Imagine traveling along a long stretch of road in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the wind in your hair, when your automobile abruptly comes to a standstill. Car breakdowns can be annoying, frustrating, and even dangerous, especially in the middle of nowhere. Preparing for probable car faults is critical to avoid becoming a “buzzard buffet” and to ensure a safe and stress-free ride.
This post will look at typical automobile failures in KSA, prevention advice, necessary tools and materials, and how to deal with car failures on the road.
Table of Contents
Importance of Being Prepared for Car Failures
Work, family activities, and the dozens of other obligations that people have can cause basic car maintenance to fall by the wayside. However, regular automobile maintenance is more important than you may believe. Keeping your car on the road may be easier if you follow simple maintenance guidelines.
- Keep Car Maintenance Services
- Read Owner’s Manual
- Regular Oil Changes
- Use Proper Octane
- Check Tyre Pressure
- Rotate Your Tyres
- Check Your Car
- Learn Your Vehicle’s Warning Lights
- Check Car Fluids
- Serpentine and Timing Belts
- Check Car Battery
- Replace Wipers ASAP
- Replace Engine Air Filter
- Check Brakes and Spark Plugs
- Carry Automotive Tools
Common Car Failures in KSA
Flat Tires:
KSA drivers frequently experience flat tyres. Tyre punctures can result from rough roads, severe temperatures, and sharp objects. Changing a flat tyre and having the right tools may get you back on the road fast and safely.
Overheating:
During driving in summer in KSA, your engine may overheat as the temperature rises and becomes hotter. The main reason is that the coolant system must work significantly harder to keep the engine cool.
Monitor the engine temperature symbol while driving in hot conditions, and be attentive if the indicator illuminates.
Irregular Tyre Pressure:
As the temperature rises, your tyre pressure may exceed the manufacturer’s recommended pressure levels, resulting in a tyre failure. Moreover, overinflated tyres are more susceptible to early deterioration, leading to vehicle handling issues.
On the other hand, underinflated tyres can also cause blowouts. Due to the high friction between these tires and the heated asphalt, they will generate heat significantly faster.
Battery Issue:
Most automobile proprietors may believe that battery-related problems only occur during the cold winter months. However, like the cooling system, prolonged heat exposure may cause the battery fluids to dry out more rapidly, putting stress on the battery.
Low Oil Pressure:
As temperatures rise, oil viscosity becomes thinner and runnier, making it more difficult for components to adhere and lubricate the engine’s moving parts. When this occurs, the engine is at risk of deterioration, which can result in a costly failure and replacement.
Car Failure Prevention Tips in KSA
Driving in Saudi Arabia is strange, hectic, and fun. Our Saudi Arabia driving recommendations will maximize your experience safely:
- Grow back-of-the-head eyes! If not, watch your rear-view mirrors for tailgaters/undertakers;
- Avoid lighted highways at night. Even on main routes, hitting a camel is possible;
- Don’t road rage. It’ll fail. Literally;
- Even at green lights, slow down at busy junctions. Red lights jump;
- Take particular care around roadworks at night. They’re sometimes dark.
- Charge your phone for emergencies;
- Always have water in the car;
- Stay on the tarmac unless you have desert driving experience. Sand can get you lost.
- Even if others speed, obey speed restrictions. Cameras are everywhere;
- Avoid sunset during Ramadan. Tired and hungry, drivers may be rushing home to break the fast. Fortunately, the roads are nearly empty now.
- Petrol stations fill cars for you. If you have an accident, call the police first, then your sponsor.
- Avoid bribing the police. Show your driving license and iqama politely.
- Wear a seatbelt; don’t underestimate distances.
Essential Tools and Supplies for Car Failures
To be ready in case your car breaks down, you must have the right tools and supplies. Here are some things you should always have in your car:
Multi-Head Screwdriver/Wrench
Your car repair kit should include a multi-tip screwdriver or wrenches.
Work Gloves
Many gas pumpers wear one glove to avoid the stench. Add its partner to work on your car.
Pliers and Wire Cutters
You probably already have pliers at home, but it’s good to have a full set. When working on a car, pliers are one tool that we use quite often.
Flashlight
Sunny, dry, warm days rarely result in flat tires. Grab a super-portable LED flashlight with good batteries for the nighttime.
Tire Pressure Gauge
Properly inflated tires have improved gas mileage, traction, and puncture resistance. Get tire pressure safety caps that change color when tires are low. This is a very important Tire Safety and Maintenance tip.
Snow Brush/Ice Scraper
If you don’t only clean a hole in the windshield to see what’s ahead, a decent snow brush can be your greatest friend.
Floor Jacks and Car Ramps
Ramps are a must. If you want to change the oil, steps make the job easier and safer. We suggest ramps because they are safer to use than a floor jack, especially when you are fixing your car. Even if you are using ramps, you should still secure the car with jack stands and use wheel chocks to stop the car from rolling back.
Dealing with Car Failures on the Road
Despite your best efforts, car breakdowns can still occur. In this kind of situation, it’s important to stay cool and do these things:
- Stay Calm and Find a Safe Spot
- Assess the Situation
- Call for Assistance
- Use Safety Measures
- Follow Proper Car Repair Procedures
Conclusion
Car problems can happen immediately, making it hard to get where you need to go. By being ready, taking precautions, and ensuring you have the right tools and information, you can reduce the effects of car problems and stay safe on the road. PitStopArabia professionals’ guide covers all the possible aspects of car failures and their solutions. Read them all, and be safe!
