If you’ve lived through at least one UAE summer, you know the drill, you step into your car, and it feels like the inside of a toaster. Sun blazing. Heat baking. And if you haven’t taken care of your vehicle, the damage can be more than just cosmetic.
Now, if you’re someone searching for car detailing Dubai services, odds are you care about your car’s appearance. That’s great. But when June rolls around and the mercury hits 47°C, detailing goes way beyond shine; it’s about survival, for both you and your vehicle.
I’ve made the mistake of ignoring summer prep once. Never again. Here’s what works (from someone who’s learned the hard way).
- Don’t Let Your Cooling System Let You Down
This is basic, but too important. Your radiator, hoses, and coolant must be in good shape or your car’s going to overheat, possibly mid-drive, possibly in the middle of Sheikh Zayed Road.
Check your coolant level. If it’s been a while since the last flush (like more than 18 months), get it done. And if you see white crusty stuff near hose joints, that’s a leak brewing. Fix it before it leaves you stranded in flip-flops at noon.
- Batteries Die Quicker in Heat
Most people think batteries die more often in winter. That might be true in colder countries, but here? Heat kills them. Fast.
If your battery is more than two years old and your car’s starting slower than usual, don’t wait. Get it tested. A weak battery won’t survive the stress of summer AC, long drives, and stop-and-go traffic.
- That Paint You Love? It Needs Protection
We all love the way our cars look after a wash. But in the UAE, a clean car without protection is just like going to the beach without sunscreen.
A proper wax or ceramic coating isn’t just marketing fluff; it adds a heat-resistant layer. I noticed my car’s surface temp dropped by nearly 8°C after I had ceramic coating applied. Also, the color doesn’t fade like it used to. Bonus: dirt comes off way easier after sandstorms.
- Interiors Take the Worst Hit
Ever sat on black leather seats after your car’s been parked outside for 30 minutes? Especially in this summer month, June and July.
Get yourself a good sunshade. Window tinting helps too, not the illegal kind, but the legal, heat-reducing kind. And treat your leather with conditioner. Otherwise, it’ll crack faster than you think.
Dashboards? They warp and fade unless you’re using a UV-protectant. I’ve seen people use towels on their dashboards. It’s not pretty, but it works.
- Tire Blowouts Happen and They’re Dangerous
UAE roads get hot. Really very hot. So hot that the air in your tires expands. If they’re already borderline, one sharp turn and you’re riding on your rims.
Check your tire pressure not just once, but every couple of weeks. Use a gauge. Don’t guess. Also, look for bulges, cracks, or bald spots. Replace if needed. It’s not worth saving a few dirhams.
- Your AC Should Checked Properly
This one’s simple and basic point, sometimes people forget the basics only, if your AC is slow to cool or starts blowing warm air after 10 minutes, get it checked. Refrigerant leaks are common. So are clogged filters. I once drove without AC for a week during peak summer. Never again.
Also, clean the cabin air filter. Dust builds up fast in this region, and it affects how efficiently the AC works.
- Tiny Details? Still Important
Windshield wipers, yeah, everyone is aware of the fact that it rarely rains here. But when it does? Mud, dust, and poor visibility. Replace your blades once a year. They cost next to nothing and can save your visibility in a pinch.
Also, keep windshield washer fluid topped up. Not water actual washer fluid with anti-dust agents.
- Professional Detailing Makes a Real Difference
Most of us used to think professional detailing was a luxury. But once you do the first real session before summer, it will change your mind. It’s not just about looks and function. It’s about getting your car cleaned properly: engine bay, underbody, door trims, AC vents, places most of us don’t even think about.
They’ll apply sealants, condition your leather, polish your glass, and get the grime out of places you never knew existed. If you’re prepping for summer, this is honestly one of the smartest things you can do.
- A Few Emergency Items Never Hurt
Stuff goes wrong. You get a flat. Or a dead battery. Or you’re stuck in traffic with the AC blowing warm.
Keep this in your car:
- Jumper cables
- Basic tools
- A small water bottle (or three)
- Flashlight
- Sunshade
- Phone charger
You don’t need a full camping kit. But a few basics can keep a small hiccup from becoming a crisis.
Final Word
If you want your car to survive summer in the UAE, you’ve got to do more than just drive carefully. It’s about prepping for heat that’s brutal, unforgiving, and constant.
You don’t need to be a mechanic. Just stay ahead of the basics. And if you’re serious about taking care of your ride, partnering with an experienced auto detailing company makes all the difference. For that, Ziebart UAE has the tools and the experience to help your car stay strong, cool, and looking sharp.