If you notice squeaking brakes, flashing oil lights, or keep postponing that much-needed garage visit, you could be putting yourself at risk of costly repairs, reduced insurance coverage, and most importantly, potential accidents.
As temperatures soar in the UAE, skipping regular car maintenance can lead to serious issues like engine overheating — or even fires. In fact, the UAE Ministry of Interior reports that 43% of vehicle fires are linked to extreme summer heat.
In this blog, we’ll break down essential summer car maintenance tips, explore your car repair options, and highlight what you need to know about the impact on your motor insurance coverage.
Why regular car maintenance matters
When your car is not properly maintained, it can lead to malfunctioning of essential parts. Regular maintenance can keep your rides smooth, safe, and efficient. Here’s how:
- Ensures safety on the go: Performing scheduled car maintenance can reduce incidents like tire bursts, suspension issues, and brake failures. It enhances your protection while driving through extreme UAE summer heat, dusty terrain, and at night. Read more on how to drive safely here.
- Helps avoid costly repair: Summer heat can put additional stress on your vehicle, leading to battery drain, tyre pressure fluctuations, etc. It is important to address these seasonal issues early, as ignoring them could lead to expensive repairs and even cause dangerous accidents. If an accident occurs due to poor maintenance, like worn-out-brakes, your motor insurance plan may cover the resulting damage (if any) but not the cause.
- Enhances performance: Taking time to perform regular inspections, and servicing tires, braking systems, batteries, and other components can keep your vehicle’s performance optimal. This would improve tire traction, stable steering, and overall driving comfort. Read more on how to enhance performance and drive safe this summer.
- Reduces fuel consumption: As your car’s air conditioners work harder during summer, performing regular servicing ensures your vehicle runs efficiently, minimising fuel wastage. Additionally, clean air filters, well-tuned engines, timely oil changes, and properly inflated tires can help enhance fuel efficiency.
Know your car repair options: What happens after a breakdown
From routine maintenance to emergency repairs due to unexpected breakdowns or accidents, knowing your repair options can save you time and confusion.
Regular maintenance, as discussed, is a proactive approach with routine checks and scheduled maintenance.
If your car breaks down during summer due to overheating, it is important to make the repairs swiftly as high temperatures can worsen the damage if not addressed promptly.
After an accident, it’s important to understand your repair options and how they align with your motor insurance coverage:
1. Vehicles under 1 year old are typically eligible for agency or dealership repairs with parts covered by insurance.
2. Vehicles over 1 year old are usually repaired at authorised garages using refurbished or used parts. You can still request new parts by paying the depreciation cost, which may require signing a consent form.
Always check your insurer’s garage list. View Salama’s list of workshops here.
Why is the right motor insurance cover non-negotiable
Even with safe driving and all the right precautions, unexpected incidents can still occur — which is why having a reliable motor insurance plan is not just important, but essential.
At Salama, we offer motor insurance plans you can tailor based on your needs:
1. Third-party liability plan: Basic protection against injury/damage to others.
2. Comprehensive plan: Includes third-party protection and coverage for your loss/damage.
Our comprehensive plan has just become even better with added benefits like:
1. Natural calamity protection,
2. Emergency medical coverage,
3. Lock replacement, and more.
Plus, you can now avail up to 20% off while insuring your SUV with us. Having the right motor insurance plan along with regular check-ups and car maintenance can provide a protective shield against the unexpected, especially during peak summer months.
Explore more about our Auto Takaful plans here and choose the right level of protection for your journey.
The UAE is committed to your road safety
As part of its commitment to improving road safety this summer, the UAE Ministry of Interior has launched the #SummerwithoutAccidents campaign to help reduce traffic accidents across the country. Let’s drive smart, stay alert, and work together to make our roads safer this summer and beyond.
