Keep your vehicle cool with regular check-ups

Dubai: A car breakdown is bad at the best of times, but with summer upon us, it's best to take preventive measures to avoid getting stuck in the heat.

While it is tempting to leave the engine running, and so keep the air conditioning on, if you're going into a shop to pick something up, Dubai Police reiterated last month that hefty on-the-spot fines would be imposed.

The police campaign aims to reduce the number of car thefts and dangers from leaving children in unattended cars with running engines.

Children particularly should not be left in cars during the summer because of the danger of suffocation.

Warnings

Just last month an Abu Dhabi boy who became locked in a school bus, died from apparent suffocation.

Pets should also not be left in the car during summer months because of the danger of heat exhaustion and suffocation.

The main problems for driving in the summer concern engine overheating, flat tyres and running out of petrol.

Heat can also damage car batteries by causing battery acid to leak out.

Essential things to check:

Coolant: Extreme heat causes the radiator coolant to break down, which in turn can lead to overheating. Radiator or coolant flushes should be done as part of a service, so check with the manufacturer advice as to how often to do this. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge on your dashboard to make sure the car is not overheating.

Tyres: To avoid flat tyres, check for any damage on the outer and inner sides of the tyre.

A tyre that needs changing will be worn down, may appear flatter than the others (this may be due to a slow puncture) and may even be cracked. Always keep the spare tyre in the boot in good condition and to the correct pressure.

To find out the right tyre pressure, check the manufacturer's manual or information found inside the car itself (this is usually either in the boot or the inside of the driver's side door).

Petrol: It's very embarrassing to run out of petrol although most rescue services will assist in these cases. However, keep emergency drinking water and make sure a mobile phone is in service if taking long trips, in case you run out of petrol in a remote area.

Batteries: Car batteries last on average three years, although leaking battery acid can corrode the casing in extreme heat. Have the battery checked by a service station or manufacturer if you're unsure of its lifespan.

Sunshades: Car steering wheels and interiors can become scorching hot during the summer. Use a windscreen shade to reflect rays and prevent your hands being burnt.