Every car owner is well-versed with the heat of the scorching summer in the UAE. The extreme heat of more than 40°C is expected to take its toll on all things, including your car, which you use every day. However, what happens when you park your car for weeks or even months, particularly on a long trip abroad? Your engine oil is one of the most important components that could be affected by such a long break. Knowing how heat in the UAE affects engine oil, as well as the proper procedure for maintaining your oil before a trip to another country, can save you the extra expense of having to fix your engine on the way back.
How Extreme UAE Heat Affects Your Engine Oil
When you leave your car parked and exposed to the strong heat of the UAE sun, a chain of chemical and physical reactions begins in the engine oil. Engine oil is very important for lubricating engine parts, reducing friction, and preventing overheating. But engine oil degrades when exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods.
Oxidation is one of the most crucial problems. Engine oil is also subjected to prolonged exposure to heat, leading to a reaction with oxygen in the air. This results in the formation of acids, varnishes, and sludge, which may make the oil less effective at lubricating the engine. Engine oil does oxidize in high ambient heat, but the degradation rate is far slower than during driving. Stationary oil at 50–70°C will age, but not enough to form sludge unless the oil was already near the end of its service life.
The oil's viscosity also decreases due to the heat. Viscosity is the thickness of the oil and its capacity to circulate in the engine. When engine oil becomes too thin due to high temperatures, it is unable to adequately protect the engine, and thus there is a risk of engine parts wearing and tearing. Please note, heat alone does not permanently thin oil while the car is parked.
The Difference Between Parking Your Car for 30 Days vs. Several Months
The effect on engine oil may not be as critical when you leave your car parked for a month as you tour a foreign country, but it is worth considering. In most cases, engine oil can last a month without causing significant damage. But when you leave your car for several months, especially in extreme heat, the damage will be much more serious. The longer the oil remains idle at high temperatures, the greater the risk of oxidation and reduced viscosity.
True to say that the engine oil may require replacement altogether after months of exposure to heat, particularly if it started with a very low service limit before parking the car. That is why it is important to consider the age of the oil and the climate conditions before leaving your car.
Should You Change Your Engine Oil Before or After Leaving Your Car Parked?
Among the most frequently asked questions for car owners is whether to replace the engine oil before or after parking the car. Although it might sound like a good idea to change the oil before you drive home, the reality is that it is up to the oil's condition when you park the car.
When your engine oil is approaching its recommended service interval, it is a good idea to change it on the way out. New oil will better resist heat and provide optimal lubrication when your car is not in use. In addition, new oil will help protect the engine components during the first start-up as you resume, since the oil has not had time to form sludge or deposits that are harmful to the engine.
On the other hand, if your engine oil still has some service life left, you can wait until you come back. All you need to do is check the oil level, then start the engine.
Pre-Travel Car Care: How to Protect Your Vehicle During Long-Term Parking
Unless you are changing your oil, it takes more than a few weeks or months to keep your car from overheating when it's parked. These are just some basic maintenance procedures to keep your car in good condition while you are away. The following checklist is a basic one that allows you to prepare your car to be parked for a long period of time:
Check the Fluid Levels
Make sure that the levels of your engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid are all at the appropriate levels. You do not want any fluid losses that could cause damage when your automobile is not in use.
Top off the Gas Tank
Be sure to fill your tank. This will help prevent moisture in the tank and fuel lines, which may cause problems when you come back. Moreover, a full tank reduces the risk of fuel evaporating in extreme heat.
Check your Tires
Use the recommended tire pressure to inflate tires. The heat can cause tire pressure to change, and under-inflated tires can be easily damaged by it.
Park in a Shaded Area
Where feasible, park your car in a shaded area or use a car cover to help limit direct exposure to the sun's harsh rays. This will help prevent excessive heat from reaching the interior and the engine.
Use a Battery Maintainer
If you leave your car for a long period of time, consider a battery maintainer to keep the battery in good condition. This is also necessary, especially in hot climates, where battery life may be affected.
With these easy tips for maintaining your car, you can be sure it will stay in good shape, even when parked in the scorching heat in the UAE. Remember to select the correct engine oil before traveling, and check with Atlantic Oil Store to find the best one for your car.
Choosing the Right Engine Oil for Hot Climates
When selecting engine oil for long-term use in hot climates such as the UAE, it is important to choose one designed to withstand high temperatures. Hot-weather engine oils have added stability and resistance to oxidation, helping protect the engine when you are away. Atlantic Oil Store offers a variety of engine oils suited to the harsh environment in the UAE. Oils designed to operate at high temperatures are available, offering greater protection and better performance.
Before you travel, be sure to visit Atlantic Oil Store and select the best oil for your vehicle’s needs. It will not only help protect your engine but also give you peace of mind that your car will be ready when you come back.
