- Understanding Chinese Car Warranties in Saudi Arabia
- BYD Warranty Coverage
- Geely Warranty Coverage
- Chery Warranty Coverage
- MG Warranty Coverage
- Warranty Exclusions Common to All Brands
- How to Keep Your Warranty Valid
- Warranty Transfer When Selling
Understanding Chinese Car Warranties in Saudi Arabia
Chinese car brands are known for offering the most generous warranty packages in the Saudi market, but not all warranties are the same. Each brand has specific terms, conditions, and exclusions that buyers need to understand before purchasing. This guide breaks down the warranty coverage for all major Chinese brands in the Kingdom.
BYD Warranty Coverage
BYD offers a 5-year or 150,000 km vehicle warranty and an 8-year or 200,000 km battery warranty on all electric and plug-in hybrid models. Coverage includes the electric motor, power electronics, and high-voltage components. Exclusions include tires, brake pads, wiper blades, and bulbs. BYD also provides 3 years of roadside assistance. Warranty is transferable to subsequent owners for the remaining duration, which helps resale value.
Geely Warranty Coverage
Geely offers a 5-year or 150,000 km comprehensive warranty for most models, with premium models like the Monjaro and Starray receiving 6-year coverage. The warranty covers the engine, transmission, drivetrain, electrical systems, and air conditioning. Exclusions include wear items (tires, brake pads, clutch), cosmetic items (paint, chrome trim), and damage from improper use. Service must be performed at authorized Geely centers every 10,000 km to maintain warranty validity.
Chery Warranty Coverage
Chery offers a standout 6-year or 200,000 km warranty across its entire model range in Saudi Arabia. The Tiggo series benefits from the most comprehensive coverage, including the engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, and air conditioning. Chery's warranty is one of the best in the market, surpassing most Japanese and Korean competitors. Frequent promotional packages add free service for up to 3 years or 50,000 km.
MG Warranty Coverage
MG offers a 6-year or 200,000 km warranty on all models, including popular options like the MG5, MG ZS, and MG HS. The warranty is comprehensive and covers major components. MG also provides 3 years of roadside assistance. The warranty is fully transferable to subsequent owners, making used MG cars more attractive.
Warranty Exclusions Common to All Brands
- Normal wear items: Tires, brake pads and discs, wiper blades, bulbs, fuses, and clutch discs are not covered.
- Consumable fluids: Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid are not covered.
- Damage from accidents or misuse: Collision damage, off-road damage, overloading, and improper fueling void coverage.
- Unauthorized modifications: Aftermarket parts, tuning, suspension modifications, and electrical additions can void the warranty.
- Non-authorized service: Repairs performed outside the brand's authorized service network may void coverage. BYD and Geely use OTA-based warranty tracking that flags non-authorized repairs.
How to Keep Your Warranty Valid
Always service your car at authorized centers within the specified intervals. Keep all service records and receipts. Do not modify the car's mechanical or electrical systems without dealer approval. For BYD and Geely owners, ensure that OTA software updates are installed at authorized centers. If traveling to a remote area, call ahead to confirm an authorized service center is available along your route.
Warranty Transfer When Selling
Most Chinese brand warranties are transferable to second and third owners, typically for a small administrative fee of SAR 200 to SAR 500. Transferable warranties are a major selling point for used Chinese cars, as they provide peace of mind to the next buyer. When selling, provide the complete service history and warranty documentation to maximize resale value.
