Get the basics right

Dubai's thriving automotive culture is as much a part of the emirate's identity as the Burj Dubai, or the latest mega mall. But not all of us are born with petrol in our veins, and with the uninitiated in mind, we have created a quick guide to basic car terminology that will keep your engine purring and your passengers safe.

Tyre rotation: Rotating your car's tyres means rotating each tyre to a different corner of the car and, depending on whether the tyres are directional, sometimes reversing the direction in which they turn. Directional tyres are usually identifiable by arrows on their sidewall, which indicate their proper orientation. Rotating tyres increases their useful life by distributing normal road wear more evenly.

Tyre pressure: Tyre pressure is the measure of the level of inflation of tyres. Proper pressure is important to safety, as it directly affects the car's handing in corners, and over bumps, as well as its ability to brake efficiently. Incorrect pressure carries the risk of tyre failure, which can lead to a serious accident, and affects ride comfort, fuel economy and tyre life.

Most manufacturers list tyre pressure requirements on one of the door posts, most often the driver's. The tyres are also usually marked with a suggested range. Pressure varies seasonally, as the air inside tyres will expand with rising temperatures, so check the pressure regularly.

Brakes: Disc brakes, the most common system in use today, work by engaging the brake pads, which squeeze a spinning disc rotor attached to the wheel. The resulting friction, when applied to each of the wheels, slows the car. As with any car part subject to friction, brake parts are expected to wear out, and usually the front pads will be the first to go under normal driving conditions. Many modern brake systems have a mechanical monitoring system that causes the brakes to make scraping, squeaking sound as the pads wear past a certain level. If you ignore indications that your pads are worn out, you risk damaging more expensive brake parts, such as rotors, drums and callipers.

Air filter: An air filter blocks airborne dust and debris from getting sucked into the engine. While there are cleanable, reusable high-performance filters available, a typical air filter is made of paper and should be replaced about once a year on average. Should the air filter become too dirty or clogged, it will reduce the engine's air intake greatly. This will cause the engine to run rich, burning an excess of gas and not enough air, causing the car to lose power and run roughly.

Serpentine belt: Cars have various mechanical accessories that rely on the engine's motion to perform. On most modern cars, these components are driven by one rubber belt called a serpentine belt, which eventually wears out from use and exposure to the elements, and will crack or break over time, causing overheating that can permanently damage the car. Replace worn belts whenever convenient.

Coolant: The radiator works to circulate coolant throughout the engine, helping to dissipate the intense heat caused by friction and combustion. By regularly draining and refilling the cooling system, you can flush out contaminants that cause harmful clogs. Due to the intense heat of the engine, coolant will break down, leaving the cooling passages in your engine vulnerable to corrosion. Small amounts of debris from the engine block also build up in the coolant, adding further reason to flush the system occasionally. Left untreated, rust will clog your radiator and heater over time, and will lead to chronic engine overheating. Coolant is also subject to evaporation and potential leaks. So check the coolant level at regular intervals, as extremely low levels can lead to engine damage. When your engine is cold, the coolant should be at or above the "minimum" or "fill" line on the clear refill container. If the engine is hot, the coolant level should be at or just below the "max" line.

Transmission fluid: This is a lubricant that helps to minimise wear and tear on the moving parts inside your transmission. While automatic transmission fluid serves as both a lubricant and a coolant, manual transmissions may use a variety of oils, so it's best to consult your owner's manual. Most manufacturers recommend manual transmission fluid be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Service intervals for an automatic transmission vary by model and manufacturer, but a typical service interval might be anywhere between 45,000km and 90,000km. Both automatic and manual transmissions can eventually become contaminated with debris as the transmission itself wears over time. If left untreated, these contaminants will shorten the life of your transmission. Even with its fairly lengthy period of service, it's important to check transmission fluid level regularly, because it can leak or burn off. Low fluid levels can hamper the transmission's ability to shift gears, and may cause damage to the transmission itself, which will not be properly lubricated.