Summer is officially here in the UAE, and while many of us look forward to road trips, beach days, and desert adventures, it’s also the season when the country’s roads become their most unforgiving. Temperatures soar, the asphalt heats up, and vehicles endure intense stress under the Middle Eastern sun. Recognising the potential hazards, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has issued an important reminder for all drivers: tyres older than five years are now strictly prohibited on UAE roads.
This isn’t just a routine regulation — it’s a life-saving move that could protect countless drivers and passengers from serious accidents. If you’ve been putting off that tyre check or ignoring the fine print on your vehicle inspection report, now’s the time to act. Here’s everything you need to know about the RTA’s latest advisory, why it matters, and how you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe during the summer season.
Why Tyres Over 5 Years Are a Serious Risk
You might not give them much thought on a daily basis, but tyres are one of the most vital safety features of any vehicle. They’re the only part of your car that actually makes contact with the road, and their condition can mean the difference between a safe journey and a potentially disastrous accident.
Over time, tyre rubber deteriorates — even if they appear to have plenty of tread left. The extreme heat in the UAE accelerates this ageing process, causing the material to become brittle, crack, and lose its elasticity. Tyres older than five years are significantly more prone to blowouts, particularly during the blistering summer months when road surface temperatures can reach over 70°C.
A sudden tyre burst at highway speeds can lead to catastrophic accidents, endangering not just the driver but also other road users. The RTA’s firm stance on this issue underscores just how crucial it is for every driver to stay vigilant about their vehicle’s health, starting with their tyres.
How to Check the Age of Your Tyres
If you’ve never checked your tyre’s manufacturing date before, don’t worry — it’s easier than you might think. Every tyre comes with a manufacturing date stamp, usually located on the sidewall of the tyre. It’s a four-digit number indicating the week and year of production. For example, if your tyre reads ‘2319,’ it was manufactured in the 23rd week of 2019.
The RTA mandates that tyres exceeding five years from this production date must be replaced, regardless of their tread depth or visible condition. And if you’re planning to drive long distances this summer, it’s even more important to check all four tyres — plus your spare.
Other Crucial Summer Driving Tips You Shouldn’t Ignore
While tyre age is grabbing headlines, it’s just one part of responsible vehicle maintenance. The UAE’s extreme heat affects every component of your car, from the battery to the brakes. Here are some essential summer driving tips to help you avoid breakdowns, fines, and accidents.
1. Monitor Your Tyre Pressure Regularly
Heat causes air to expand, which can lead to over-inflated tyres. This increases the risk of a blowout, especially when combined with worn or ageing rubber. Check your tyre pressure at least once a week during summer, and always before long drives. Most petrol stations across the UAE offer free tyre pressure checks.
2. Top Up and Monitor Engine Coolant
Your car’s cooling system works overtime in the heat. Low coolant levels or degraded fluid can quickly lead to overheating, which can cause severe engine damage. Make it a habit to check your coolant reservoir frequently, and keep an eye on your dashboard temperature gauge.
3. Test Your Battery Health
Car batteries have a harder time surviving extreme temperatures. Heat accelerates fluid evaporation inside the battery, shortening its lifespan. If your battery is over two years old, have it professionally tested to avoid being stranded under the sun.
4. Maintain Air Conditioning Systems
A faulty AC is more than just uncomfortable — it can be dangerous in the UAE’s summer. Check your vehicle’s AC performance and refrigerant levels. If it’s not cooling as it should, get it serviced before temperatures peak.
5. Keep an Emergency Kit Handy
In case of a breakdown, having an emergency kit can be a lifesaver. Essentials include a spare tyre (under five years old!), jack, flashlight, water bottles, reflective warning triangles, a first-aid kit, and a fully charged power bank.
The RTA’s Summer Campaign: Safety First
Every year, the RTA intensifies its awareness campaigns during the summer months, highlighting critical safety checks that motorists often overlook. This year’s campaign prominently features tyre safety, but it also covers a range of other vehicle maintenance issues that become especially urgent during the hot season.
Digital road signs, radio announcements, and social media posts are spreading the word, reminding residents and visitors alike to prioritise vehicle checks before heading out. It’s part of a broader initiative to reduce traffic accidents, which tend to spike during the summer due to heat-related mechanical failures and driver fatigue.
What Happens If You’re Caught With Expired Tyres?
Driving with tyres older than five years is now a traffic violation in the UAE. If caught, motorists can face hefty fines, black points on their licence, and even vehicle impoundment in severe cases. More importantly, it puts you and others at risk.
Police patrols and vehicle inspection points have been instructed to enforce this regulation strictly, especially on highways and long-distance routes popular with weekend travellers. Many tyre shops and service centres are offering free age checks and discounts on new tyres as part of the summer safety campaign.
Road Trips and Long Drives: Stay Smart, Stay Safe
Summer is one of the most popular seasons for road trips in the UAE, with residents flocking to Fujairah’s beaches, Ras Al Khaimah’s mountain resorts, and Liwa’s stunning desert landscapes. But these long drives increase wear and tear on your vehicle, making safety checks even more important.
Before setting out on any road trip:
- Check all fluid levels (engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, windshield washer).
- Test headlights, brake lights, and indicators.
- Clean your windscreen inside and out for maximum visibility.
- Carry extra drinking water, especially if travelling through remote areas.
- Share your travel plans with a friend or family member.
Heat Strokes and Fatigue: Don’t Ignore the Human Factor
Vehicle safety is critical, but so is your own physical well-being behind the wheel. Driving for long hours in intense heat can lead to dehydration, heat stroke, and dangerous fatigue. Even with air conditioning, it’s essential to take regular breaks, stay hydrated, and avoid driving during the hottest parts of the day when possible.
Listen to your body. If you start feeling drowsy or dizzy, pull over at a petrol station or shaded rest stop. No destination is worth compromising your safety for.
How Residents Are Reacting to the RTA’s Warning
The RTA’s firm stance on tyre safety has sparked widespread conversations among UAE motorists. Many drivers have welcomed the move, recognising its importance in a country where road safety remains a top priority.
Social media has seen a surge of posts from residents sharing their own tyre-check experiences, some shocked to discover their supposedly ‘fine’ tyres were well over the five-year limit. Others have posted photos of free tyre check stations and discounted replacement offers, urging fellow drivers to act fast.
In a community where the well-being of all road users is a shared responsibility, it’s heartening to see the positive response to the campaign.
A Small Step That Could Save Lives
Sometimes, the simplest precautions make the biggest difference. Replacing an old tyre, topping up your coolant, or resting for a few extra minutes during a road trip might seem like minor inconveniences — but they could be the very actions that prevent a serious accident.
The UAE’s roads are among the best maintained and safest in the region, but they demand respect from every driver, especially during the punishing summer months. By following the RTA’s guidelines and prioritising regular vehicle checks, motorists can do their part to keep the country’s roads safe for everyone.
Final Thoughts
As the mercury rises, so do the risks of driving in the UAE’s intense summer climate. The RTA’s latest warning about tyre age is not just another rule to remember — it’s a crucial safety reminder that could save lives. Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or planning a weekend escape, make vehicle safety checks part of your routine.
Don’t wait for a breakdown or, worse, an accident to realise the importance of tyre health and summer car care. A quick inspection, a timely tyre replacement, and mindful driving habits can go a long way in ensuring you and your loved ones enjoy a safe, incident-free season on the roads.
Drive safe, stay cool, and let this be your summer of smart choices.
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