11.06 AM Friday, 29 March 2024
  • City Fajr Shuruq Duhr Asr Magrib Isha
  • Dubai 04:56 06:10 12:26 15:53 18:37 19:52
29 March 2024

Now is the time to make sure your car is ready for summer

Published
By Staff

With the temperature in the UAE starting to soar, drivers are advised to take extra care to get their motors ready for the summer.

Yes, it’s not just our bodies that need protection from the heat. Even, our cars do!

BMW Group Middle East has issued a list of dos and don'ts, tipping drivers on how to keep their motors safe from the harsh summer heat.

They highlight that all cars must be booked in for a service. The extreme weather puts excessive strain on mechanical components like cooling systems, batteries, tyre pressure and the air-conditioning system, so booking your car for a service before summer could ensure it's ready to beat the heat.

However, if a service slot is unavailable immediately, the carmaker advises motorists to follow a few self-check tips to ensure the car is in top working condition.

Firstly, check the pressure and tread of the car tyres. For the "correct" tyre pressure, it suggests going by what is listed on the side of the driver's door, on the glove compartment door, or in the owner's manual.

While checking the tyre tread, keep an eye out for any "uneven" pattern, which would mean the tyre is more worn on one edge. Also, run your fingers along the tread and feel for lumps. The presence of lumps could mean that the tyre is not balanced correctly.

Oil is the lifeblood of your car, and must be changed. It keeps hardworking engine parts running clean, smooth and most importantly, cool.  This is particularly important in the summer, since a hot engine needs all the lubrication it can get, and at high temperatures your engine's oil is really getting put through its paces.

During summer, the AC requires more power than usual which puts pressure on the battery and generator resulting in the possibility of a break-down. Ensure that cool air is coming out of the vents and that you have the sufficient coolant levels in the compressor.

The brakes are the single most important safety feature on your car, especially in the summer when the roads can become slippery and overheated. Ensure it is checked by the experts. Some signs that might indicate a problem are: brake pedal is hard and resistant, it rests too low or too high, warning lights on the dashboard light up, or loud scraping and grinding sounds are sent out when the brakes are applied.

That said, the car manufacturer emphasises that along with a well-maintained car, drivers must always remember to buckle up be it summer or really anytime of the year. Safety is paramount and the easiest way to increase your chances of survival in the case of an accident is to wear your seat belt.

Seatbelts are necessary not just for the driver, but for every passenger in the vehicle. Seatbelts really do save lives, and being caught without one can cost you on your insurance too!

For those planning road trips during summer, ensure that you have adequate motor insurance to cover you on the road or if you are involved in a collision. Also check with your insurance company what your roadside assistance entitles you to.

Despite following all the tips, in case of an emergency, the experts advise motorists to remain calm, park on the far right lane of the road out of the way from other drivers and turn on the hazard lights on. Also, keep your boot open and use your red-emergency triangle to warn other motorists that you are stationary.