Vehicle repair shop owners in Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman are feeling the pressure to handle the increased demand for car repairs following the recent heavy rains in the country. Workshop owners are reporting a surge in demand for repairs, with rates reaching up to 80% higher than before the weather conditions.
The increased demand has led to a rise in the prices of some vehicle spare parts, with rates sometimes doubling or even reaching 100%. This surge in demand has also resulted in delays, with some vehicle owners waiting more than 10 days to receive their repaired vehicles. Insurance companies are also causing delays by forcing insured vehicle owners to wait up to two months for repairs in workshops contracted by the insurance companies.
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.