Driving a Rental Car in Summer Heat and Sandstorms: Safety Guide

From May to September, temperatures in Riyadh, Al-Ahsa and Dawadmi regularly pass 45°C, and dust storms can turn a clear afternoon into near-zero visibility within minutes. A little preparation keeps every trip safe.

Before you drive in the heat

• Check the tyres: heat raises tyre pressure and weakens worn tyres. Look at them at pickup and before every long trip.
• Cool the cabin first: open the doors for a minute, start the air conditioning, then drive.
• Carry water for everyone in the car, even on short trips.
• Use a sunshade whenever you park, and never leave sunglasses, lighters, power banks or aerosol cans on the dashboard.

Never leave anyone in a parked car

The temperature inside a closed car in the sun rises to dangerous levels within minutes. Never leave children, elderly passengers or pets in the car, not even "for a moment".

Long trips in summer

• Travel early in the morning or in the evening on long desert roads.
• Fill up at every chance on empty stretches, and do not let the tank fall below a quarter.
• Watch the temperature gauge. If it climbs towards hot, pull over safely, switch off the air conditioning and call the branch. Do not open the radiator cap when the engine is hot.

When a sandstorm hits

1. Slow down gradually and switch on your low-beam headlights so others can see you.
2. Keep a long distance from the car in front.
3. If you cannot see the road, move as far off the road as you safely can, stop, and keep your seatbelt on.
4. Do not stop in a traffic lane or on the hard shoulder close to moving cars.
5. Close the windows and set the air conditioning to recirculate to keep dust out of the cabin.

Follow the weather alerts from the National Center for Meteorology before travelling, especially on the roads between Riyadh, Al-Ahsa and Qassim.

After the storm

Dust on the windscreen scratches the glass if you wipe it dry. Use the washer fluid first. If the car is covered in dust, a quick wash makes driving safer.

Which car for summer road trips?

A car with strong air conditioning and space for water and luggage: the Hyundai Elantra for couples, the Kia Carnival for families, or the Toyota Land Cruiser for desert routes. Read also driving in Saudi Arabia: tips for car renters.

Frequently asked questions

What do I do if the car overheats?

Stop in a safe place, switch off the engine and call the branch. Do not open the radiator cap while the engine is hot.

Can I use hazard lights while driving in dust?

Use your low-beam headlights while moving. Hazard lights are for when you have stopped off the road.

Is it safe to drive at midday in summer?

It is safe with a well-maintained car, water and a charged phone, but long trips are more comfortable early in the day.