Car Breakdown Tips for Surviving Dubai Summer Heat

Dubai is known for its extreme summer temperatures, with the mercury often rising above 45°C. These harsh conditions don’t just challenge people; they push vehicles to their limits.

Overheating engines, battery failures, and tire blowouts are common problems during this period and can cause a car breakdown. The good news? With a little preparation, most summer car breakdowns can be avoided.

At TRT Recovery, we help thousands of motorists each year who didn’t see it coming. So here’s a detailed checklist to avoid a car breakdown and help you avoid being stranded this summer.

🔧 1. Top Up and Check Your Coolant System

Your engine’s cooling system is your car’s first line of defense against the Dubai heat.

  • Ensure the coolant fluid is at the proper level.

  • Inspect hoses and the radiator for leaks or cracks.

  • Replace the coolant if it hasn’t been flushed in the past year.

  • Listen for strange noises from the water pump—it might be about to fail.

👉 Pro Tip: A small coolant leak can quickly escalate to a complete engine failure in the heat.

🔋 2. Test Your Car Battery to Avoid a Car Breakdown

Batteries are especially vulnerable to heat. High temperatures can cause battery fluid to evaporate, leading to corrosion and reduced lifespan.

  • Have your battery tested (especially if it’s over 2 years old).

  • Clean off any corrosion on the terminals.

  • Check the battery case for swelling or leaks.

If your engine is slow to start in the morning, it’s a sign your battery might not survive the summer.

🛞 3. Monitor Tire Pressure and Tread

Hot asphalt increases tire pressure, making blowouts a serious risk, especially at highway speeds.

  • Check tire pressure weekly.

  • Inflate according to manufacturer recommendations (usually on the driver-side door frame).

  • Inspect tire tread; bald tires lose grip and overheat faster.

  • Don’t forget to inspect your spare tire!

🛢️ 4. Change Your Oil and Check All Fluids

Motor oil helps reduce engine friction and keeps temperatures down.

  • Low or dirty oil means the engine has to work harder, causing it to overheat.

  • Check engine oil, brake, power steering, and transmission fluids.

  • Stick to your car manufacturer’s oil change schedule.

❄️ 5. Maintain Your Air Conditioning System

Driving without A/C in Dubai is not just uncomfortable; it can be dangerous.

  • If the air coming out of your vents isn’t cold, get the system checked.

  • It might be a simple gas recharge or a more serious compressor issue.

Don’t wait until you’re sweating in traffic; get it fixed in advance.

🧰 6. Pack a Summer Emergency Kit

Even the best-prepared vehicles can experience issues. Prepare for the worst with:

  • Bottled water

  • Phone charger and power bank

  • Flashlight

  • First aid kit

  • Jumper cables

  • Reflective triangle or warning lights

  • Emergency contact numbers

📞 Need help now if your car breaks down?

Call TRT Recovery for your car breakdown and immediate assistance.

Flatbed towing

Car recovery

Battery boost

✅ Tire replacement

Fuel delivery

Conclusion

Dubai’s summer heat is no joke, and your car feels it just as much as you do. With simple preventive maintenance, you can reduce the chances of your car breaking down and enjoy worry-free driving even during the hottest months of the year.

But if an unexpected car breakdown occurs, don’t panic, TRT Recovery is available 24/7 with fast, affordable, and professional assistance across Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and the rest of the UAE. Avoid a car breakdown with our blog.