Car Safety in 50°C Weather: Essential Checks to Prevent Vehicle Fires in the Gulf

Throughout the summer season, the high temperatures in the Gulf often challenge vehicles. Recent weather data revealed Muqshin at 49.4°C in Oman and Mahout was 50.4°C earlier this season. These temperatures not only cause effects on humans but also cause a high stress on engines, batteries, tyres, and the electrical system.

Maintenance issues and extended exposure to hot weather can create a high probability for cars to go into breakdown, run hot or even start a fire, despite even the best trying to carve out a successful life on the land.

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Check Your Cooling System First

Your engineering cooling system is your initial line of defense versus any over heating.  Check coolant and hoses to ensure they are within the recommended levels and that hoses are not cracked, leaking or worn out. During extended travel in hot weather, a failing radiator, leaky hose or broken cooling fan can easily cause the engine temperature to rapidly climb.

Inspect the Battery

Excessive heat can be just as detrimental to battery life or even more so than freezing temperatures. Check for corrosion around the battery terminals and make sure that the battery is properly installed. Check your battery if it’s been a few years or if it has trouble starting, before summer traveling season comes.

Monitor Tyre Pressure

Long-distance driving is even more hazardous for tires which are over inflated or under inflated. Check tyre press when cold and to specification not estimate and manufacturer recommended.

Watch for Fluid Leaks

Vehicle components are also protected by four other types of fluids, such as engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid and power steering fluid.

Take a look under your car for any new drips and fill up all fluids as per the vehicle maintenance plan. During hot driving conditions, the fluid cannot withstand mechanical stresses when the level is low.

Avoid Carrying Flammable Items

Do not leave aerosol cans, disposable lighters or gas cylinders in a vehicle parked or left with heat-sensitive devices such as power banks.

The temperature inside the cabins can be widely different from the air outside, which can make for dangerous pressure rises.

Park Smart Whenever Possible

Splash guards and partial ventilation (where safe and appropriate) can help to keep the interior temperature down. Having a lower temperature on the inside also decreases the stressing of the electronic systems and materials within the interior.

Be Alert While Driving

If the warning lights come on, steam is appearing under the bonnet, there is a burning smell or a high red mark on the temperature gauge, pull over to safety and turn off the engine.

Never remove the radiator cap while the engines are hot as hot and under pressure coolant can cause severe burns.

Follow Local Safety Guidance

Oman and other Gulf States regularly post heat alerts in the times of high temperatures. Plan trips for the cooler parts of the morning or evening, bring water with, use a Check-o-Line.

FAQs

Will heatwaves and high temperatures make vehicles more likely to catch fire?

Yes. In extreme heat, the components of the vehicle may be subject to additional stress, particularly when mechanical or fluid leaks, or electrical issues may already exist. These risks can be minimized with regular servicing.

Does the pressure drop need to be lowered when the weather is hot?

No. Tyres should always be inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Changes in pressure, if made without direction, may have a detrimental impact on specific performance and safety.

What do I do when my engine is hot?

Stop at a safe spot, turn off the car and let it cool down on its own. When the engine is hot, do not take the rad cooler cap off as it may cause serious burns from the pressure of the coolant.

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