Cars in the Persian Gulf countries operate in conditions that are far from “benign.” Daytime temperatures often exceed 50 °C , humidity near the coast reaches 80-90%, and sandy abrasion and salty air accelerate corrosion by about 40% faster than in temperate climates. That is why the topic of anti—corrosion protection is not a matter of aesthetics, but a necessity to preserve the resource and cost of the car. Two methods are most widely used: underbody coating and cavity wax.
What is Underbody Coating?
Underbody coating is a protective coating that is applied to the underbody, wheel arches, suspension and other exposed elements. Rubber-bitumen mixtures, epoxy primers or zinc-filled paints are most often used. Their task is to create a dense barrier that protects the metal from moisture, salt, sand particles and UV radiation. An additional advantage is noise absorption: the rubber-bitumen layer reduces the level of road noise.
The service life of a high-quality coating in the UAE is 3-5 years, subject to regular inspections and prevention of chipping. After applying the first coat, experts recommend waiting 24-48 hours before washing. The cost of such treatment varies from AED 300–700 for basic subcutaneous protection to AED 1,800–3,200 for an electrostatic multilayer system, and Ziebart detailing company, offers professionalcar painting, paint protection, window tinting, rust proofing, ceramic coatings, and complete detailing services to ensure long-lasting results.
Advantages of Cavity Wax
Cavity wax is used to treat hidden body cavities: spars, thresholds, doors and hard-to-reach areas where moisture and condensation become the main causes of pitting. Wax inhibitors penetrate deeply, creating a thin oil-wax layer that displaces moisture and prevents rust formation.
The frequency of such treatment is every 1-2 years. With the right technology, wax prevents the appearance of “through” rust foci and significantly prolongs the service life of the metal. On average, the treatment of hidden cavities costs AED 900-1500, which in the long run is cheaper than expensive body repairs.
Care and Service
In the UAE, regular washing and flushing of the bottom is crucial. Experts recommend washing the stretcher and arches weekly, especially after beach trips or sandstorms. Washing every 2 weeks at least is optimal for the body. At the same time, it is important to use pH-neutral shampoos and eliminate paint chips in a timely manner to prevent local corrosion.
Annual inspections, which cost about AED 200-400, help to identify damage to the protective layer before they lead to serious consequences. In the case of pitting, timely repair of the chip (tens to hundreds of AED) is many times cheaper than major repairs.
Economic Efficiency
At first glance, the cost of comprehensive anti-corrosion protection may seem high: for example, rust-proofing is estimated on average at AED 500-1,200, and ceramic nano coating of the body at AED 2,500-4,500. But if you compare it with the cost of a complete repainting or replacement of body elements, the benefits become obvious. In addition, documented protection and regular maintenance directly increase the car’s residual value on the aftermarket.
She worked for eleven years as a writer and editor at the national news biweekly WORLD magazine