Chinese Car Maintenance in Riyadh: A Practical Owner’s Guide
Chinese cars have spread rapidly across Riyadh in recent years — from brands like MG, Geely, Changan, Haval, Chery, Jetour and GAC to newer names such as BYD, Hongqi and Exeed.
These cars typically come with modern technology and advanced electronics, so maintaining them well means understanding both the mechanical and the electronic side. This guide covers what every owner should know about Chinese car maintenance in Riyadh.
Periodic servicing for Chinese cars
Like any car, Chinese models need to follow the service schedule in the owner’s manual. That schedule varies by brand and engine, so oil and filter intervals shouldn’t be generalised across all models.
Many of these cars use small turbocharged engines, which are sensitive to oil specification and regular changes — especially in Riyadh’s heat, which usually counts as severe operating conditions. See periodic vs preventive maintenance for more.
- Use oil with the specification and viscosity listed in your owner’s manual.
- Replace the air filter more often in dusty conditions.
- Keep an eye on coolant and the cooling system to protect turbo engines.
- Check transmission fluid according to type (conventional automatic, CVT or dual-clutch DCT).
Electronics and software are part of maintenance
Modern Chinese cars rely heavily on large screens, control modules and driver-assistance systems. Some faults therefore appear as warning messages or odd screen or sensor behaviour rather than an obvious mechanical problem.
Diagnostic scanning
A computer diagnostic scan reads fault codes from the engine, transmission and other modules. Tool coverage for Chinese brands can vary by make, model and model year, though.
Programming and updates
Some faults are fixed by a manufacturer software update, and some parts must be registered after fitting. Our car programming service depends on the vehicle and its capabilities, and certain official updates may only be available through the brand’s authorised dealer.
Hybrids and EVs: extra caution
Brands such as BYD offer hybrid and fully electric models. These carry high-voltage batteries and systems that are dangerous to handle without proper training and safety procedures.
Don’t try to open or test high-voltage components yourself, and make sure any workshop handling them follows the required safety steps. Routine work such as brakes, suspension, tyres and AC (bearing in mind electric compressors) can be done by a specialist workshop after each case is assessed.
- Never handle orange high-voltage cables or the traction battery yourself.
- The small 12V battery is still there, and a weak one can cause starting or power-up faults.
- Some high-voltage work may require the dealer or a dedicated specialist.
Common issues worth watching
Things some Chinese car owners report include hesitation or judder from the gearbox at low speeds, intermittent electronic warnings, and weaker AC performance at the peak of summer. These are general examples and vary by brand and model.
We go into more detail in common Chinese car problems, with tips for dealing with them early.
Servicing your Chinese car at Best Solution
At Best Solution in Al Qirawan, north Riyadh, we offer Chinese car maintenance alongside mechanical, electrical, diagnostic, AC and periodic services. We’re an independent service centre, not a dealer for any brand, and we’ll tell you honestly what we can do and what may need the dealer.
To book, contact us or call/WhatsApp +966598869891, Saturday to Thursday, 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
