Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman have seen a surge in demand for vehicle repairs due to the recent heavy rains. Workshop owners are struggling to keep up with the increased workload, with demand rising by up to 80% compared to normal conditions. The pressure on workshops is immense due to the large number of vehicles needing repairs and the rising costs of spare parts.
Raslan Muhammad Al-Salamat, director of RBM Vehicle Repair Garage, highlighted some common malfunctions seen in vehicles following the floods, including issues with the operating system, computers, engine, and gearbox. Othman Khan, director of Al-Andalus workshop, warned that flooded cars may suffer long-term damage even if repaired initially. He emphasized the need to replace all oils in flooded vehicles to prevent future issues.
Insurance companies are adding to the delays by forcing insured vehicle owners to wait up to two months for repairs in workshops contracted by them. Some vehicle owners are opting to pay for repairs themselves due to the long wait times imposed by insurance companies. The surge in demand for car computer repairs has led to an increase in prices of spare parts as well as challenges for customers getting their vehicles repaired promptly.
An electrical engineer specializing in computerized vehicle repairs explained that water damage can lead to extensive issues with a vehicle’s systems. Customers are frustrated with the lack of cooperation from insurance companies and are facing challenges getting their vehicles repaired promptly. Overall, vehicle repair shops in Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman are facing unprecedented challenges due to the recent floods