Once you’ve bought your perfect car, the next challenge is to keep it running smoothly so that it lasts for years without any problems. While not everyone is a qualified car mechanic or technician, there are things we can all do to maintain our car in the UAE and avoid annoying breakdowns.
Regular car maintenance
The first item on any list should be that all-important one – a full-service history. Your car is a finely tuned machine, with every moving part working synergistically to ensure a trouble-free drive. If something starts to wear out or break down due to lack of maintenance, your car will kill you, and usually at the worst possible time.
Paying attention to these maintenance points, including intermediate and essential services, will help you keep your car running smoothly. Trust your intuition. If you think something is wrong, talk to your technician and ask him to check it. Detecting problems earlier prevents them from turning into bigger and more costly breakdowns.
Park your car in the shade
The UAE is blessed with spectacular weather, but bear in mind that our strong summer sun can be hard on your car. UV rays can damage paintwork and turn the inside of your car into an oven, which can warp plastic panels and fade fabrics. Our top tip for avoiding the sun’s harmful effects on your vehicle is to park in the shade, preferably in an underground car park where the temperature is much lower. If you have to park your car in the sun, sun blinds on the windows or even 3M window tinting will help reduce the heat inside.
Keep your tyres in good condition
They are the last point of contact with the road and your biggest safety feature. Tyres in good condition work more efficiently to keep you safe on the road. Be aware of under-inflated or over-inflated tyres too – not only are they a safety hazard, but they also have a negative impact on your car’s fuel efficiency. If you are not sure what your tyre pressure should be, consult your service centre.
Wash and maintain your car regularly
Regular car washing and cleaning not only makes for a more pleasant space but also helps to keep your car in better condition. (However, avoid washing your car during the hottest part of the day to avoid damage to the paintwork). A good wash allows you to get to know your car better by inspecting it centimetre by centimetre as you clean it. This will help you identify any obvious problems and address them earlier to prevent them from becoming full-blown problems.
If you want to sell your car in the UAE, it’s important to keep it clean. A clean, well-maintained vehicle with a neatly polished exterior and an interior that doesn’t smell cigarette smoke or food will be much easier to sell. It shows a potential buyer that you have taken good care of your car and maintained it properly.
Buy a used car in the UAE that has been properly inspected
If you buy a used car in the UAE, buy one you can trust. If you buy an ‘unknown’ car (one with poor service history, obvious signs of major repairs or rebuilding, etc.), there is a good chance that your maintenance costs could soar.
