As residents in the UAE prepare for their summer vacations, many are not only securing their homes but also ensuring their cars remain clean to avoid fines imposed by authorities.
Instances of fines levied on owners returning to grimy vehicles parked in public lots have prompted proactive measures.
Hadi Amani, a Sharjah resident traveling to Iran for 20 days, has hired a cleaner to maintain his vehicle, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness beyond mere compliance with regulations. Similarly, Dubai resident Abdul Rahman Eltahir plans to leave his car in office parking to avoid a repeat of a previous Dh500 fine incurred due to neglect.
In Abu Dhabi, Mohd AbuSalem has entrusted his brother with weekly car cleaning duties, wary of hefty fines like the Dh3,000 penalty received by a friend last year for a dirty vehicle left unattended during an extended absence.
The crackdown on dirty cars, enforced to maintain city aesthetics and prevent health hazards, has seen municipalities in Abu Dhabi and Dubai rigorously enforcing cleanliness standards since 2019. Dubai Municipality issues Dh500 fines for prolonged unwashed parking, with grace periods given before potential impoundment.
Summer Car Care Tips for Absent Owners
Emirati traffic safety researcher Dr. Mostafa Al Dah emphasized the importance of taking care of your car if you'll be away this summer:
- Give your car key to a friend who can start and run the engine weekly, driving it briefly if possible.
- Park your car in a shaded area or invest in a cover (starting at around Dh150) to protect it from the sun.
- Maintain recommended tire pressures or slightly increase them by 5 to 10 percent to prevent flat tires due to natural air leakage.
- Use sun shades on the car's interior windows if it must be parked in a sun-exposed area, even for part of the day.
News Source: Khaleej Times
