Car repair shops in Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman are struggling to cope with the increased demand for repairs following the recent heavy rains. With rates reaching up to 80% higher than before the weather conditions, workshop owners are feeling the pressure to handle a surge in demand for repairs.
The rise in demand has caused a spike in prices of vehicle spare parts, with some parts 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.
According to Raslan Muhammad Al-Salamat, director of RBM Vehicle Repair Garage, 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 that replacing all oils in vehicles that were flooded with rainwater is essential for preventing future damage. He also pointed out that insurance companies are not cooperating with vehicle owners and causing significant delays 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
