Car repair shops in Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman are feeling the pressure to handle the increased demand for repairs following the recent heavy rains in the country. With rates sometimes doubling or even reaching 100%, owners are reporting a surge in demand for repairs, which has resulted in delays and rising spare part prices.
Raslan Muhammad Al-Salamat, director of RBM Vehicle Repair Garage, highlighted that the most common vehicle malfunctions due to the recent floods are related to the operating system and various vehicle computer systems. These malfunctions affect components such as air conditioning, seats, gearbox, and steering wheel, as well as the engine and gearbox.
Othman Khan, director of Al-Andalus workshop, emphasized the importance of replacing all oils in vehicles that were flooded with rainwater to prevent future damage. He also pointed out that insurance companies are not cooperating with vehicle owners, forcing them to wait for extended periods for repairs. As a result, some owners have opted to pay for repairs out of pocket and wait for reimbursement from insurance companies.
An electrical engineer specializing in computerized vehicle repair explained that once water enters a vehicle, significant damage can occur to various components. The demand for car computer repair has increased by 80%, with some parts seeing price increases of up to 40%. He stressed the importance of replacing damaged components such as airbag control devices and floor mats to prevent further malfunctions.
Overall, the vehicle repair industry in Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman is facing significant challenges due to the recent weather conditions and subsequent surge in demand for repairs. Owners are urged to take proactive measures to ensure the long-term functionality of their vehicles while also navigating the difficulties of dealing with insurance companies and rising spare part prices.
