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Going on a Long Drive? Don’t Forget These 3 Car Checks!

  • Apr 19
  • 3 min read

A long drive across the UAE – whether it’s to explore the dunes of Sharjah, the rugged mountains of Ras Al Khaimah, or the stunning beaches of Fujairah – can be the perfect getaway. But before you hit the road, your car needs to be ready for the journey.

At Scrap My Car UAE, we often hear from drivers who pushed their old cars a little too far. So if you’re planning a long drive, here are three essential car checks you shouldn't ignore. Trust us – these few minutes of prep can save you hours of stress on the road.

1. Check Your Engine Oil & Coolant Levels before going on a long drive !

Think of engine oil as your car’s lifeblood. It keeps everything running smoothly and prevents overheating. Likewise, coolant regulates the engine temperature, especially important under the UAE sun.

What to do:

  • Check your oil dipstick. Is the level between the min and max marks? Is the oil clean?

  • Look at your coolant reservoir. Is the fluid level appropriate?

  • If you’re running low or see leaks, top up or visit a mechanic.

🚨Warning Sign: If your car frequently overheats or burns oil, it might be time to rethink that road trip – or even the car itself.

Pro Tip from Scrap My Car UAE: If your engine’s always thirsty, it could be time to sell your old car for cash. We buy cars in any condition – even if they’re overheating messes!


long car trip


2. Inspect Tires – Pressure, Tread & Spare

Your tires are literally where the rubber meets the road. Worn or under-inflated tires are a safety hazard, especially on long journeys at high speeds.

Before you drive:

  • Use a tire pressure gauge to check all four tires (and your spare!).

  • Look for signs of wear, cracks, or bulges.

  • Use the tread test: Insert a dirham into the tread. If the outer edge of the coin is visible, it’s too shallow.

💡 Did you know? Uneven tire wear might signal alignment issues or suspension problems.

🚗 At Scrap My Car UAE, we often see people spend hundreds replacing tires on cars that are barely roadworthy. If your tires are telling you it’s time to stop, maybe your car is too.

3. Battery & Lights – Power Up!

Nothing ruins a road trip faster than a dead battery in the middle of nowhere. A weak battery or faulty lighting system can leave you stranded – or worse, invisible at night.

Checklist:

  • Test your battery. Look for corrosion or signs it’s struggling to start your engine.

  • Check that all headlights, brake lights, and indicators are working.

  • Clean off dust and dirt that can dim your lights.

⚠️ If your car struggles to start, especially in the morning, it might be a sign the battery or alternator is on the way out.

📞 That’s when drivers call Scrap My Car UAE – we make it easy to say goodbye to unreliable vehicles and get cash on the spot!

Bonus Tip: Be Honest With Yourself About Your Car

Sometimes, no amount of checking and fixing will make an old car road trip-worthy. If your car:

  • Overheats regularly,

  • Burns oil or leaks fluids,

  • Has engine knocking sounds,

  • Needs frequent jump starts,

  • Or simply doesn’t feel reliable…

…it might be time to scrap it and upgrade.

At Scrap My Car UAE, we take the stress out of the process:

  • ✅ Fast evaluations

  • ✅ Cash paid instantly

  • ✅ Free car pickup across Dubai and the UAE

  • ✅ No paperwork hassle

Whether your car is just old, accident-damaged, or broken beyond repair, we’ll take it off your hands and leave you with cash for your next ride.

long car trip

Ready to Ditch That Old Car Before Your Next Trip?

📞 Call or WhatsApp us today at 055 745 83 22

📘 Facebook: scrapmycarUAE

Don’t let your car turn your road trip into a rescue mission. If it’s time to say goodbye, let us help you do it the smart way – with Scrap My Car UAE.

 
 
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