Minimizing sand damage to your car in the UAE

Treacherous conditions often plague the roads of the UAE. While sandstorms can be scary to drive through, the damage they can do to your car is often infinitely more terrifying.

So, here’s our guide to taking care of your new car in the UAE’s uniquely challenging conditions.

Don’t. Touch. Anything.

After experiencing a dust-up, never touch the outside of your car without removing the layer of sand. Sand is made of microscopic sharp particles that can mercilessly score your paintwork if disturbed. Make sure that you give your car a thorough rinse with water from a hose or power-cleaner as soon as possible.

Check and check again

If you drive through a sandstorm, it’s strongly recommended that you give your car a quick review. Ideally, this check should include the following:

Radiator: Inarguably one of the most critical parts of the car. Checking for obstructions should be your first port of call, as any blockages can cause overheating and permanent damage or engine failure.

Windshield: Experiencing a sandstorm or driving in heavy dust can easily scratch or nick your screen. Remove any grit and make sure your windscreen wipers are residue free, as they can easily score and weaken the glass.

Tyres: Check that your tread is still correct for driving in the conditions. If you have let air from your tyres to drive in treacherous conditions, always make sure to re-inflate them correctly again.

Stop and start

Sand can cause severe damage to the braking system on your car. After exposure, particles can get into brake pads and seriously affect your stopping ability and seriously affect the mechanism. If you are unsure about how to review this, it is strongly advised that you regularly visit a mechanic. This will also give you chance to get the undercarriage of your car fully reviewed, which can be difficult if you do not have the ability to fully do so.

Sense the change

Many luxury cars enjoy amenities like parking sensors and rear-view cameras. These use multiple sensors on the car’s exterior to judge distance and obstacles. It is crucially important that you take time to identify where your sensors are, and to ensure that they are clear any time you encounter any detritus.