Living In UAE

UAE: How to prevent car fires during summer

Ministry of Interior advised residents to exercise caution because of high temperatures

Published: August 06, 2020 14:30 Huda Tabrez, Living in UAE Editor

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As the summer heat bears down on you, it is crucial to ensure that you stay safe on UAE roads. — With temperatures at their peak, make sure you stay safe. Image Credit:

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Car fires can be caused due to accidents or poor maintenance or negligence. — Dubai Police issued an alert last month about a car that caught fire. Image Credit:

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Abu Dhabi Police also issued an advisory to inform motorists of items that can lead to a vehicle catching fire. — Similarly, in June Abu Dhabi Police also warned motorists. Image Credit:

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In a social media post on August 6, UAE’s Ministry of Interior issued some guidelines on how motorists can prevent car fires. — Guidelines from UAE's Ministry of Interior. Image Credit:

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1. Inspect your engine oil on a daily basis — Image Credit:

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While your engine’s dashboard may be a convenient way to check whether your vehicle’s oil and water levels are optimal, you can do a physical check of these essential fluids quite easily as well. — The first place to look is your car dashboard - are there any alerts that require your attention. Image Credit:

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The oil in your engine is the fluid that keeps everything operating smoothly. — Low engine oil can lead to the engine seizing up. Image Credit:

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How to check vehicle’s oil level — Before you check the oil level, make sure the engine has cooled down. Image Credit:

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Then pop open the bonnet and look for a bright coloured handle, which is essentially the dip stick that helps you gauge the oil level. — Image Credit:

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Wipe the stick clean with a cloth or tissue and then stick it in again. — When you pull it back out, the dip stick will give you an idea of the oil level. Image Credit:

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It should be between the minimum and maximum marks. If it's not, then you would need to top it up. — The level should be between the minimum and maximum marks. Image Credit:

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Make sure you know what grade of oil is recommended for your vehicle, which would be mentioned in the owner’s manual. — Which grade of engine oil is best suited for your vehicle? Image Credit:

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2. Check the coolant/water levels regularly — Regularly check the water level, too. Image Credit:

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The coolant in your vehicle helps regulate the temperature in the vehicle, preventing it from overheating. — The problem of overheating can get worse during summer months. Image Credit:

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How to check vehicle’s water level — Locate the coolant reservoir to find out the water level. Image Credit:

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3. At the petrol station - don’t smoke and turn off the engine — It is also important to exercise caution at the petrol station. Image Credit:

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The Ministry of Interior also provided basic precautionary measures that you should take when at a petrol station. — Image Credit:

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Refueling a running vehicle increases the chances of gas vapours coming into contact with heat or electricity. — When filling up petrol, fumes can rise, especially during summer months. Image Credit:

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For this reason, petrol stations across the UAE advise motorists to turn off the engine and not smoke while filling up petrol. — Follow the guidelines posted at petrol stations to stay safe. Image Credit:

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4. Ensure you have a fire extinguisher in your car — Fire extinguishers are mandatory in cars in the UAE. Image Credit:

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Although fire extinguishers are now compulsory in all UAE-registered cars, do you know how to use one in case of an emergency? Also, when was the last time you inspected it? — Do you know how to use one? Image Credit:

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They would have a limited lifespan. — Inspect the extinguisher in your car to find out if it is still good to use. Image Credit:

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Go through the user’s manual — Learn more about how you can use it. Image Credit:

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It would be ideal to take up basic fire extinguisher training as well. — Emergency situations can test your nerves. Image Credit:

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5. Don’t leave flammable substances in the vehicle — Keeping flammable objects in closed cars, where temperatures can go quite high, is dangerous. Image Credit:

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Any unattended item which is flammable can pose a very real risk of fire. — Image Credit:

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hand sanitisers, cigarette lighters, perfume bottles or any aerosolised cans. — Common items that are flammable and should not be left in cars. Image Credit:

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follow these basic precautions and staying alert — Image Credit:

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