Springtime in the Arabian Gulf comes with specific climatic challenges that can take a toll on automobiles. The temperatures are hot, humidity is high, and sand storms and dust particulates in the air can cause engine issues. To help protect your vehicle and ensure optimal performance throughout the year, here are our essential car care tips. Following this comprehensive car maintenance guide will safeguard the longevity and operational efficiency of your vehicle through the hotter months and beyond.

What Are the Main Challenges for Cars During Springtime in the Gulf?

The quickly changing climate in the Arabian Gulf during spring affects cars in numerous ways: 

• In early spring, air temperatures rise sharply in the Arabian Gulf, making engine cooling systems work harder to maintain optimal temperatures.
• High humidity levels reduce the amount of oxygen in the air available for the combustion engine, reducing performance and fuel efficiency. Hot air is less dense than cold air, also reducing oxygen availability.
• Sand and dust storms (SDS), also known as haboobs, cost the MENA region $150 billion annually, according to the World Bank. Sand and dust particles can be devastating for engines, clogging air filters, leaving deposits on the radiator, abrading internal components such as pistons, cylinders, and valves. Combined, these effects can lead to engine overheating, damage to engine parts, degraded engine oil, and reduced power and fuel efficiency.

To prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your engine in these conditions, it is essential to take proactive measures.

How Should I Care for My Car?

To care for your car, you should first start with the basics: car maintenance tips that apply to every vehicle, no matter where it’s being operated. The benefits of regular vehicle maintenance and timely services range from optimising a car’s performance, to preventing wear and tear, to identifying issues before they escalate, causing potentially severe and costly damage. Beyond regular servicing according to the schedule specified in your car’s manufacturer’s handbook, you should frequently check:

• Fluid levels, like engine oil, coolant, and windscreen washer fluid
• Tyre condition, tread depth, and pressure
• Battery terminals, looking for corrosion, and clean battery connections
• Air, cabin air, and oil filters, changing them as needed
• Brake pad thickness, looking for thinning, and checking for any unusual noises when braking
• Windscreen wiper condition, checking for cracks and wear, and replacing blades as needed
• Lights, checking for dimming or blown bulbs
• Any leaks or evidence of water ingress
• Around the wheels for any debris build-up
• Bodywork, looking for chips or scratches, and evidence of rust 

Washing and waxing your car frequently is also an essential part of any basic car care guide, necessary to keep paintwork in good condition and guard against damage from moisture and corrosion. If you have a brand new, or especially nice car, there are further steps you can take to keep it looking its best.

How to Take Care of A Nice Car?

To keep a nice car in pristine condition is simple, with a little effort:

• Regularly wash and wax bodywork.
• Follow a good routine maintenance schedule, as specified by the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Vacuum and wipe down interior surfaces with appropriate cleaning products.
• Practice smooth driving habits- avoid sudden braking, hard acceleration, and aggressive driving styles, as these increase wear on all parts of the vehicle.

Our new car tips blog has more details on keeping a brand new vehicle in top condition long after you’ve driven it off the forecourt.

But how can you mitigate the effects that spring weather in the Gulf has on your car? Here is our essential springtime car care guide:

1. Check and Top Up Fluids

Rising temperatures and dust particles can contaminate fluids and compromise their function:

• Engine Oil: Warm weather can cause oil to break down more quickly, and contaminants to build up. Check frequently for clarity, changing the oil if it is dark or dirty, and top up if levels are low. Make sure you are using an oil with the correct viscosity rating for hotter temperatures as the weather warms up to ensure proper protection for your engine. 
• Coolant: Adequate levels of high-quality coolant are essential to regulate temperatures within the engine and prevent overheating.
• Brake Fluid: Contamination from sand, dust, and degradation can affect braking efficiency, so check for brake fluid condition and low levels.
• Windscreen Washer Fluid: Essential for keeping the windscreen clear and maintaining visibility when there is increased risk and frequency of dust storms.

2. Maintenance on the Air Conditioning System

As the weather starts to get hotter, keeping cool inside your car becomes a priority! 

• Check the condition of the cabin air filter, and clean or replace it as needed to optimise airflow.
• Check refrigerant levels for optimal cooling efficiency.
• Inspect components like belts and compressor for signs of wear, and have them replaced if needed.

3. Guard Against Sand and Dust

Especially problematic in the Gulf in spring, dust and sandstorms pose serious issues for drivers, potentially causing serious damage to cars. To mitigate potential harm:

• Wash and wax your vehicle frequently, to protect paintwork from the abrasive effects of sand and dust particles.
• Lubricate doors and window seals, to prevent sand from entering hinges and locks.
• Check and replace air filters often, to ensure dust accumulation doesn’t affect engine performance.

Sand-heavy conditions can also strain engine components, making the protective qualities of high-performance lubricants, such as 0W-20 oil, particularly valuable in this environment.

4. Check Condition of Lights and Windscreen Wipers

Dust storms can severely limit visibility, so fully functional windscreen wipers and lights are essential for driving in these conditions.

• Clean and test all lights frequently- headlights, indicators, fog lights, and brake lights.
• Check windscreen wiper blades for cracks or signs of wear, testing them to see if they leave streaks, replacing them if needed.

5. Check Tyres and Battery Condition

Tyre pressure can be affected by fluctuating temperatures, so check tyre pressure regularly, topping up as needed. Also, inspect tyres for cracks, wear, and embedded debris, rotating or changing them as necessary.

Inspect your battery for corrosion on terminals, test its charge, and consider replacing it if it is approaching the end of its lifespan.

6. Prepare for Hotter Summer Temperatures, and Potential Emergencies

It’s only going to get hotter over the next few months, so it pays to prepare your vehicle for rising temperatures now:

• Purchase a sun shade or scope out shady parking spots to protect the dashboard from heat damage.
• Assemble an emergency kit to store in your car, containing plenty of water, snacks, basic tools, a torch, and a blanket. 

While the climate in the Arabian Gulf can pose some challenges to vehicle owners, preventative measures go a long way to mitigating the effects of dust and high heat. By following our simple springtime car care tips, drivers can protect their vehicles, ensuring efficient, reliable operation throughout the hotter months.

For personalised spring car care advice, Gulf Oil’s expert mechanics can help. Proactive maintenance prevents costly repairs - contact us today to ensure your vehicle is ready for the season.