Explained: How to Check If Car is GCC Spec?

What is a GCC Spec Car?

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a group of Middle Eastern countries that includes Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. Cars designed in these nations are GCC approved and equipped with specific machinery as per the climatic conditions of these regions. Having your car GCC approved can provide you with numerous benefits as compared to non-modified cars in terms of convenience and comfort of driving, insurance, and more. However, one must first be aware of what these features are and how to verify if their car is GCC approved.
If you're buying a used car, it's important to verify whether it meets GCC specifications. This guide will shed light on how to check if your car is GCC spec.

What is the Significance of a GCC Spec Car?

The climate in the UAE is harsh, hot, and windy. Non-modified cars in such regions tend to break down quickly as they are not designed for such an environment. Moreover, non-GCC cars have a limited scope of car insurance, as only a few companies in the UAE provide car insurance for non-GCC cars. Other than that, in the event of any damage or car part replacement, an individual might find it difficult to find the relevant replacement equipment.

For this reason, it is highly recommended to purchase a GCC spec car in the UAE. However, imported cars in the UAE, which are quite famous, do not have GCC approval. For this reason, the car insurance premium for the same costs more than that of a modified car.

Reasons You Should Buy a GCC-specs Car

A GCC spec car, as the name suggests, is specifically built for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. These cars are designed to handle extreme heat, dust, and humidity better than imported models. They come in various types — from sports cars to luxury SUVs and hatchbacks — offering durability and efficiency suited for local conditions.

Find below the advantages of GCC Spec Cars over imported models —

• Air Conditioning - With UAE summers reaching 43°C, standard AC units in imported cars may struggle. GCC spec cars, however, have advanced climate control for optimal cooling.
• Filtration System - Dubai’s frequent dust and sandstorms can clog regular filters. GCC spec cars feature enhanced filtration to protect the interior and engine.
• Corrosion Protection - High humidity and salty air can cause rust. The cars designed for the region, however, have extra corrosion protection for long-term durability.
• Radiators - Built for extreme heat, GCC spec cars have larger radiators to prevent engine overheating.
• Servicing - Most UAE service centres specialise in cars specifically designed for the region, making maintenance easier and more affordable than imported models.

How to Know if the Car is GCC Spec?

With rising fuel prices and shortages, car buyers are looking for affordable and reliable options. Used compact cars are a popular choice, but not all are built for the region. To avoid high maintenance costs and ensure long-term durability, it's important to choose a GCC-spec car. 

Here are a few points on how to check if your car is GCC spec –

• Engine Capacity - Check the engine block for capacity details. Most compact cars have either a 1.3 L or 1.5 L engine. A 1.3 L engine may struggle to meet emissions standards, making a 1.5 L a better choice for heavier vehicles.
• Odometer Reading - As per some experts, the odometer reading of a GCC-spec car should ideally be below 50,000 km. Verify the reading with service records to avoid odometer fraud.
• VIN Number - Check the car’s VIN number. If it starts with ‘W’, the car is a GCC-spec vehicle. 
• Exhaust System - A GCC-spec car should have a catalytic converter to control emissions. Check for stainless steel construction and ensure no modifications have removed the converter, as this can lead to fines. 
• Owner’s Manual - You should also check the owner’s manual for reference to the GCC-spec features or modifications. 

How is a Non-GCC Car Different from a Modified Car?

When comparing a GCC car with a non-modified one, you must look into the following features to understand the difference between them precisely:

• Improvised Air Conditioning: ACs installed in cars for normal weather conditions are not suitable for cars produced in the UAE. The reason behind this phenomenon is that keeping the air conditioner on for a long time can overheat the machine and result in damage. Thus, ACs in GCC spec cars are designed in such a way that they can sustain even in harsh weather. 

• Better Radiator Technology: The radiators fitted in the UAE-designed cars are strong, large, and equipped with advanced technology that controls the car's engine from getting overheated. This feature leads to better performance of the car in the GCC region. 

• Enhanced Filtration System: The filtration technology installed in the GCC cars is likely to protect cars from dust and sand. In this type of car, this system is more altered than the usual one as the climate is extremely dusty.

• Additional Rust-Free technology: While the UAE is mostly known for the desert, people in the country also experience extremely humid weather conditions, especially in coastal areas. Such excess moisture can result in corrosion of the car, with the steel parts of your car getting rusted. To reduce this corrosion, GCC cars have an exclusive system to ensure a rust-free car.

GCC Specs Car Vs American Specs

If you are trying to find out whether a car with GCC specifications is better than one with American specifications, check out the following points -

• GCC approved cars have more capacity in terms of radiators compared to American specs cars

• The rust protection modified cars have is more effective than that of American specs cars

• The air conditioning system installed in a GCC-modified car is more effective compared to American specs cars, as it works better in the hot climate of the UAE even when you keep it on for a long time

How Can I Find a Better Car Insurance Plan If It Is Not GCC Approved?

Insurance companies in the UAE offer options to provide car insurance to non-GCC cars. As it is a law in the country to insure your car, don’t get bothered about purchasing apt car insurance for a non-GCC car even if the options are few. 

You can easily choose any provider that meets all your car requirements by carefully comparing the best plans for the same in the UAE. In case, you are unable to find the best GCC insurance plan for your car, you can reach out to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). To acquire more information on the same, you can visit its official website or connect via the toll-free number available on its website if you wish to speak to one of the representatives of the RTA.

Key Takeaways

By going through the details mentioned above, you will have a clear understanding of what is GCC spec car and how to check if car is GCC spec or not. This knowledge is vital, as it is essential to understand how a GCC car is different from other non-modified cars (such as cars with American specs approval). For a climate with scorching heat and humidity, having a GCC car is of utmost importance as it not only protects your vehicle but helps you insure the car with a better car insurance plan. Moreover, in case you come across any faulty non-GCC car, it can be challenging to look for appropriate replacement parts.

Thus, it is always a better decision to go for GCC cars over imported cars as the latter doesn’t have the features of a modified car. Nevertheless, even if you have a non-GCC one, you will still be able to have appropriate insurance for it.

Whichever type of car you have, you can check relevant car insurance plans on our website. Continue on policybazaar.ae and go to the ‘car insurance’ section to find the best plans for car insurance in UAE in one place.

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