In the aftermath of the recent heavy rains in Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman, there has been a surge in demand for vehicle repairs. This sudden increase in workload has put significant pressure on workshop owners who are struggling to keep up with the rising demand. According to reports, demand for vehicle repairs has increased by up to 80% compared to normal conditions.
The high demand for repairs has led to an increase in prices for vehicle spare parts, sometimes doubling their original cost due to the high demand. Workshop owners are reporting delays of over 10 days for customers to receive their repaired vehicles as they are flooded with damaged cars needing repairs. Insurance companies have also added to the delays by forcing insured vehicle owners to wait up to two months for repairs in workshops contracted by the insurers.
The director of RBM Vehicle Repair Garage, Raslan Muhammad Al-Salamat, stressed that the pressure on workshops is immense due to the large number of vehicles needing repairs and the rising costs of spare parts. He also highlighted some common malfunctions seen in vehicles following floods such as issues with the operating system, computers, engine and gearbox.
Othman Khan, director of Al-Andalus workshop warned that vehicles flooded with rainwater may suffer long-term damage even if repaired initially. He emphasized that replacing all oils in flooded vehicles is crucial prevent future issues from arising. Some vehicle owners are opting to pay for repairs themselves due to insurance companies’ long wait times imposed on them.
An electrical engineer specializing in computerized vehicle repairs explained that water damage can lead to extensive issues with a vehicle’s systems leading to a surge in demand for car computer repairs and an increase in prices of spare parts. Customers are facing challenges getting their vehicles repaired promptly and are frustrated with insurance companies’ lack of cooperation with repair workshops.
In conclusion, vehicle repair shops in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman are facing unprecedented challenges due