Dubai is a very hot place and you need to take some care to keep your vehicle in good running order. The summer season can be especially trying and raise maintenance costs if proper care is not taken of the car. If you do not take adequate steps, you may find your vehicle suddenly acting oddly because a small problem has been building up gradually without you noticing.

Here are some tips to keep your car cool and enjoy a pleasant drive even in blistering weather.

1.      Coolant level and the radiator
One of the most common things that get unchecked are the level of coolant and the radiator cap. Make sure that the engine is cool before you attempt to open the radiator cap. Opening it when it is hot can cause the coolant to gush out with violence. Check the cap, if the rubber seal inside is brittle or cracking then replace it immediately. Note the level of coolant and if required fill it up to the minimum required mark. In case the anti-freeze is more than a few years old then you should replace that before embarking on a long road trip. You should do this before every long trip to avoid any unexpected situations.

2.      The radiator hoses
Again, make sure the engine is cool before checking the hose clamps are tight enough. When doing this you should also check to see if the ends of the hoses are getting brittle or crumbling. Hoses should be in good condition. If you see anything wrong, replace them immediately.

3.      Fan belts
The fan belts undergo a lot of friction and in the summer heat they can get pretty tattered leading to cracks and loosening. Loose belts can cause overheating in the engine and should be replaced as soon as you notice something wrong with them. Also, like the spare tyre, always keep one or two spare belts in the trunk.

4.      Battery
A common misconception is that batteries give more trouble in winter. However, it is during summer that they sustain the most damage. If you see even the smallest amount of rusting then clean it with a compound of water and baking soda. Also, make sure the battery washers are not corroded. If you have not had the battery tested in a long time you may want to do so more frequently.

5.      Starter and charger system
If the temperature under the hood gets too high then there is a serious risk of sustaining damage to the starter and alternator. Most drivers are not enough of a mechanic to understand this complexity, so it is best to play it safe. It is an important thing to get these systems checked at a good service station to ensure they are in prime working condition. The more you get them checked the lesser amount of parts replacement you will need. Getting these systems checked can also mean that other, related systems, will also get scrutinized and get caught before they can cause trouble.

Following these steps can help you survive the summer a lot more comfortably. So, what are you waiting for? Just GET-SET-VROOM and fight the Dubai heat in a better way!