For vehicles destined for desert and high-heat conditions, pre-shipment checks should go beyond standard inspection to verify systems critical for extreme environments.
Recommended pre-shipment checks:
- Cooling system verification: Confirm the radiator, cooling fan, and water pump are functioning correctly. Check coolant type – many Chinese cars come with long-life coolant suitable for -35°C to +110°C, but verify it meets GCC specs.
- Air conditioning performance: Measure vent outlet temperature at idle and high RPM. A properly working AC should reach 4–8°C at vents in moderate ambient conditions. Request a full AC system pressure test.
- Battery and electrical system: For EVs/PHEVs, verify battery state of health (SoH) and confirm the thermal management system is active and free of error codes. For ICE cars, check the starter battery capacity and alternator output.
- Tire and suspension: Ensure tires are rated for high-speed and high-temperature use (look for load index and speed rating). Check suspension bushings and shock absorbers for proper damping, as desert roads can be rough.
- Air filtration: Confirm the cabin air filter and engine air filter are clean. Consider upgrading to high-efficiency particulate filters for dusty environments.
Additional documentation: Request the vehicle's homologation certificate for the destination country (if available) to confirm it was designed or approved for hot climate operation. Our third-party inspection partners (SGS/BV) can include these checks in their pre-shipment report. Learn more on our Inspection page.
For a complete pre-shipment checklist tailored to desert markets, contact our team when placing your order.