Introduction
Sheikh Zayed Road is one of the busiest, fastest, and most important highways in the UAE. But when your car overheats in the middle of that traffic? It’s stressful, dangerous, and potentially costly.
Whether it’s due to extreme temperatures, a failing radiator, or low coolant, this guide will walk you through exactly what to do if your engine starts overheating on Sheikh Zayed Road—and how to prevent long-term damage.
🚨 First Steps: Pull Over Safely
Time is critical when your engine temperature spikes.
What to do immediately:
- Turn off the A/C and switch the heater on full blast – this helps pull heat from the engine.
- Turn on your hazard lights and begin to change lanes safely toward the emergency shoulder.
- Do not stop in a fast lane – move to the far right as quickly and safely as possible.
- Put the car in park, apply the handbrake, and turn off the engine once fully stopped.
If traffic is too heavy or you’re boxed in, roll your windows down, stay calm, and continue to signal your need to pull over.
Read more about emergency protocols at NHTSA.gov.
Warning Signs That Your Engine Is Overheating
| Warning Signs | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Temperature gauge in red | Engine is dangerously hot |
| Steam coming from under the hood | Coolant is boiling or leaking |
| Unusual smells (sweet or burnt) | Leaking coolant or burning engine oil |
| Loss of power or rough acceleration | Engine components starting to misfire |
Refer to this Car and Driver overheating guide for more technical insight.
What NOT to Do
| Don’t Do This | Why It’s Dangerous |
|---|---|
| Don’t open the radiator cap | It can release boiling fluid and burn you |
| Don’t keep driving | Can result in permanent engine damage |
| Don’t pour cold water on the engine | May cause metal parts to crack |
| Don’t restart the engine too soon | Let the system cool completely first |
Get more safety advice from AAA Roadside Assistance.
Step-by-Step: What You Should Do
Once you’re safely parked and the engine is off:
- Stay in the car if it’s unsafe outside (e.g., heavy traffic or midday heat).
- Call for professional help immediately – use your provider or Recovery Truck Near Me.
- Wait 15–30 minutes before attempting to open the hood.
- Once cool, check coolant reservoir (only if you know how to do so safely).
- Do not restart unless coolant is at proper level and engine has cooled completely.
Emergency Contact Options in Dubai
| Service | Contact Info |
|---|---|
| Recovery Truck Near Me | Website |
| RTA Roadside Assistance | 800-9090 / RTA |
| Dubai Police | 999 |
| Mobile Radiator Service (via YallaFix) | yallafix.com |
| Tyre & Battery Assistance (Pitstop Arabia) | pitstoparabia.com |
Why Overheating Happens So Often in Dubai
- Extreme summer temperatures stress the cooling system.
- Long traffic jams mean less airflow to the radiator.
- Heavy A/C usage while idling causes engine strain.
- Old or low coolant evaporates faster under UAE heat.
- Worn-out belts or radiator leaks often go unnoticed until too late.
For seasonal car care tips, check out Toyota UAE’s service guide.
✅ Prevention Tips
| Prevention Tips | Frequency / Reminder |
|---|---|
| Check coolant levels | Weekly during summer |
| Flush radiator and change coolant | Every 2 years |
| Inspect belts and hoses | Every oil change |
| Replace thermostat or radiator cap if aging | Every 60,000–100,000 km |
BMW offers good maintenance insights for heat protection: BMW ME.
Final Thoughts
An overheating car is one of the most stressful things that can happen especially on Sheikh Zayed Road. The combination of high speed, dense traffic, and harsh sun makes it crucial to respond wisely and act fast.
With proper maintenance and a clear response plan, you can avoid costly repairs and keep yourself and your passengers safe. Save Recovery Truck Near Me to your contacts now, so you’re prepared for anything the UAE roads throw at you.
