emirates7 - Although there is no large-scale flood damage like the historic April 2024 rains, it's enough to leave cars stranded and owners scrambling for repairs
Masood Ali, a resident of Al Nahda in Sharjah, was shocked when he returned to his car after the rain and found that water had risen in the parking area where he had left it overnight.
“When I tried to start the car in the morning, it just wouldn’t start,” he said. “Later, I was told that water may have entered the air filter. I tried once, but then stopped because I didn’t want to make it worse.”
Ali is one among many residents in Sharjah and parts of Dubai who are dealing with minor vehicle issues after the recent rain. Although there is no large-scale flood damage like the historic April 2024 rains, it's enough to leave cars stranded and owners scrambling for repairs.
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Ahmed Najjar, another resident faced a similar issue. “The car started, but it wasn’t running properly,” he said. “I didn’t force it. I thought it’s better to get it checked.” However, getting immediate help has not been easy.
Garages packed, waiting lists growing
Some garages across Sharjah and Dubai said that they are currently fully booked, leaving motorists waiting for days before their cars can be inspected.
“I went to two garages and both told me to come back after a week,” said Najjar. “They said they already had pending work even before the rain.”
Garage owners said the issue isn’t just rain-related repairs. “We already had work lined up,” said Ayyub, a mechanic from Najm Garage in Sharjah. “Then the rain happened, and a few more cars came in. We are managing both.”
Unlike April’s 2024 floods, mechanics said most of the current cases involve minor problems, especially cars that were parked in waterlogged areas or exposed to rain for long hours.
What mechanics are seeing
Mechanics explained that the most common issues after rain include:
Water entering the air filter
Moisture affecting spark plugs
Temporary starting problems
Battery-related issues caused by moisture
“These are not major damages, but starting the car too early can make things worse,” said Shameer Mohammed, a Dubai-based mechanic working in Al Quoz 3.
He advised motorists to wait and let the car dry completely. “If water has entered any part of the engine, give it time,” he said. “Do not force-start the vehicle.”
“Another precaution is to disconnect the battery terminal if the car has been exposed to water. This helps avoid short circuits,” added Shameer.
Patience advised
Garage owners said that many motorists are doing the right thing this time by not rushing repairs or forcing engines to start.
“People have learned from last year,” said Ayyub. “They are more careful now. But yes, garages are busy, and everyone will need to wait their turn.”
Masood Ali, a resident of Al Nahda in Sharjah, was shocked when he returned to his car after the rain and found that water had risen in the parking area where he had left it overnight.
“When I tried to start the car in the morning, it just wouldn’t start,” he said. “Later, I was told that water may have entered the air filter. I tried once, but then stopped because I didn’t want to make it worse.”
Ali is one among many residents in Sharjah and parts of Dubai who are dealing with minor vehicle issues after the recent rain. Although there is no large-scale flood damage like the historic April 2024 rains, it's enough to leave cars stranded and owners scrambling for repairs.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Ahmed Najjar, another resident faced a similar issue. “The car started, but it wasn’t running properly,” he said. “I didn’t force it. I thought it’s better to get it checked.” However, getting immediate help has not been easy.
Garages packed, waiting lists growing
Some garages across Sharjah and Dubai said that they are currently fully booked, leaving motorists waiting for days before their cars can be inspected.
“I went to two garages and both told me to come back after a week,” said Najjar. “They said they already had pending work even before the rain.”
Garage owners said the issue isn’t just rain-related repairs. “We already had work lined up,” said Ayyub, a mechanic from Najm Garage in Sharjah. “Then the rain happened, and a few more cars came in. We are managing both.”
Unlike April’s 2024 floods, mechanics said most of the current cases involve minor problems, especially cars that were parked in waterlogged areas or exposed to rain for long hours.
What mechanics are seeing
Mechanics explained that the most common issues after rain include:
Water entering the air filter
Moisture affecting spark plugs
Temporary starting problems
Battery-related issues caused by moisture
“These are not major damages, but starting the car too early can make things worse,” said Shameer Mohammed, a Dubai-based mechanic working in Al Quoz 3.
He advised motorists to wait and let the car dry completely. “If water has entered any part of the engine, give it time,” he said. “Do not force-start the vehicle.”
“Another precaution is to disconnect the battery terminal if the car has been exposed to water. This helps avoid short circuits,” added Shameer.
Patience advised
Garage owners said that many motorists are doing the right thing this time by not rushing repairs or forcing engines to start.
“People have learned from last year,” said Ayyub. “They are more careful now. But yes, garages are busy, and everyone will need to wait their turn.”