UAE summers put every part of a car under stress. Temperatures regularly pass 45°C, and a used car with ageing parts is more likely to break down than a new one. A few checks in late spring can prevent most summer problems.
Battery: the first thing heat kills
Heat speeds up the chemical reactions inside a battery and shortens its life. CarSwitch says most car batteries in UAE conditions last 18 to 30 months and recommends a battery health test before summer begins. If your battery is approaching that age, replacing it before June is cheaper than a roadside call-out in August.
Tyres: pressure, condition and age
Dubai’s RTA advises motorists to check tyre pressure regularly in summer with a reliable gauge, because heat affects tyres. Check them when they are cold, look for cracks or bulges in the sidewall, and read the DOT code. Tyres more than five years past their manufacture date are not allowed on UAE roads.
This is not a minor issue. Khaleej Times reported that police across the UAE penalised more than 37,000 drivers for unsafe tyres in 2024.
Cooling system
Check the coolant level when the engine is cold, and look at the hoses for cracks or soft spots. If the temperature gauge rises in slow traffic, have the radiator and fan checked before peak summer.
Air conditioning
If the AC takes longer to cool than it used to, have it serviced early. Replacing the cabin filter is cheap and improves airflow. A struggling AC also puts extra load on the engine and battery.
Parking habits that help
- Park in the shade or in covered parking whenever you can.
- Use a windscreen sunshade to protect the dashboard and interior.
- Do not leave lighters, aerosols, power banks or water bottles in the car in direct sun.
- If the car will sit unused for weeks, start it regularly or use a battery maintainer.
Your pre-summer checklist
- Battery health test
- Tyre pressure, condition and DOT date
- Coolant level and hoses
- AC service and cabin filter
- Wipers and washer fluid for dusty days
- Emergency kit: water, phone charger, warning triangle
The bottom line
Most summer breakdowns are predictable. Put these checks in your calendar every year in April or May and your car will get through the hottest months with far less risk.
Never miss a check. The Car Maintenance Planner & Cost Tracker includes a summer readiness section and reminders for every service.
Related reading: Managing your car’s running costs · The pre-purchase inspection checklist
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