When it comes to car maintenance in the UAE, it's better to be safe than sorry — especially in an environment where you have high temperatures and the long distances of UAE cities and congested roads putting more stress on your additional stress your vehicle. Lots of drivers wait until small problems become serious car mechanical issues.
However, if you can pick up the early signs that your vehicle may break down, you will save time, effort, money, and stress later. At FixAnyCar.ae, we know your vehicle is critical to your everyday life. Whether you are moving around the streets of Dubai, travelling to Sharjah, or heading on weekend trips across the Emirates, you need a dependable vehicle.
For this reason, we have created this guide to recognize some of the top warning signs a vehicle may break down soon, which enables you to take action before it is too late.
Your Vehicle is Talking to You - You Just Have to Pay Attention
Your car has its own set of signals indicating that something may be wrong. Whether it’s a peculiar noise, an unusual odor, or a performance issue, it's important to remember that your vehicle is always communicating with you. The trick is knowing what to look out for and when to bring it in for the professionals to inspect or repair.
Ignoring these alerts puts not only you in danger, but may also lead to costly breakdowns or irreversible failure of the engine. So, if you have been googling, "what is the sign my car is going to break down," stop looking - you're in the right spot.
The Check Engine Light: A Quiet Alarm That You Should Not Ignore
While the check engine light is, perhaps, one of the most poorly understood yet important lights on your dash, it really is a warning sign you should not ignore if it comes on and stays, or blinks, or comes on from time to time. It could simply be a loose gas cap, but it could also mean you have serious problems like a failing catalytic converter, a major engine misfire, etc.
Today’s cars come with onboard diagnostic systems that monitor all the essential systems in real time. A check engine light that is lit usually indicates that your car has detected a malfunction, and ignoring it could cost you far more in repairs than it takes to address it now.
At FixAnyCar.ae, we have advanced diagnostic equipment so we can read your engine codes and determine what is causing the light before it becomes a more serious problem.
Unusual Noises – Grinding, Knocking, or Squealing
Noises are usually your first notification that there is something wrong. A squealing noise when you brake can be an indication of worn or low brake pads. A knocking noise under the hood could indicate an issue with the engine. Grinding noises are a warning that there is a possibility of transmission failure or worn wheel bearings.
Any unusual or new sound is concerning. Do not wait until something starts to make longer or more frequent noises; get it inspected while it is still minor. Vehicle inspections can minimize the probability of breakdowns and expensive repairs.
Bad Engine Performance or Trouble Starting
If your vehicle is slow to start, takes a few attempts to start up, or you experience a reduction in acceleration, your engine may be suffering from issues. There are many possible answers for this to happen, such as a bad battery, a faulty fuel pump, or spark plug issues.
As an engine gets older, its internal components wear down. If you feel that your vehicle has lost power, or it occasionally feels erratic (such as RPM surges), the likelihood is that something is occurring underneath the hood.
FixAnyCar.ae can perform an engine diagnostic and/or tune-up so you can get back on the road with your complete performance and know that everything is right.
Engine Overheating – Especially in the Heat of the UAE
Driving in Dubai or Abu Dhabi's very hot weather takes its toll on your engine and cooling system. If you see the temperature gauge rising, steam coming from the hood, or coolant leaking, you could be in trouble, and your engine could be overheating.
If you allow a system to overheat, it can cause all sorts of engine damage, from blown head gaskets and cracked cylinders to full engine seizure. That's why it's so important to monitor your coolant levels and be on the lookout for leaks, and have your cooling system (radiator, water pump, thermostat, etc.) checked regularly.
Don't risk breakdown roadside breakdown — FixAnyCar can carry out a cooling system inspection and quick repairs to eliminate any risk of engine overheating in the UAE.
Fluid Leaks Under Your Vehicle
Very simply, you should never ignore any kind of fluid leak under your vehicle, irrespective of its type (oil, coolant, brake fluid, or transmission fluid). Leaks will typically result from worn-out seals or gaskets or a loose hose.
Here are some common fluid colors:
- Red or pink: transmission fluid;
- Green or orange: coolant;
- Brown or black: engine oil;
- Clear to light yellow: brake fluid.
At FixAnyCar, we also provide leak detection and fluid system repairs. We work on all makes and models. Once again, by stopping a small leak today, it can help prevent a full system failure tomorrow.
Bizarre Smells Inside or Outside the Vehicle
Depending on the odor, it can also be a sign of danger:
- Burning rubber → worn belts or hoses
- Sweet syrup smell → coolant leak
- Rotten eggs → catalytic converter problems
- Burnt oil → oil leaking onto engine.
Never ignore strange smells coming from your car, because there is usually a reason for it, and there is usually a reason to remediate it quickly.
Shaking, Vibrating, or Pulling When Driving
If you have a shaking steering wheel at speed, or if your car pulls to one side, you are probably experiencing:
- Misalignment
- Worn suspension
- Unbalanced tires
- Brake rotor issues
These issues can lead to breakdowns, but they can also compromise your safety. Our suspension and alignment specialists at FixAnyCar can take a look and quickly resolve these issues.
Battery Issues and Electrical Failures
A dying battery is one of the most common reasons cars fail to start. In the UAE, battery life can be greatly shortened due to temperature extremes. Signs of a failing battery include:
- Dim headlights
- Clicking sound when turning the key
- Failure of electrical accessories (radio, air conditioning, windows)
FixAnyCar provides battery testing and battery replacement services throughout the UAE, so you are never left with a dead battery.
Brake Warning Signs
Your brakes are the most crucial safety system in your vehicle. Warning signs of brake system problems include:
- Soft or spongy brake pedal
- Dash brake warning light illuminated
- Grinding or squeaking when braking
- A longer distance is required to stop
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact FixAnyCar.ae for a brake system inspection right away. If left unattended, the results can be devastating due to the risk of substantial injury and the dangerous consequences of complete brake failure.
Conclusion
Nobody wants to deal with their car breaking down, especially on a busy highway in Dubai or in the intense heat of Sharjah. Knowing the early warning signs of a car mechanical failure can help you avoid dangerous situations and large repair bills.
At FixAnyCar.ae, we work with all drivers in the UAE to keep their vehicles running efficiently. Our trained automotive technicians will complete full vehicle diagnostics, car repairs, and maintenance checks of your car to catch the small problems before they become big problems.
If you are seeing any of the indications above, do not wait. Visit your nearest FixAnyCar centre or call and book an appointment online today. A short check-up today can result in a full breakdown later.
FAQs
What are the most common signs that your car may break down?
The major signs that your car may break down are engine warning lights, fluid leaks, odd noises, and overheating.
How do I stop my car from breaking down when it's very hot outside in the UAE?
Regular maintenance, checking coolant levels, oil changes, and checking batteries all play an important role in extreme heat.
Can FixAnyCar check my car even though nothing looks wrong?
Yes! Preventative maintenance is one of our services - we help identify an issue early before it becomes a major problem.
Do you do emergency repairs?
Yes, we provide in-depth diagnostics and quick repairs for urgent issues. Just call your closest location or book online at FixAnyCar.ae.