Dubai driver Abdul Aziz avoided a breakdown by checking his car. He noticed a burning smell while crossing Ras Al Khor on Thursday evening and pulled into a nearby garage. A quick inspection revealed the coolant level had dropped below the minimum mark, a problem that can quickly lead to overheating in the intense UAE summer.
Abdul Aziz, an engineer working with a fintech firm, was commuting home from work when the odor intensified. The garage mechanic opened the bonnet and identified the low coolant as the cause, preventing what could have become a far more serious overheating issue.
Why cooling checks matter
Extreme heat puts extra strain on a vehicle’s cooling system, battery, tyres and engine. The mechanic who examined Abdul Aziz’s car warned that such cases become far more common during the UAE summer. "During these months, we see many vehicles coming in with overheating problems, weak batteries, worn‑out hoses and coolant leaks. Most of these issues don’t happen overnight. They start as small faults that drivers often don’t notice until the car gives a warning, such as a burning smell, steam or a rising temperature gauge," he said.
During these months, we see many vehicles coming in with overheating problems, weak batteries, worn‑out hoses and coolant leaks. Most of these issues don’t happen overnight. They start as small faults that drivers often don’t notice until the car gives a warning, such as a burning smell, steam or a rising temperature gauge.
— Mechanic
Early detection can prevent costly repairs. Abdul Aziz’s experience shows that a small coolant leak, if ignored, can turn into a major engine issue. Mechanics advise drivers to stop immediately and have the vehicle inspected if the temperature gauge starts rising.
Simple steps for summer
Mechanics recommend six checks every driver should perform this season. "The good news is that many of these problems are preventable," said Sony Rajappan from Carlynx, a workshop in Dubai. "Simple checks carried out regularly can make a significant difference to a vehicle’s performance and reliability." Rajappan stresses inspecting the coolant reservoir, cleaning the radiator to remove dust and sand, and checking for any leaks under the bonnet.
He added that dust and sand can clog the radiator, restricting airflow and reducing its ability to cool the engine. Cleaning the radiator periodically can improve cooling efficiency. Additional tips include looking for cracked hoses, damaged wiring, and signs of coolant, engine oil or fuel leaks, as advised by Nabeel Ahmed of Rukn Yaqoot Garage in Sharjah. Regular weekly inspections can catch small faults before they become expensive repairs.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I smell burning fumes while driving?
If you notice a burning smell, stop the vehicle immediately and have a mechanic inspect it, as Abdul Aziz did, to identify issues such as low coolant that can cause overheating.
Why is checking coolant level important in the UAE summer?
The intense heat strains the cooling system; a low coolant level can quickly lead to engine overheating, which is why Abdul Aziz’s mechanic highlighted the need to monitor coolant during summer.
What are the six essential car maintenance steps for summer in Dubai?
Mechanics recommend inspecting the coolant reservoir, cleaning the radiator, checking for leaks, examining hoses for cracks, testing the battery, and ensuring wiring and other components are free from damage.
How can dust and sand affect a car’s radiator in Dubai?
Dust and sand can clog the radiator, restricting airflow and reducing its ability to cool the engine, so regular cleaning improves cooling efficiency, as explained by Sony Rajappan.
