5 Tips on Maintaining Your Car in the Middle East / GCC Region

Sam Freij is the Kingdom Maintenance Director at Alissa Holdings. With over 23 years of automotive experience, he shares his insights on various automotive topics weekly. He looks forward to answering your questions.

Introduction

Dear Readers,

Today, I have the chance to share my passion for motoring with you all. It is my exhilarating endeavor and flow of joy.

My fascination with cars, especially those with high-performance motors and a beast under the hood, has only grown over the years. Throughout my 23 years in the automotive industry, I have experienced and driven a vast variety of makes and models.

5 Essential Steps for Car Maintenance

Here are five simple steps to ensure your car remains in good condition, as it is usually the second highest investment after owning a home:

1. Perform Engine Oil and Filter Changes: Always change the engine oil and filter on time. Additionally, rotate your tires during the same session, following your dealer or manufacturer's guidelines found in your owner's manual.
2. Check Key Components: Step one allows you to also check your brakes, hoses, battery, and fluids in an additional 15 to 30 minutes. Paying attention to these small details ensures that your car stays in good running condition, particularly in the harsh Middle Eastern heat.
3. Inspect Your Tires: Establish a habit of glancing at your tires as you approach your vehicle. Look for any sidewall damage or irregular under-inflation. See images below for examples of sidewall damage and tire under-inflation.
4. Regular Washing and Waxing: Wash your vehicle regularly to protect the paint and apply wax at least twice a year to maintain that nice new car look. Applying a light window tint, especially in sunny hot regions, will protect and preserve your vehicle's interior while keeping it cooler on hot summer days.
5. Maintain Service Records: Always keep a binder or file in your trunk with receipts of all services performed. This serves as proof for warranty repairs and is a great selling tool in the future. Investing in a binder can increase your car's resale value!

Conclusion

I look forward to connecting with all of you in the near future to answer your questions. Please send in your inquiries to [email protected].

Drive Safe,
Sam Freij