1 in 4 second-hand car owners in the UAE have experienced a tire bursting while driving

Dubai – dubizzle, the UAE’s largest and most trusted online used car marketplace has shared insight into precautionary measures second-hand car owners take during the summer. The findings have revealed that almost a quarter (24%) of respondents have experienced a tire bursting on UAE roads.

Earlier this summer, the RTA revealed that accidents caused by tire bursts claimed the lives of 110 people in the UAE and injured 1,133 injured in 2018. Matthew Davidson, Head of dubizzle motors services at dubizzle commented, “We’re in the hottest period of the year, and tires are the most vulnerable part of our cars. With temperatures reaching 48 degrees Celsius, its vital to ensure that your car is prepared for the summer. Getting your car serviced twice a year and checking the tires regularly can avoid accidents while driving.”

dubizzle ran a poll on the platform in mid-July, exploring the precautionary measures that second-hand car owners take to prepare for the summer and for the maintenance of their vehicle. The poll revealed that over the last 12 months, almost a third (31%) of second-hand car owners have not had their car professionally inspected, 28% of the respondents had their car inspected once, 20% twice, and 21% more than twice.

When polled on the triggers for having their car professionally inspected most recently, 22% of respondents claimed it was because the car was due for a service, 19% for the annual registration renewal, 10% needed some repair work done, 9% used it to decide whether they should buy a car or not, and only 8% did so in preparation of the harsh summer conditions.

Despite the majority not proactively getting a professional car inspection, 77% have had the condition of their tires professionally checked in the past 12 months, with 71% claiming to regularly check tire conditions themselves.

“It is promising to see that tire condition is considered a priority for road users. Getting a quick, professional car health check doesn’t have to be a hassle - most gas stations around the city have service centers where drivers can drop by for a few minutes, while a mechanic will ensure the roadworthiness of the vehicle,” added Davidson.

Extreme temperatures can have adverse effects on your vehicle, which may lead to road accidents. In case of accidents, the Road Transport Authority (RTA) has outlined a protocol, which includes putting your hazard lights on, getting your vehicle off the road, if possible, and putting a reflective triangle on the road at least 45 meters behind the broken-down vehicle. The red triangle can help prevent fatalities on the road and is a requirement to pass the annual car registration test.

While the majority (72%) of second-hand car owners polled had a red triangle in the car in case of emergencies, almost a third (28%) did not have or did not know if they have one in the car.

“We encourage all motorists to conduct regular, physical checks on their cars, particularly during the summer months, and ensure that they are aware of what to do in case of an emergency. This will reduce the chance of any unnecessary breakdowns and prevent easily avoidable accidents due to poor car or tire conditions,” concluded Davidson. 

With more than five million visitors per month, dubizzle Motors is the most convenient online used car marketplace in the UAE, providing users with the widest selection to choose from and greatest market transparency. In 2018, more than 200,000 used cars were sold on the platform, and in recent years, dubizzle has expanded its extended used car services to include a 240-point inspection.

© Press Release 2019