7 ways to reduce the risk of a car breakdown this summer
Things you can do to help reduce the risk of your car cracking down in the UAE summer warmth + car recovery services
The hot summer months will put a lot more strain on your car than perhaps you realise, and the last thing you want is to suffer an untimely breakdown on Shaikh Zayed Road during the midday sun.
While it is not always evident if something is wrong with your car, should you notice anything unusual then you’re best off staying in the inwards lane in case you need to pull off.
To reduce the risk of a breakdown read these tips. Attempt to perform whatever checks you need to as soon, and as frequently, as you can. You don’t have to be a mechanic!
1. Battery
Batteries can be susceptible to fever, especially when they are more than two years old. The good news is that they generally come with either a six or twelve month warranty when bought fresh.
Prevent overheating
You will know if your battery is beginning to weaken if your car fights to embark. If you notice any unusual delays then you must substitute the battery (or claim warranty if you have it) as soon as possible.
Generally a battery won’t fail mid-journey as it is permanently being charged by the alternator — it’s at the commence of a journey where the risk is greatest.
You can prolong the life of your battery by not leaving the ignition on (key turned without the engine running) while waiting at a petrol station or outside shops, and by remembering to turn your lights off when you park up. You should also turn the air conditioning off totally when you stop the car, since embarking the engine with air-con switched on will cause strain on the starter.
If you detect that your battery is vapid then you should call 800-Dial-A-Battery: eight hundred 247 365. This brilliant mobile service will come and help.
Two. Tyres
Tyres are one of the most significant parts of your car to look after; if you aren’t on top of them then the consequences can be severe. A puncture, or worse still, a blow-out, can be exceptionally dangerous.
You should check your tyre pressures each week; this is free and effortless at petrol stations all across the country. You must know what pressures to set the tyres as they vary from car to car – you will need to consult your car manual. A rule of thumb is about 33PSI in each.
Check your tyres frequently for cracks and uneven wear. The depth of the tread should ideally be no less than 5mm. 2mm is the legal minimum.
If you are towing a trailer, or indeed have a intense explosion to carry, then you should increase the pressure by 5PSI in each tyre (consult your car’s manual for accurate figures).
Always check the pressure in your spare tyre before any long journey. There is nothing more frustrating than switching a tyre only to find that the spare is vapid!
For our total tyre guide, click here.
Three. Oil & oil filter
An engine needs oil to run, fact! If your oil hasn’t been switched in a while then it will fail to serve its purpose, likewise if there isn’t enough in there in the very first place.
With a rag to forearm, eliminate the dip-stick and clean off the oil. Substitute the dip-stick and eliminate it again after 5-7 seconds. The level should be inbetween the two scored lines, as indicated on the dip-stick.
Ideally it should be brown and relatively clear. If the oil is black, thick, or has puny metallic fragments in it then you must get it switched at your nearest service station as soon as possible.
Your oil filter should be switched annually.
Four. Water level
A car needs more than just air to keep it cool, so checking your water level each week is very significant.
Before your journey, when the engine is cool, simply eliminate the radiator cap and pack it with water to the “Max” line. You would be well-advised to add decent coolant, too, which can be bought from all major petrol stations. But if water is all you have then that will do in the brief term.
Always pay attention to your water temperature display on your car’s dashboard. The water temperature should normally run at around 90C (albeit check your manual). If you notice the needle commencing to rise, or the crimson warning light comes on, pull over and stop instantly. A trick to help cool the engine is to turn the heater on total blast, albeit we don’t recommend this in the summer.
Never undo the radiator cap when the engine is hot! You risk being scalded by boiling water.
Five. Washer fluid
While refilling your washer bottle won’t reduce the risk of a breakdown, it is an often understated check which can compromise your safety.
What would you do if you found the dust and grime from a passing lorry caked all over your windscreen? If you can’t see where you’re going then that will certainly end badly.
6. Air filter
You will know from your own home that sand gets everywhere, even in the form of a microfilm, you can’t escape it.
It too can cause havoc with your car. The purpose of the air filter is to prevent sand getting sucked into the fuel mix in the engine, so it’s significant to keep it clean.
Most major petrol stations across the UAE will be able to do this for you as part of a clean.
7. Emergency
The old adage of “Be Prepared” can be applied to most things in life, and with cars it is no different. You should always carry an emergency kit in your car-boot, which will be invaluable on that one day when things go wrong.
