Let’s be honest: stepping into your car during UAE summer feels like walking into a sauna you didn’t ask for. The seats are scorching, the steering wheel burns your palms, and if you left a chocolate bar in the glove compartment; well, rest in peace.
But here’s the thing that’s not funny at all: your car can literally overheat, break down, or worse explode, if you’re not careful.
Living here for years has taught me one thing: summer car safety in UAE isn’t just about staying cool but it’s about staying safe. Let’s talk about the mistakes too many people still make and how you can protect your car in hot weather like a pro.
Why Cars Overheat (or Explode) in UAE Summer
We all know UAE summers are next-level intense. It’s not just 45°C outside, it can get up to 70°C inside your parked car, especially if you’re out grocery shopping or grabbing karak.
That kind of heat turns your car into a pressure cooker.
Plastic expands. Aerosols swell up. Batteries drain faster than your patience in Sheikh Zayed traffic. If you don’t take summer car safety in UAE seriously, you’re risking way more than just discomfort.
So, let me warn you about a few mistakes that could seriously damage your car in UAE summers!
7 Car Mistakes That Could Cost You Big This Summer
Some of these I learned the hard way; melted sunglasses, dead battery, and one terrifying puff of smoke from the AC vent (true story). But you don’t have to go through the same drama. If you want your car to survive the heat and avoid unexpected breakdowns, try not to make these common slip-ups.
Let’s break it down:
1. Leaving Gas Lighters, Perfumes, or Aerosols in the Car
I once left a can of deodorant in my center console. Big mistake. It expanded and warped like something out of a sci-fi movie. These items are basically mini bombs in the heat and yes, there have been cases of lighters actually exploding in parked cars.
Summer car safety UAE tip: Take out all pressurized items. Every. Single. Time.
2. Parking Without a Sunshade
Sure, it feels like a hassle to put it up every time, but that 30-second effort could protect your car in hot weather from dashboard cracks, melted gear knobs, and seatbelt buckle burns.
Plus, it really helps keep the internal temperature manageable.
3. Neglecting Battery Maintenance
A car battery in the UAE during July is like a phone at 1%, it’s struggling. High temperatures cause the water in batteries to evaporate, which can lead to corrosion, swelling, or total failure.
Summer car safety UAE tip: Get your battery checked at least twice during peak summer (June–August).
4. Driving With Low Coolant Levels
Your car’s coolant is what keeps the engine from throwing a tantrum and overheating. In summer, your engine works overtime especially if you’re idling in heavy traffic.
If your coolant’s low? Say hello to a roadside meltdown (literally).
Don’t wait for the warning light: check it yourself or ask during your next car wash.
5. Using Cheap Window Tint (Or None at All)
Legally installed high-quality tint helps block UV rays, reduce cabin heat, and protect your car in hot weather from interior fading and seat damage. Cheap tints? They often bubble, peel, and trap heat instead of reflecting it.
Invest once, thank yourself every day.
Also Read: Top Electric Cars in UAE That Will Rule the Roads in 2025
6. Skipping AC Maintenance
I get it that no one wants to spend on AC servicing until it actually fails. But in UAE heat? That’s a dangerous gamble.
An underperforming AC means your engine has to work harder, especially in older cars.
Summer car safety UAE tip: Do a full AC check before July hits.
7. Not Leaving Windows Slightly Open
No, not enough for thieves but just a small crack to let hot air escape. This reduces pressure build-up inside and keeps your windows from warping.
Combine this with a good sunshade and tinted windows and you’re halfway to summer car safety UAE excellence.
Bonus: Things You Should Never Leave in the Car (Even for a Minute)
So, you’ve taken all the right measures: sunshade up, coolant topped, AC serviced — but somehow, your car still popped like popcorn?
Yep, it happens.
And often, it’s because you left something inside that had no business baking in a 60°C metal box.
Certain everyday items can react horribly to extreme heat, causing anything from interior damage to actual fire hazards.
So…
Let me save you a meltdown (or a literal one):
- Perfume bottles
- Pressurized sprays
- Chocolate or food (we’ve all done it)
- Electronics
- Power banks
- Phones
- Disposable lighters
- Plastic water bottles (yes, they can release toxins in heat)
Even 10 minutes in UAE summer can be dangerous for anything left inside. Prioritize protecting your car in hot weather by double-checking before you lock up.
What You Should Do Instead
Okay, so now that you know what not to do, let’s talk about what actually helps. After one too many sweaty breakdowns (both mechanical and emotional), I’ve figured out a few tried-and-tested ways to protect your car in hot weather and survive summer car safety in UAE like a pro.
These aren’t complicated hacks but just small things that make a massive difference in keeping your ride cool, functional, and meltdown-free:
Always keep a car fire extinguisher
RTA-approved ones are easily available at ADNOC, ENOC, or online. It’s one of those things you’ll (hopefully) never need but if you do, you’ll be so glad it’s there.
Top up coolant and wiper fluid regularly
I usually check these every time I stop for a car wash or fuel. It takes barely two minutes, and your engine stays chill (literally).
Battery check = non-negotiable
Get it tested every 2–3 months during summer. A weak battery can go from fine to fried really quick in this heat.
Invest in a good sunshade
Don’t buy the flimsy fold-up ones from a random petrol station. A reflective, quality sunshade can reduce in-car temps by up to 10°C!
Legal tint or ceramic film is a game changer
It protects your seats, dashboard, and sanity. Your AC won’t have to work as hard, and the car interior won’t feel like a toaster.
Park smart, even if it means walking more
Always choose shaded spots or underground parking if available. Even a tree counts, anything to block direct sun.
Rotate your tires more often
The asphalt gets brutal in UAE summers. This simple step can help your tires wear evenly and last longer.
Trust me, doing just a few of these will massively improve your car’s resilience in the UAE heat. And it’s way better than dealing with surprise repairs (or worse) roadside emergencies at 2 PM in July.
UAE Authorities Take It Seriously Too
Dubai Civil Defence and the RTA often run awareness campaigns in summer, reminding residents about in-car fire risks and safe driving. They’ve even fined people for parking violations that result in car overheating issues (like leaving children or pets inside).
So yes, it’s not just about comfort, it’s about compliance and safety.
TL;DR:
Final Thoughts
UAE summer doesn’t mess around, and neither should you. I’ve learned the hard way (RIP to the melted sunglasses I once left on the dashboard) that summer car safety in UAE isn’t optional but it’s essential.
So, take a few minutes, prep your car, and share this with someone who definitely still leaves their water bottle on the front seat.
Let’s all drive safer, cooler, and smarter because nothing ruins a day faster than a car that overheats, smells like melted plastic, or worse… doesn’t start at all.
