Transport has an important role to play in an emergency during sunny day.  Make sure you know how to get the best use out of your vehicle in any situation.

On occasions, when my wife and I travel by car from Alkhobar to Riyadh and vice versa, or from Alkhobar to Bahrain and vice versa we keep in mind the following tips that were passed to us by professional & experienced drivers in the Middle East.

For long distance travel, fit long-range fuel tanks and make provision for storing drinking water.  Carry further supplies of both in jerry cans.  A jack is no use in soft sand; an air bag should be carried which can be inflated by the exhaust.  Extra filters will be needed in the fuel line and air intake.  A good tool kit and a spare wheel will be an advantage.

Stop and allow the engine to cool when the car overheats.  If you are driving in a tricky road and stopping is out of the question, switch on the heater.  This will give greater volume to the cooling water for the engine to cool; although the inside of the car will get even hotter.  When convenient stop and open up the bonnet.  Wait until the temperature drops before opening the radiator cap.  Finally, check the radiator and all hoses for leaks.

If the radiator is leaking, adding the white of an egg will seal small holes.  If there is a large hole, squeeze the section of the copper piping flat to seal it off.  It will reduce the size of the cooling area, but if you drive very steadily, you will be able to keep going.

Honestly, we haven’t tried the last tip about radiator leaks because there were none in the vehicles we used for long distance travels.  And in my opinion, Toyota Land Cruisers are the best when it comes to all climate long distance trips.

To my colleagues still in the Middle East, enjoy time leisurely and keep safe.  Cheers.