Buy a GCC Spec Car in the UAE, Car enthusiast or not, what you drive says something about you. Its colour, size, make and more all reflect your personality. The way you maintain your car also says something about your love for it and your financial choices. It is not just about cleanliness, but also the investment in regular maintenance and car insurance.
If you are looking to buy a car in the UAE – new or used Cars – you will have come across the terms GCC spec car. It’s important to find out more about them, because while most cars in a class may look similar aesthetically, it’s their specifications that make the difference in both the long and short term. Essentially, GCC cars are specifically designed to withstand the extreme weather conditions and rough terrain of the UAE for a longer life. From a maintenance point of view, this brings attractive deals on car insurance in Dubai.
Let’s dive in to understand the specifications of GCC cars in detail and their impact on car insurance in Dubai.
5 Reasons to Buy a GCC Spec Car in the UAE
What is a GCC spec car?
A GCC spec car is a type of car produced specifically for the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region. They focus on going the extra mile to make the body and engine more robust and efficient than a regular car sold elsewhere.
They come in a variety of makes and models, from sports cars to luxury SUVs to hatchbacks.
Now that that sounds promising, let’s see how a GCC-spec car has an advantage over an American or Japanese import in the UAE.
1. Air conditioning
Summers in the UAE can reach an average temperature of 46 degrees Celsius. In such extreme heat, the air conditioning in an imported car from tropical or snowy regions will not be good enough to maintain a comfortable interior temperature for long without overheating. Air conditioning in GCC-spec cars is more advanced, with efficient climate control.
2. Filtration System
Situated in the middle of the Arabian desert, Dubai is a very dusty city all year round. In the summer, a sudden sandstorm adds to the problem. A standard filtration system will fail in these conditions. As a result, GCC-spec cars have modified filtration systems to deal with the challenging pollutants that get into the cabin as well as the mechanical parts of the car.
3. Corrosion Protection
The Arabian Gulf next to the long border of the UAE makes the humidity level in the area significantly high. The salt in the air makes it highly corrosive, making regular car bodies susceptible to rust. A GCC-spec car comes with an extra layer of corrosion protection to withstand this unusual condition for years, whereas a regular imported car would give in within months.
4. Radiators
Cars are fitted with radiators to prevent the engine from overheating, especially on long journeys. The UAE’s hot weather contributes to this engine overheating, which can cause cars to break down in the middle of a journey. To prevent this, the radiators in GCC cars are designed to keep the engine cooler than in a non-Gulf imported car.
5. Servicing
In the UAE, most garages and dealerships have the tools and experience to work on GCC cars. However, finding a service centre that specialises in imported cars can be difficult and costly. So just for regular maintenance or in the event of an unfortunate incident, being in a GCC-spec car can save you a lot of hassle and time.
Now that you understand the various reasons why you should Buy GCC spec cars in the UAE, by extension it can be said that the premium for car insurance in Dubai for these vehicles would naturally be less than the other kind.
If you are about to buy a new GCC spec car, its genuineness would be clear from the salesman and the brand itself. However, if you are looking for a used GCC spec car, it is advisable to beware of scams. You can do this by identifying the visual clues to GCC spec in a car, such as
- Check whether the VIN starts with W or not (if it does, it is GCC spec).
- Look for the GCC Compliance logo or decal on the front and rear of the vehicle.
- Or simply ask the seller to show you the GCC Authorities Certification for the car.
Conclusion
The UAE’s terrain and weather conditions can seem extreme to the uninitiated. With expats making up a large proportion of the UAE’s population, it’s understandable that they would want to buy an American or Japanese car. However, as buying a car also means buying car insurance in Dubai, and not all insurance companies in the UAE offer decent coverage and claims for them, they would not prove economically viable. That’s why it’s advisable to get a GCC-spec car, which will not only keep the passengers safer and more comfortable, but will also keep the maintenance costs low.
To insure your GCC vehicle, contact our team of car insurance experts today!
