In Dubai, your cooling system works harder than almost any other component. When ambient temperatures hit 50°C and you're stuck in traffic with the AC blasting, your engine is fighting for its life. A failing cooling system doesn't give you much warning before it causes catastrophic damage.
Here are the five warning signs I tell every customer to watch for.
1. Temperature Gauge Climbing Higher Than Normal
Your temperature gauge should sit in the middle, every time. If you notice it creeping higher—especially in traffic or on hot days—something is wrong.
What it could mean:
- Low coolant level (check for leaks)
- Failing water pump
- Thermostat stuck closed
- Blocked radiator
- Failing cooling fans
What to do: If the gauge goes into the red, pull over immediately. Continuing to drive even for a few minutes can cause head gasket failure or warped cylinder heads—repairs that cost AED 10,000-30,000+.
2. Coolant Leaks (The Puddles Under Your Car)
Green, orange, or pink puddles under your car are coolant. Even small leaks become big problems quickly.
Common leak points:
- Radiator (often the plastic end tanks crack)
- Hoses and connections
- Water pump seal
- Expansion tank (especially on BMWs)
- Heater core
What to do: Don't just top up and ignore it. Small leaks become big leaks, usually at the worst possible time. Get it checked.
Engine & Cooling System Services
Protect your engine from Dubai heat with proper cooling system care.
3. Sweet Smell from the Engine Bay or Interior
Coolant has a distinctive sweet smell. If you notice it:
- From engine bay: External leak, could be dripping onto hot components
- From interior vents: Heater core leak—this is urgent
A leaking heater core means coolant is entering your cabin. Besides being uncomfortable, it can fog your windscreen dangerously and the repair requires dashboard removal (AED 2,000-4,000).
4. Fluctuating Temperature Gauge
If your temperature jumps around—normal, then hot, then normal again—you likely have:
- Air in the system: Often after a coolant change or from a small leak
- Failing thermostat: Sticking open and closed intermittently
- Weak water pump: Not circulating coolant consistently
This is actually one of the easier symptoms to diagnose and fix, but don't ignore it.
5. Milky Oil or Coolant
This is the worst-case scenario. If you see:
- Milky residue under the oil cap: Coolant is mixing with oil
- Oil in your coolant reservoir: Same problem, different symptom
This typically indicates a head gasket failure. In Dubai's heat, head gaskets fail more often because of the extreme temperature cycling. Unfortunately, this is not a cheap repair—but catching it early can prevent engine replacement.
What Our Customers Say
Real feedback about their engine service
"Brought my Maserati Quattroporte in for a check engine light. Don't let a warning light ruin your day - Powerworks diagnosed and fixed the issue quickly. Professional service at a fraction of the dealer price."
David K.
Maserati owner"After a nasty engine seizure on my LR4, Glenn and his team came to the rescue after I had initially been told by others to forget about the car or change the engine altogether. Fortunately, I was directed to powerworks, Glenn and the team saved my engine!"
Stephane R
Land Rover owner"If I could give these guys 6 stars, I would. I came to Powerworks after terrible service at other local garages and realised, as many other people say on their reviews, I should have just picked the guys with the best reviews, first. Communication, service, knowledge, personality, everything about the garage and the space is completely on point. Diagnosed and repaired my Range Rover in 3 days, as where other local garages had her for 3 weeks and were nowhere near close to fixing her. From the biggest to the smallest jobs, I get constant updates and videos on the cars progress, I never need to wonder what's going on. They find parts that are either the best they recommend or budget friendly that can help the wallet."
Gus Napper
Range Rover ownerPreventing Cooling System Failures
Here's what I recommend:
- Check coolant level monthly: Takes 30 seconds, could save your engine
- Flush and replace coolant every 3-4 years: Old coolant becomes acidic and corrosive
- Inspect hoses during every service: Look for cracks, bulges, or soft spots
- Test cooling fans: Make sure they come on when the AC is running or engine is hot
- Replace the thermostat proactively: Around 100,000km for most vehicles
What We Check at Powerworks
Our cooling system inspection includes:
- Pressure test for leaks
- Coolant condition and freezing/boiling point test
- Thermostat operation
- Fan operation and relay testing
- Water pump condition (visual and listening for bearing noise)
- Hose and connection inspection
Noticed any of these warning signs? Don't wait until you're stranded on Sheikh Zayed Road in August. Message me and describe what you're seeing—I'll tell you if it's urgent or can wait.