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SIP PlansAmerican Specs Vs GCC Specs Cars: A Difference You Want to Know
When buying a car in the UAE, you need to understand the difference between GCC specs and American specs vehicles. GCC specs are crafted to ...read more
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What are GCC Specs Cars?
GCC specs cars are vehicles manufactured to meet the climatic conditions of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. These cars’ parts are designed to withstand extreme environmental conditions, such as frequent sandstorms, high temperatures, and high humidity in coastal areas.
Key Features and Benefits of GCC Specs in the UAE
- Built for high heat and sandstorms
- Designed to withstand the region’s environmental challenges
- These cars come with local dealer warranties, ensuring peace of mind
- The vehicles have a higher resale value
Best Car Insurance in UAE
Some of the best and the cheapest car insurance quotes in Dubai are:
What are American Spec Cars in UAE?
The American spec cars are built especially for the U.S. automotive market. These vehicles conform to the U.S. Department of Transportation and Environmental Protection Agency regulations. However, these vehicles are not tailored to ensure GCC’s extreme climatic conditions.
Difference between GCC Spec and American Specs Car
Before buying a car in the UAE, it is important to understand the difference between GCC spec and American specs car. Knowing the differences will help you determine your car’s performance, durability, and adaptability to the region. Here are the key differences between the GCC spec and American specs cars.
| Basis of Differences | GCC Specs Cars | American Specs Cars |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling System | Improved with advanced rust protection due to high humidity | Standard rust protection, not sufficient for the Gulf region’s weather conditions |
| Air Filters | Enhanced air filtration systems to protect the engine against dust and sand | Standard air filters don’t provide the same degree of protection against sandstorms and dust |
| Radiator Capacity | Have larger radiators to manage extreme heat and prevent overheating | The radiator capacity varies and is usually not robust for extreme heat management |
| Safety Compliance | Conforms to GCC’s regional safety regulations | Meets U.S. safety standards that differ from GCC standards |
| Resale Value | Higher resale value because of suitability in the local environment | Have lower resale value because of potential maintenance issues |
| Availability | Easily available within GCC countries (like the UAE) — tailored for these markets | Easily available in the American market and can be imported — but the models are generally not suitable for the GCC climate |
| Insurance Cost | Lower insurance costs as their spare parts are easily available in case of repairs | Since it is difficult to repair these cars, they have a higher insurance cost |
What are the Problems with American Spec Cars in UAE?
American spec cars in UAE come with their own set of challenges, including -
- Overheating Risk - The standard cooling system in U.S. cars cannot handle GCC summers efficiently
- Lower Resale Value - People in the UAE generally prefer GCC-spec vehicles for their availability and climate adaptability, making American-spec cars harder to sell
- Difficulty in Finding the Spare Parts - Even though some parts are interchangeable, some unique components can only be imported, leading to delays and additional costs
How to Check If Your Car is GCC Specs?
If you are confused whether your car is GCC specs or American spec, here are some quick hacks to verify —
- Check the VIN. It is a unique number that provides information about the car’s origin. A GCC spec often has a ‘W’ prefix and code in Arabic.
- Inspect the radiator. Usually, larger radiators imply a GCC-spec car.
- Evaluate the cooling system. If you are ready to dive deeper, check your car’s air conditioning efficiency. If it is strong, then it’s surely a GCC spec.
- Get all the documentation from the dealer or the car seller. The invoices and manuals also mention the origin of the vehicle.
American Specs Vs GCC Specs Car: Which is Better?
A GCC specs car is ideal if —
- You want to use the car for longer
- Save yourself from the UAE heat
- You prefer higher resale value
- You want to lower your maintenance cost
On the other hand, an American car is an option if you want —
- A car at a cheaper price
- Short-term ownership
- Options for modifications
- High-end features but at lower rates
Keep in mind that buying an American-spec car also increases insurance costs. So make your choice wisely.
Note: Whether you have a GCC spec or an American spec car, you need to get it insured to drive. On Policybazaarinsurance.ae, you can buy the best car insurance in UAE for both types!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GCC-spec better than American-spec in the UAE?
Yes, GCC-spec cars work better in the UAE. This is because they are built to withstand the UAE’s harsh weather conditions.
Do American spec cars in UAE overheat?
There’s a high probability that they can overheat, especially the older models with upgraded radiators.
Does the RTA approve American-spec cars?
Yes, if your car passes the inspection and meets the UAE’s regulations. RTA approves it.
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