Smmer has arrived in the  UAE and a large number of residents will, no doubt, be getting ready to head off for their annual holidays.

Arranging a trip in itself takes time and very few people probably think of their vehicles when they go on leave.

You should, however, take a little time before setting off on your break � there is really nothing worse for a vehicle than a two- or three-month period of inactivity. THE TYRES The tyres of a vehicle lose some tyre pressure over time. Leaving a vehicle stationary for a considerable period can result in damage to the tyres.

Ultimately tyres will deflate to the point where the full weight of the vehicle is resting on a totally deflated tyre. This can damage the sidewalls and internal components of the tyres � which may ultimately result in a blow-out if you simply re-inflate the tyre and start driving on it.

If you are going to park your vehicle for a few weeks, your best bet is to inflate the tyres to a higher pressure than you would for normal driving purposes � five or six kpa.

However, if you are going to leave your car parked for a few months it would be a better idea to try and get your car off the ground.

Two pairs of axle-stands are relatively cheap when compared with the cost of new tyres � and they will ensure that your tyres are undamaged when you return from your holiday.

Remember to make sure that your handbrake is on when jacking the car up to insert the axle stands. FLUIDS You also need to check the levels of all fluids in your car.

If there are signs of a radiator or radiator hose leak, have it fixed before you go on holidays. Given the extreme heat of Dubai, a leaking radiator hose will deteriorate rapidly � especially if your car is to be parked outside.

Temperature differences rapidly accelerate the degradation of rubber. The easiest way to ensure that the cooling system is protected is to check the fluid level. It is also worth checking that there is sufficient antifreeze in the system.

Antifreeze might be a bizarre concept for a country as hot as the UAE � but it is a great corrosion-inhibitor and will therefore protect your cooling system.

The same can be said for engine oil. Make sure that your vehicle is topped up. If you are going to take a few months holiday it may even be an idea to remove the spark plugs and a pour a little engine oil down the spark-plug guides.

This oil will eventually run down through the cars valves and coat the bores of the engine block. This will protect the engine from corrosion.

Also check that your brake fluid and clutch fluid are topped up. If either the brake pedal or clutch pedal is spongy or behaving erratically, have the brake and clutch systems checked.There could be a leak in one of them � which would again mean that the system is at risk to corrosion.

Corrosion can also be a massive problem for the fuel system. Fill your petrol tank just before you park your car � this will ensure that there is as little air as possible in the fuel system. WHERE TO PARK If you have a lockable garage, park your car in it � and leave the widows slightly open. Given Dubai�s humid climate this will make sure that the car does not smell like a refuse tip when you return from your holidays. If you are parking your car outside, or in a shared garage, you obviously cannot leave the windows open.

I would, however, recommend that you buy a windshield shade for the car. Although it is not going to make much difference to the temperature in the car, it will protect the dashboard from direct sunlight. CLEAN UP Also take your car for a wash and polish before you go on leave. A number of experts have suggested that modern car paint does not need polishing, but the fact remains that polish protects a vehicle�s paintwork from the elements.

Two or three months worth of cement dust, sand, dew and heat will take their toll on any vehicle and a tin of polish is a small price to pay for bright paintwork. LAST TIPS If you are taking a holiday of a few months, disconnect the car�s battery. This will help to prevent it from going discharged.

Give your insurance company a call and make sure that your insurance is up to date. And if you can, arrange that a friend check on your car.