiator caps.
- For cars over 5 years old, do professional radiator flushes.
A clean radiator will reduce heat up to a few degrees — which is very helpful on long car trips in July or August.
4. Know the Signs of Overheating
Before a major breakdown, there are signs. Look out for:
- Rising temperature gauge
- Steam from under the hood
- Engine knocking or reduced power.
- Sweet smell (from leaking coolant)
- The AC is blowing warm air.
If any of these occur:
- Pull over immediately
- Turn off the AC and put on the heater (which draws from the engine).
- Shut down the motor and open the hood slowly.
- Wait 10 to 20 minutes before touching the radiator cap.
- Call the emergency road service number or stop at your nearest auto repair shop.
Never put cold water in a hot engine. It can damage the block.
FAQ’s
Q1: At what interval do I check coolant levels in Dubai summers?
A: Every other week and before any long drive. High temperature causes it to evaporate faster and also to leak.
Q2: What is the top long-tail keyword for which people are searching for help?
A: Try out “What is the best place in Dubai for a car overheat checkup?” or “Which garage does radiator repair near me?
Q3: Sure, I can drive with the AC off for air conditioning issues.
A: Yes, also, if your engine is running hot. By turning off the AC, the engine load goes down.
Q4: For what duration may I continue to drive with a raised temperature reading?
A: You don’t have to. A little bit of increase can snowball very fast. Pull over safely and check.
Q5: Does 971 Auto Garage do an overheating issues check-up?
A: Sure. Our trained technicians do coolant inspections, radiator flushes, AC system checks, and full overhauls of cooling systems, which we do to keep you safe during summer drives.
Final Tips Before You Hit the Road
- Top off the coolant regularly.
- Get your AC serviced before summer.
- Clean the radiator fins.
- In the trunk, put an emergency coolant.
- Install a home temperature alert app or a third-party sensor for real-time notifications.
In Dubai, car issues related to heat are a fact of life. Engine failure due to heat is the leading cause of emergency roadside assistance in the UAE.
Whether you are a daily commuter or have a summer road trip in the works, keep your car cool and ready for the road with our tips. At 971 Auto Garage, we have the professional inspections, coolant flushes, and radiator service your vehicle needs. We are your local experts in Dubai for car care that goes the distance all season long.