If you’ve ever set off on a long UAE drive, Dubai to Fujairah, Sharjah to Abu Dhabi, or even a desert getaway, you know the mix of excitement and quiet anxiety that comes with it. Will the car handle the heat? Is the AC strong enough? What if something goes wrong miles away from help? These are questions many drivers only ask after they’re stuck on the roadside, hazard lights blinking under the sun.
A long road trip in the UAE isn’t just about distance. It’s about heat, speed, sand, and sustained engine load. As mechanics, we often see cars come in after the trip, overheated, vibrating, or simply exhausted. With a little preparation, most of these issues are completely avoidable.
Here’s an ultimate, mechanic-approved checklist to help you drive with confidence.
1. Engine Oil & Fluids: Your Car’s Lifeline
Before any long drive, check your engine oil level and condition. Dark, gritty oil or overdue service intervals increase engine wear, especially in high temperatures. Top up or replace oil according to your manufacturer’s manual.
Don’t stop there. Inspect coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Low coolant is one of the most common reasons for roadside breakdowns in UAE summers and one of the easiest to prevent.
2. Cooling System: Heat Is the Real Enemy
Your radiator, hoses, and cooling fan work overtime during long drives. Look for coolant leaks, cracked hoses, or warning lights. If your temperature gauge has ever climbed higher than normal, even once, get it checked.
A healthy cooling system isn’t optional here; it’s survival gear.
3. Tyres: Pressure, Tread, and the Spare
Hot roads amplify tyre problems. Check tyre pressure when tyres are cold and inflate according to manufacturer specifications. Over-inflated tyres wear unevenly; under-inflated ones heat up dangerously fast.
Inspect tread depth and sidewalls for cracks or bulges. And yes, check the spare tyre. You’d be surprised how many people forget it until it’s too late.
4. Brakes: Silent Until They’re Not
Listen for squealing, grinding, or vibrations when braking. Long highway drives followed by sudden stops demand responsive brakes. Brake pads, discs, and fluid should all be in good condition.
If your steering wheel shakes while braking, don’t ignore it. That small vibration becomes a big safety issue at high speeds.
5. Battery: Small Part, Big Consequences
UAE heat shortens battery life significantly. If your battery is over two years old, have it tested. Slow starts, dim lights, or dashboard warnings are early signs of trouble.
A dead battery doesn’t care how well the rest of your car is maintained; it will stop everything.
6. Air Conditioning: Comfort Meets Safety
On long drives, AC isn’t just about comfort. Fatigue increases when drivers are hot and dehydrated. Make sure your AC cools quickly and evenly, without odd smells or weak airflow.
If cooling feels inconsistent, it may be low gas or a clogged cabin filter, both quick fixes before a trip.
7. Lights, Wipers, and Visibility
Check headlights, brake lights, indicators, and fog lights. Dust, fog, or night driving demands visibility. Replace worn wiper blades and top up washer fluid.
Clear vision reduces reaction time. It’s that simple.
8. Emergency Kit: Plan for the Unexpected
Keep jumper cables, a warning triangle, flashlight, tyre inflator, basic tools, and drinking water in your car. Add a phone charger or power bank. You may never need them, but if you do, you’ll be grateful.
9. Documents & RTA Compliance
Ensure your registration, insurance, and driving license are valid. If travelling across the Emirates, this becomes even more important. UAE RTA guidelines strongly recommend regular vehicle inspections for long-distance driving.
10. Professional Inspection: The Smart Shortcut
A quick pre-trip inspection by a trusted garage can catch what the eye misses. At Nepali Garage Sharjah, we often spot early warning signs, loose belts, weak batteries, worn brakes, that prevent major breakdowns later.
Choosing an experienced workshop like Nepali Car Repair Sharjah isn’t about fixing problems; it’s about preventing them.
Final Takeaway
A long road trip in the UAE should end with memories, not repair bills. Most breakdowns don’t happen suddenly; they build quietly over time. A simple checklist, a little attention, and a professional inspection can turn uncertainty into confidence.
Before your next journey, give your car the care it deserves. The road is long, the heat is real, and preparation is always cheaper than recovery.
