Saudi drivers deal with long highway distances, intense heat, and shifting desert conditions that can put real pressure on any car. Even with the best intentions, many drivers in the country still fall into simple maintenance mistakes that slowly damage the engine or raise repair costs over time. Understanding these mistakes makes daily driving easier and keeps your car reliable for years.
Choosing the correct engine oil is one of the most important decisions a driver can make in Saudi Arabia, especially with the country’s extreme heat. Many drivers mistakenly use oil with very low viscosity, which loses thickness faster in hot conditions and leaves the engine with less protection. Others depend on oils that do not carry proper API or SAE certification or delay oil changes for too long, which speeds up engine wear.
Most modern cars perform best with oils like 5W 30 or 5W 40 because they maintain stability in high temperatures. The safest choice is to follow the recommendation in the vehicle manual and look for API SN grade or higher. The right oil helps prevent overheating, friction, and long term engine stress, giving the car a smoother and more efficient ride across the country’s highways.
Many drivers in Saudi Arabia postpone changing filters to save money, but this choice usually results in higher repair bills later. A dirty air filter reduces engine breathing and increases fuel use, while a neglected fuel filter can lead to clogged injectors and long term damage to the fuel pump. The cabin filter also plays an important role in keeping the AC system efficient, especially in summer. Oil filters should always be changed with every oil service to keep the lubrication system clean.
Another common issue is relying on unapproved workshops that use low quality parts or poor service techniques. This often leads to electrical issues, damaged sensors, and reduced overall reliability. The safest approach is to choose a workshop that is approved by the dealer or a recognized authority, request a clear invoice, and insist on original or certified OEM parts. These steps help keep the vehicle in strong running condition and protect the car’s technical systems across the challenging climate of Saudi Arabia.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.