Whether you're heading to Oman for a long weekend, driving to Abu Dhabi regularly or taking the family to Al Ain, UAE highway driving at 120–140 km/h in summer heat is a completely different stress on your car than city commuting. A breakdown on the E11 or E66 in 45°C summer heat is a serious and potentially dangerous situation. Here's what to check before you go.
Why Highway Driving in UAE Summer Is Particularly Demanding
At 120–140 km/h, your engine is working continuously with no coast periods, the tyres are under sustained heat load, and the cooling system is managing both engine heat and cabin AC load in 45°C+ ambient temperature. The tyre pressure increases significantly as the rubber heats up. A marginal tyre, a slightly low coolant level or a battery at 60% health that starts fine in city driving can all become a problem on a long highway run.
The Pre-Road Trip Inspection Checklist
✅ 10-Point Road Trip Check — Do Before Every Long Drive
- Tyres: Check tread depth (minimum 3mm for UAE highway), tyre age (replace if over 5 years regardless of tread), and cold inflation pressure — inflate to the upper end of the manufacturer's range for highway load
- Spare tyre: Check it exists, is properly inflated and the wheel brace/jack are in the car. Many Dubai drivers have never checked their spare.
- Coolant level: Cold engine — expansion tank between MIN and MAX marks. Check colour — should be clear pink or blue, not rusty or brown
- Engine oil: Dipstick between MIN and MAX. On a long highway run the engine consumes slightly more oil than city driving
- Battery: If over 3 years old, have it load-tested before a long trip. A battery that starts fine in the morning city run may not recover from extended highway driving where the alternator is also charging hard
- AC performance: Should reach cold within 3 minutes from a hot car. On a long trip to Oman with family, AC failure is not just uncomfortable — it's dangerous in summer
- Brakes: Listen for any squeal or grinding, check that the car stops straight under firm braking
- Lights: All lights working — headlights, indicators, brake lights. UAE police check these at border crossings
- Windscreen washer fluid: Full. At highway speed, windscreen can accumulate insect debris and dust rapidly
- Documents: Vehicle registration (Mulkiya), insurance valid for your destination (Oman requires separate cover), Emirates ID, driving licence
Dubai to Oman: Extra Considerations
The Hatta and Muscat routes pass through mountain sections with sustained gradient descents — this is harder on brakes than flat UAE motorways. If your brakes have any squeal or sponginess, address them before mountain driving. Also confirm your insurance covers Oman — standard UAE comprehensive policies vary on Oman coverage.
What to Carry
- Jump starter pack (compact lithium units are small and effective)
- Reflective triangle or road flares (legally required in UAE)
- Water — for you and for the radiator if needed
- Tyre inflator (electric, 12V) — useful for pressure adjustments on the road
- Phone charger with in-car socket