Eight essential mid-summer car checks

The UAE has just emerged from Waghrat Al Mirzam – the fiercest phase of summer, heralded by the rising of the Mirzam star and notorious for baking even the hardiest machinery. For motorists, it serves as a sharp reminder of the silent torture our vehicles endure beneath this relentless sun. Mid-summer here isn’t just hot – it’s punishing – and few things take the beating more brutally than our cars. Now is the time to step in, get proactive, and ensure your vehicle is ready for the final stretch before the heat finally begins to ease.

1. Cooling system

Your engine – a chamber of moving metal parts and controlled combustion – is locked in a constant battle against the desert heat. At this time of year, the coolant system is the engine’s biggest armour. Keep levels topped up and confirm the mix hasn’t been watered down by repeated top-ups. Inspect the radiator cap, hoses and seals; brittle rubber or tiny leaks can spell disaster. If your car is more than three years old, consider a coolant flush and refill – a relatively cheap procedure that can save you from a much bigger bill and headache later.

2. Air-conditioning

Your cabin may be cocooned in metal and glass, but it is your AC that keeps the desert at bay. When that chilled breeze starts to fade, it isn’t merely inconvenience knocking – it’s a warning bell. Mid-summer is a good time to replace clogged cabin filters, have the evaporator deep-cleaned, and recharge refrigerant if cooling feels less crisp. Pay attention to strange noises or musty odours – high heat and humidity encourage mould inside the system, compromising both performance and the air you breathe.

3. Tyres

Your tyres are where rubber meets scorching tarmac – surfaces that can reach extremely high temperatures in mid-summer, turning minor wear into major risk. Tyre pressure should be checked early in the morning before the heat expands the air and gives you a false reading. Look for cracks on the tyre sidewall and inspect for bubbles – a common precursor to failure caused by weak internal structure. If the treads are shallow or uneven, replace the tyre immediately. At 120 km/h on Emirates Road, tyre failure isn’t an inconvenience – it’s a hazard.

4. Battery

Beneath the bonnet, your battery quietly endures the worst of summer – its chemistry slowly cooked by relentless heat until there’s simply no charge left to give. Extreme heat accelerates evaporation of battery fluid, resulting in weakened cranking power. A mid-summer battery health test is a smart move, especially if yours is older than two years. Many garages offer this for free. Catch a weak battery now and replace it on your own terms — rather than waiting for it to die on a painfully hot afternoon at a parking lot.

5. Brakes, belts and bushings

Across your car, rubber and polymer parts expand, soften and fracture as temperatures soar – often failing without fanfare until damage becomes expensive or unsafe. Have your mechanic inspect serpentine belts, engine mounts, and suspension bushings for cracks or soft points. Similarly, make sure brake pads and rotors are in prime condition as high ambient temperatures reduce braking efficiency. A squeal today will usually translate to far more expensive damage if ignored.

6. Fluids

Every vital liquid coursing through your vehicle – engine oil, brake fluid, transmission oil, power steering fluid – reacts to heat, altering its viscosity and diminishing its efficiency the longer the summer drags on. If your next service is still weeks away, ask for a full fluid-health scan now. Topping up or replacing now could spare you from expensive mechanical trauma later.

7. Paint and plastics

Relentless sun, airborne sand and surprise hailstorms don’t just attack your car mechanically – they etch themselves into its skin, ageing paint, plastic and leather long before their time. A UV-protective wax application and a good ceramic coating can shield your paintwork – even revive it to an extent – while specialised leather and plastic conditioners help rejuvenate tired interiors. Something as simple as using a windshield sunshade or choosing shaded parking can dramatically extend the life of your dashboard, steering wheel, and upholstery.

8. Emergency kit

Breakdowns are bad enough, but in 50°C heat with no shade, a well-stocked emergency kit is less a luxury than a lifeline. Mid-summer is a good time to ensure your emergency kit has all the essentials, such as a reflective vest, torch, jumper cables, basic tools and first-aid supplies. A spare phone power bank, bottled water and an umbrella for shade are sensible additions.

In the UAE, the environment demands more from our vehicles than we often realise. Waghrat Al Mirzam may be behind us, but the heat still has plenty of bite left. A thoughtful mid-summer check today could mean the difference between cruising through the rest of summer with confidence or wilting on the hard shoulder, waiting for rescue under a merciless afternoon sun. Treat your car with care now, and it will return the favour when the mercury is at its meanest.

Sony Thomas is a senior automotive journalist