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To read a fuel economy label, start with the km/L value: the number of kilometres the car travels on one litre of fuel. The higher the number, the more economical the car. Next, make sure the label belongs to the exact model, model year and engine capacity you intend to buy, verify it through the Taakad app, and then divide your annual distance by the figure to estimate how many litres you will need each year. This guide explains the label's fields, how to compare and calculate with an illustrative example, and why your car's real-world consumption may differ from the printed figure.

What is a vehicle fuel economy label?

A fuel economy label is a sticker you will find on new cars. It shows the model's fuel economy value in kilometres per litre, together with a level that rates this value. According to the Saudi Press Agency report on the Letabqa energy conservation campaign, the label classifies cars into seven levels: Excellent+, Excellent, Very Good, Good, Average, Poor and Very Poor. The top levels appear in dark green and the lowest in red.

There are two types of label, depending on how the vehicle is used: one for passenger cars such as sedans and minivans, and one for light trucks such as four-wheel drives, pickups and cargo vans. Pay attention to the label type when comparing, and compare cars of similar size and use wherever possible.

What information does the fuel economy label show?

The label combines the vehicle's basic information with its fuel economy result. According to the same source, it includes:

• The manufacturer's name and the vehicle's trade name (model).
• Engine capacity and model year.
• Vehicle type: passenger car or light truck.
• The fuel economy value in kilometres per litre, and its corresponding level.
• The required fuel type: 91 petrol, 95 petrol or diesel.
• The logo of the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), the label's regulatory statement, and a QR code.

Before focusing on the number, match these fields with the car in front of you, especially the model year, engine capacity and fuel type. A single model may come with more than one engine or trim, and each may have a different value. Take a clear photo of every label so the details do not get mixed up if you visit several showrooms.

How do you read the km/L figure and compare two cars?

The km/L figure tells you how far the car travels on one litre. A value of 18 km/L, for example, means the car covers 18 kilometres per litre according to the label value. With this unit, the higher number is better. When comparing:

1. Read the value itself rather than relying on the colour alone; two cars at the same level may have different values.
2. Make sure both labels are of the same type, passenger car or light truck.
3. Pay attention to fuel type; if one car needs 95 petrol and the other 91 petrol, calculate each car's cost using the price of its own fuel.
4. Do not carry a value from one trim or engine to another version just because the trade name or exterior looks the same.
5. Treat fuel economy as one factor alongside space, comfort, safety and maintenance; our guide to the best fuel-efficient cars can help you narrow your options.

How do you verify the label with the Taakad app?

The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization provides the Taakad app for checking fuel economy label and energy efficiency label information, and it can be downloaded free for iOS and Android devices. The steps, as described on the app's page and in the previous source, are:

1. Open the app, choose the vehicles section, and point the camera at the QR code on the label.
2. If the vehicle is registered in SASO's database, its details will appear, such as manufacturer, engine capacity, model year, fuel type, body type, drive type, transmission, fuel economy value and level.
3. Compare the details shown in the app with the label on the car, field by field.
4. If there is no QR code on the label, use the app's search feature.
5. If the details do not match, use the report feature, which takes you to the Commercial Report app.

How do you calculate the fuel you need each year?

The formula is simple: annual distance in kilometres ÷ fuel economy in km/L = estimated fuel in litres. To estimate your annual distance accurately, compare the dashboard odometer readings on two service records about a year apart, or take a typical week's distance and multiply it by the number of weeks in a year, then add the trips you know you will make.

Illustrative example: an annual distance of 20,000 km and two cars, the first rated at 15 km/L and the second at 20 km/L. These are hypothetical teaching figures only, not specifications of cars offered for sale.

The difference in this example is about 333 litres a year. To turn it into an amount of money, multiply each car's quantity by the price per litre of the fuel it needs at the time of comparison, then subtract the two results.

How do you convert km/L to litres per 100 km?

Some brochures, websites and dashboard displays show consumption in litres per 100 km, where the lower number is better. To convert, divide 100 by the km/L value; to convert back, divide 100 by the L/100 km value:

• 15 km/L: 100 ÷ 15 = about 6.67 litres per 100 km.
• 20 km/L: 100 ÷ 20 = 5 litres per 100 km.
• In reverse: 5 litres per 100 km means 100 ÷ 5 = 20 km/L.

This unit reveals something many people overlook: the same increase in km/L saves more fuel when the starting value is low. In another illustrative example over 20,000 km, moving from 10 to 12 km/L saves about 333 litres, while moving from 20 to 22 km/L saves only about 91 litres. Do not compare a km/L figure with a figure in another unit, such as miles per gallon, before converting to the same unit.

Why does your real consumption differ from the label figure?

The label figure is a reference value that helps you compare models, but it does not describe your own driving style or road conditions. The main things that change real-world consumption are:

• Driving style: sudden acceleration and braking, and high speeds on highways.
• Heavy traffic and frequent stops, and leaving the engine running for long periods while parked.
• Running the air conditioning for long periods in summer heat.
• Excess load and low tyre pressure.
• Maintenance condition, such as the air filter, spark plugs and engine oil.

Use the label for an initial comparison, then monitor your car's consumption over several refills. If consumption rises clearly and persistently above your usual level, read about the common causes of higher fuel consumption and arrange an inspection when needed, rather than assuming the label is wrong. If your car offers an economy driving mode, learn about the ECO system and whether it really saves fuel.

How do you measure your car's consumption yourself?

The most accurate home method is the full-tank method, and all you need is the dashboard trip meter and your fuel receipt:

1. Fill the tank until the pump nozzle clicks off automatically, then reset the trip meter.
2. Drive the car as usual until you need to refuel.
3. Fill the tank again until the automatic click-off, and note the litres added and the distance on the trip meter.
4. Divide the distance by the litres; if, for example, you drove 500 km and added 40 litres, your consumption is 12.5 km/L.
5. Repeat over several refills and in different conditions, in the city and on the highway, then take the average.

The consumption reading on the trip computer is useful for daily monitoring, but it is an estimate and may differ slightly from the manual calculation, so rely on the manual calculation for long-term comparison.

Frequently asked questions about the fuel economy label

1. Is a higher number on the label always better? Yes when the unit is km/L; with litres per 100 km, the lower number is better.
2. Does the label guarantee the consumption I will get? No. It is a value for comparison, and your real consumption depends on driving style, roads, load and the car's condition.
3. Does a larger tank mean better economy? No. Tank capacity determines the distance between refills, while fuel economy describes distance per litre.
4. Can I compare a sedan with a four-wheel drive using the label? The unit is the same, so you can compare the two values, but each has a different label type, and the fairest comparison is between cars of similar size and use.
5. What should I do if the label does not match the Taakad app? Ask the seller for an explanation, and use the app's report feature if the difference remains.

The fuel economy label is a quick comparison tool if you read it in the right order: match the details, verify them through the Taakad app, then turn the figure into litres that fit your distance. When you compare cars at Saleh Cars Group, ask for the label of the version that interests you and calculate your own needs before deciding.

To check traffic violations in Saudi Arabia, open the Query Traffic Violations page on the Absher platform and enter your ID number together with the violation number or your date of birth. To pay, sign in to the Efaa platform through the National Single Sign-On, choose the violations you want to pay, then pay through the SADAD system, a mada card or a credit card. To object, use the Dispute Traffic Violations service that the Ministry of Interior provides online. These procedures may be updated from time to time, so confirm the latest steps on the official platform before you act.

What are traffic violations and who issues them?

Traffic violations are violations related to the Traffic Law and its implementing regulations. As the description of the dispute service on the National Platform explains, they are issued by the General Department of Traffic or by any other authority authorised to apply the Traffic Law and its implementing regulations. In practice, you deal with them through three main services:

• Inquiry: to find out which violations are registered against you, through the Query Traffic Violations page on the Absher platform.
• Payment: through the Efaa platform, as part of a Ministry of Finance service for paying government violations registered against individuals.
• Dispute: through the Dispute Traffic Violations service provided by the Ministry of Interior, if you have something showing that the violation is incorrect.

It helps to distinguish traffic violations from other government violations, such as Ministry of Transport violations or municipal violations, because each authority has its own services; you will find a summary in the table below.

How do you check traffic violations on Absher?

The Absher platform provides a dedicated page called Query Traffic Violations, which asks for specific search details. The steps usually go as follows:

1. Open the Query Traffic Violations page from the official Absher website.
2. Enter your ID number in its field.
3. Choose the search type: by violation number or by date of birth.
4. Enter the violation number or the date of birth, depending on the type you chose.
5. Complete the verification code shown on the page, then display the result.

If you want to see the violations registered against you by different government entities in one place, the Efaa platform steps start with signing in through the National Single Sign-On (Nafath) and then viewing the registered violations, which we explain in the next section.

How do you pay traffic violations through the Efaa platform?

The service for paying government violations registered against individuals enables citizens, residents and visitors to view and pay all the violations registered against them by government entities, including traffic, smoking, government fines and other violations. The service page on the National Platform lists the payment steps as follows:

1. Go to the Efaa platform.
2. Choose to sign in through the National Single Sign-On.
3. View the violations registered against you.
4. Select the violations you want to pay.
5. Continue to the electronic payment page.
6. Complete the payment through the SADAD system, a mada card or a credit card.

According to the service description, the platform aims to unify and simplify violation procedures through a single digital platform that the relevant entities are linked to, so violations are issued and managed centrally. The National Platform also states that the service itself is free, meaning there is no charge for using it; this does not mean the violation amount is waived.

How do you dispute a traffic violation?

The Dispute Traffic Violations service provided by the Ministry of Interior allows you to dispute traffic violations issued by the General Department of Traffic and any other authority authorised to apply the Traffic Law and its implementing regulations. The service is provided online through the web portal and the mobile apps, and its path as shown on the service page is:

1. Go to My Services.
2. Choose Traffic.
3. Choose Dispute Traffic Violations, then follow the instructions shown to complete the request.

We have not listed deadlines or detailed conditions for disputes here because they do not appear in the service description on the National Platform; read the conditions and instructions shown to you inside the service before submitting, and do not delay your dispute if you believe the violation is incorrect. Before you start, the following helps:

• Make sure the violation really concerns your vehicle or your licence, and that its details match what happened.
• Write the reason for your dispute clearly and briefly, stating facts rather than impressions.
• If you have documents that support your position, prepare them in advance, and provide the details the service asks for.
• Keep proof that you submitted the request until you receive the decision.

What is the difference between violation services on the official platforms?

Several entities register violations, and each service has a specific purpose. The table below summarises the services listed in the official sources we relied on:

If a violation is registered with an entity other than the traffic department, look for that entity's inquiry service on the National Platform; for example, the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services offers an inquiry through its web portal via the Ministry Services link and then the Violations Inquiry service in the list of inquiry services.

What are the most common causes of traffic violations you can avoid?

The best way to deal with violations is not to commit them in the first place, and most of their common causes can be avoided with simple habits that protect you and others on the road:

• Exceeding the speed limit: watch the road signs, because the limit changes between highways, inner streets and school areas, and cruise control helps you hold a steady speed on long roads.
• Not wearing a seat belt: make it a habit before moving off, for you and all passengers, however short the trip.
• Using the phone while driving: set navigation and calls before moving off, and leave messages until you stop in a safe, permitted place.
• Expired documents: track the expiry dates of your driving licence, the vehicle registration (istimara) and the insurance policy, and renew them before they are due.
• An expired periodic inspection: note its date in your phone calendar, and prepare the car beforehand with this checklist for preparing your car for the periodic inspection.
• Running a red light or stopping in prohibited places: slow down when approaching a signal, be ready to stop when it changes, and park only in permitted spaces.
• Neglecting the car's condition: make sure the lights and indicators work, and do not ignore warning lights; read about dashboard warning light meanings to know when to stop immediately.

Remember that driver assistance systems such as lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control help you, but they do not replace your attention, and they do not take over your responsibility to follow the rules.

What practical tips should you follow before paying or disputing?

• Check your violations regularly so they do not pile up without your knowledge.
• Read the details of each violation before deciding, then choose whether to pay it or dispute it.
• Reach the official platforms by typing their address yourself or through their official apps, and do not pay through links sent to you in messages from unknown sources.
• Do not share your verification code, login details or card details with anyone.
• Keep proof of payment until you are sure the violation status has been updated.
• If you face a technical problem, contact the entity that provides the service through its official channels.

Frequently asked questions about traffic violations

1. Do I need to visit a government office to settle a violation? Usually not; the inquiry, payment and dispute services mentioned are provided online through the official portals and apps, and the dispute service page shows a branches link for anyone who needs it.
2. Can I pay more than one violation at the same time? The Efaa platform steps include viewing the registered violations and then selecting the violations you want to pay before continuing to payment, so you decide what to pay.
3. Does the Efaa platform include non-traffic violations? Yes. The service description states that it covers traffic, smoking, government fines and other violations registered by government entities.
4. Can I dispute a traffic violation registered by an entity other than the traffic department? According to the service description, disputes cover traffic violations issued by the General Department of Traffic and any other authority authorised to apply the Traffic Law and its implementing regulations.
5. Who do I call if I face a problem? The service pages on the National Platform list the Ministry of Finance number 19990 for the payment service and the Ministry of Interior number 966114011111 for the dispute service, as well as each entity's official email address.

Dealing with traffic violations is easier than it looks: check them on Absher, pay them on the Efaa platform, dispute them through the Ministry of Interior service if you have a clear reason, and always review the updated steps on the official platforms. Most importantly, avoid their common causes from the start: keep to the speed limit, fasten your seat belt, keep your phone out of your hand, and renew your documents before they expire.

If you are asking when to replace car tyres, the short answer is: replace a tyre when the surface of the tread reaches the level of the raised wear indicators inside the grooves, when a bulge, a deep cut or clear cracks appear in its sidewall, or when the rubber has aged to the point at which the tyre or car manufacturer recommends replacement, even if the tread looks good. In this guide we explain how to check your tyres, what the wear pattern reveals, and how to choose the right replacement.

When should you replace car tyres? The key signs in brief

Replacement is not tied to a single distance for every car, but to the tyre's condition and its maker's recommendations. The main signs are:

• The tread surface has reached the level of the wear indicators in any part of the tyre, not just on average.
• A bulge or bubble in the sidewall, a deep cut, or exposed cords or internal fabric.
• Clear cracks in the sidewall or between the tread blocks, showing that the rubber has aged and hardened.
• Uneven wear that has left part of the tyre smooth even though the rest of its surface is sound.
• A persistent vibration that does not go away after balancing, or repeated pressure loss in the same tyre with no visible cause.

How do you check tread depth using the TWI wear indicators?

Inside the grooves are small raised bars called wear indicators, whose location is marked by the letters TWI or a small triangle on the tyre's shoulder, and when the tread surface is level with them, the tyre has reached the end of its usable life. To check:

1. Park the car on level ground and turn the steering wheel to one side so you can see the front tyres clearly.
2. Look for the TWI mark or triangle on the tyre's shoulder, then look into the groove next to it to find the raised bar.
3. Compare the level of the tread surface with the bar; the closer they are to level, the closer the replacement date.
4. Repeat the check on the inner edge, the centre and the outer edge, and at several points around the tyre's circumference.
5. For a more precise reading, use a tread depth gauge, available at tyre shops, and record the reading for each tyre.
6. Some drivers use a coin as a rough gauge, but it is no substitute for a proper gauge or a look by a qualified technician.

Do not wait until they are exactly level if you travel often or drive in the rain, as water clearance and grip weaken gradually as the tread gets shallower.

What do tyre cracks and sidewall bulges mean?

The sidewall flexes with every turn of the wheel and carries the car's weight, so any damage to it is more dangerous than tread wear:

• Fine surface cracks: an early sign of rubber ageing caused by heat and sun, which calls for the tyre to be inspected by a specialist and monitored.
• Deep cracks: if they widen or reach the tyre's inner layers, it is time to replace it.
• A bulge or bubble: damage to the tyre's internal structure, usually after hitting a pothole or kerb, which requires immediate replacement and no travelling on it.
• Cuts and gashes: a deep cut in the sidewall weakens the tyre even if no air is leaking from it yet.

What does the tyre wear pattern reveal?

The wear pattern reveals the cause of the problem, and if you do not fix it, new tyres will wear the same way:

If you see wear on both edges, start by reviewing the causes, signs and solutions for low tyre pressure, and if the wear is on one edge or comes with the car pulling to one side, read about the difference between wheel balancing and alignment.

How do Saudi heat and sand affect tyre life?

Rubber ages over time even if the car is used little, and you will find how to tell a tyre's age from the DOT code in our article on how to read tyre size and manufacture date. There is no single lifespan for all tyres, so refer to the tyre and car makers' recommendations. In the Kingdom's climate, some factors speed up deterioration:

• Direct sun and high heat speed up the hardening and cracking of rubber, especially for cars standing for long periods in open car parks, so park in the shade whenever possible.
• Hot asphalt raises tyre temperature, and the effect grows with low pressure or overloading on long trips.
• Sandy, gravel and desert tracks expose the tread and sidewall to cuts from sharp stones, so inspect the tyres after every desert trip.
• If you lower tyre pressure (deflating) to drive on sand, restore it to the recommended value before returning to asphalt, because highway driving at low pressure raises tyre temperature.

Should you replace tyres in pairs or all four together?

Ideally all four tyres match, but replacing them all together is not always necessary:

• Replace both tyres on the same axle together at least, so grip does not differ between the two sides when braking or cornering.
• When replacing only one pair, many tyre makers recommend fitting the newer pair on the rear axle for better stability, unless the owner's manual says otherwise.
• In four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive cars, the owner's manual may require the four tyres to be close in size and degree of wear to protect the drive system, so check it before replacing only two.

What about the spare tyre?

The spare forgotten in the boot ages just like the other tyres, even if it is never used:

• Check its pressure regularly and before every trip, because a flat spare will not help you when you get a puncture.
• Read its manufacture date and inspect its sidewall, as it may be older than the tyres on the car.
• A small temporary spare is designed for a limited distance and speed stated in the owner's manual or on the tyre's side, so use it only to reach the nearest tyre shop.
• If your car comes with a repair kit instead of a spare, check its expiry and how to use it.

How do you choose the right replacement tyre: size, load and speed?

Choose what your car was designed for, not just what the shop has in stock, and check the following:

1. Size: copy it from the sticker on the driver's door frame or from the owner's manual, not from the tyre currently fitted, which may be different.
2. Load index and speed symbol: choose values equal to or higher than the car manufacturer's recommendation, never lower.
3. Manufacture date: ask for recently made tyres with close dates, especially on the same axle.
4. Type of use: a driver who often travels on highways has different needs from one who drives in the desert or carries heavy loads, so ask about the tyre designed for your use.
5. Changing the size: do not change the size of your tyres or rims without consulting a specialist; to learn the effect, read our article on whether the wrong rims make your car use more fuel.
6. After fitting: balance the wheels, set the pressure according to the driver's door sticker, and check the alignment if the old tyres were worn unevenly.

What is the tyre energy efficiency label in Saudi Arabia?

The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization offers the Energy Efficiency Label for Tires service, and explains that the label serves as a guide for consumers before purchasing the product to increase their awareness of its energy efficiency before buying it.

The organization lists tyres among the products subject to the efficiency label regulations, and the aims of these labels include reducing energy consumption for the consumer, enabling the consumer to know a product's efficiency before buying, and protecting consumer safety and health and the environment. In practice:

• When comparing tyres of the same size, ask to see the energy efficiency label for each one and read its details.
• Do not make the label your only criterion; size, load index, speed symbol, manufacture date and the tyre's suitability for your use come first.
• Requirements and procedures may be updated from time to time, so check the latest information on the organization's website.

Frequently asked questions about replacing car tyres

1. Should I replace a tyre that is old even if its tread is good? Tread depth alone is not enough, as rubber hardens over time; have it checked by a specialist and follow the tyre maker's recommendation.
2. Can a puncture in the side of the tyre be repaired? Repairing holes in the sidewall or shoulder is not usually recommended, while for a hole in the tread area the technician decides whether it can be repaired based on its size and position.
3. Can I fit two tyres of different types? This is not recommended on the same axle, and it is best for all four tyres to match in type and tread pattern, especially in four-wheel-drive cars.
4. Are small cracks between the tread blocks dangerous? They are a sign of ageing that may not require immediate replacement, but have a specialist monitor them, and if they deepen, replace the tyre.
5. How often should I check my tyres? Check their pressure and appearance regularly, for example when refuelling, before every trip, and after hitting a pothole or kerb or after a desert trip.

Checking your tyres takes only minutes: look at the wear indicators, inspect the sidewall, notice the wear pattern and read the manufacture date. If a danger sign appears, do not postpone the change; choose a replacement with the recommended size, load and speed ratings, then fix the cause of any uneven wear.

If you are involved in a traffic accident, God forbid, start with safety: stop in a safe place, turn off the engine and switch on the hazard lights, place the reflective triangle at a safe distance, then photograph the accident from all directions and have your ID, driving licence and vehicle registration (istimara) ready. Then report to Najm on the toll-free number 199033 if there are no injuries and at least one party to the accident holds a valid insurance policy. If there are injuries, or an insurance policy is not available for every party to the accident, call the traffic police on 993, and call the ambulance on 997 when there are injuries. Below are the Najm reporting steps as the company publishes them, the cases it does not handle, and what to check on your car after the accident.

What should you do in the first minutes after a traffic accident?

Your safety and the safety of those with you come before anything else. Najm's car accident advice page (in Arabic) summarises the first steps as follows:

1. Before getting out of the vehicle, make sure that leaving it will not put you in danger, and keep away from the lane of passing cars.
2. Turn off the vehicle's engine and switch on the hazard lights to warn other drivers.
3. If you have a reflective triangle, place it at a safe distance from the vehicle.
4. Check on the people with you and those in the other car; if there are injuries, call the traffic police on 993 and the ambulance (Red Crescent) on 997.
5. Stay at the accident scene and wait for the response teams to arrive, and avoid acting on any personal opinions or assessments from bystanders.

Najm's guidance explains that staying at the scene protects your rights and the rights of others, and that leaving it may expose you to additional violations and fines. If a fire breaks out, God forbid, it advises using the fire extinguisher safely, not using water to put the fire out, and turning off the engine and getting out of the vehicle.

What are the Najm reporting steps after an accident?

Najm's accident reporting procedures page (in Arabic) sets out what is needed to report after stopping in a safe place:

1. Making sure there is valid insurance from a licensed insurance company.
2. If the accident results from natural disasters or fire, you must have comprehensive insurance on the vehicle to report it to Najm.
3. Preparing the official documents: ID, driving licence and vehicle registration (istimara).
4. All parties involved in the accident must be present.
5. Reporting the accident through one of Najm's channels, including the toll-free number 199033.

The company states that the Najm investigator uses a body camera to document the facts of the accident to protect the rights of all parties, and that it handles accidents without charging the parties to the accident. It also offers the Najm smartphone app for faster electronic procedures.

These procedures may be updated from time to time, so confirm the latest steps on Najm's website or official app before relying on them.

When should you call the traffic police instead of Najm?

Najm does not handle every accident; according to its official page, it does not take on the following cases:

• No valid insurance for all parties to the accident.
• An accident caused by natural disasters or fire when the vehicle has third-party insurance rather than comprehensive cover.
• Injuries or a death, God forbid.
• Criminal accidents.
• One of the parties is absent or has fled the accident scene.
• Accidents that happen outside the cities or geographic areas Najm covers.

These accidents can be reported to the authorities Najm lists. These are the contact numbers on its pages:

How do you document the accident and the damage with photos?

Najm advises photographing the accident from all directions so you can refer to it when needed. To make the photos genuinely useful, take them in this order, without standing in the traffic lane:

• A wide shot from a distance showing where the cars are on the road, the lanes and nearby signals.
• Photos of each car from the front, rear and both sides, then close-ups of every damaged area however small, such as the bumper, lights, wheels and mirrors.
• A photo of the number plates of the vehicles involved, and of any parts scattered on the ground.
• A photo of the ground under your car if you notice a fluid leak.
• A photo of the dashboard if warning lights come on after the accident.
• Keep the photos unedited, note the time and place of the accident, and photograph the damage again when the car enters the workshop.

What should you check on your car after a minor accident before driving on?

Once the procedures are finished, do not assume the car is sound just because the visible damage is small; a light impact can affect parts behind the bumper or the tyres. Check the following with the car parked in a safe place:

1. Lights and indicators: switch on the headlights, rear lights, indicators and brake lights, and make sure they work and their lenses are not broken.
2. Tyres and wheels: look for a cut or bulge in the tyre sidewall, a bent wheel, or a tyre rubbing against the wheel arch when you turn the steering.
3. Leaks: look under the car, as radiator coolant, oil or a smell of petrol is a sign not to drive.
4. Dashboard warning lights: start the car and notice whether a warning light stays on, such as the temperature, airbag or brake light, and learn its meaning in the guide to dashboard warning lights and their meanings.
5. Body and doors: make sure the bonnet, boot and doors close properly, the mirrors are secure, and no part is hanging loose that could fall off while driving.
6. The first short distance: drive slowly in a safe place, and notice whether the steering pulls to one side, or unusual vibrations or rubbing noises appear.

If the airbags deployed, you notice a leak or a smell of fuel, a red light stays on, or the steering feels abnormal, do not keep driving, and ask for a tow truck to take the car to the workshop.

Why might sensors and cameras need calibration after a repair?

Many modern cars place radar and parking sensors in the bumper or behind the front grille, and the driver assistance camera behind the windscreen. So repairing or replacing the bumper, replacing the windscreen, or adjusting the wheel alignment after an accident can change the angle of these sensors even slightly, and they then need calibration according to the manufacturer's instructions.

• Ask the workshop before the repair: does the work include calibrating the sensors and camera after fitting?
• After collecting the car, notice whether an error message appears for the assistance systems, warnings appear where they should not, or the parking sensor alerts disappear.
• Do not rely on the assistance systems after the repair until you are sure they work normally.

You will find an explanation of these systems, the limits of their sensors and when they need calibration in our article on ADAS driver assistance systems.

What should you follow up with Najm and the repair workshop after an accident?

Najm's website offers services to follow up an accident after it has been handled, including:

• Viewing your accidents and their details.
• Issuing reports and documents.
• Amending the accident data.
• Objecting to the accident liability ratio, or adding damage or a party.
• Browsing your insurance record and the information it provides about your claims, accidents and vehicles.

When the car is repaired, keep a copy of the report and photos of the damage before and after the repair, and review the quality of the bodywork and paint when you collect it; our article on what it means when a car has been repaired helps you notice colour differences and uneven gaps between panels.

What are the common mistakes after a traffic accident?

• Getting out of the car into the traffic lane, or standing behind it without switching on the hazard lights and placing the reflective triangle.
• Leaving the scene before the response teams arrive or before all parties are present.
• Taking only a close-up of the damage without wide shots showing where the accident happened.
• Driving on despite a leak or a red warning light.
• Not having a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit in the car, both of which Najm advises keeping.

Frequently asked questions about traffic accidents and Najm reporting

1. Do the parties to the accident pay for Najm to handle it? No, the company states that it handles accidents without charging the parties to the accident.
2. Which documents are needed for the report? Your ID, driving licence and vehicle registration (istimara), and all parties to the accident must be present.
3. Does Najm handle an accident caused by fire or a natural disaster? This requires comprehensive insurance on the vehicle; if it only has third-party cover, this is one of the cases Najm does not handle.
4. What do I do if the other party flees the accident scene? A party being absent or fleeing is one of the cases Najm does not handle, and you can report through the authorities it lists, such as Unified Operations on 911 or Traffic Accidents on 993.
5. How can I make sure a used car I plan to buy has not had a serious accident? Ask the seller about the car's history, have it inspected by a trusted inspection centre, look for signs of bodywork and paint repairs, and follow our vehicle inspection tips before buying a used car.

In short: your safety first, then the hazard lights and the reflective triangle, then the photos and documents, then reporting through Najm on 199033, or calling the traffic police on 993 when there are injuries or an insurance policy is not available for every party. Do not keep driving before checking the lights, tyres, leaks and dashboard warning lights, and make sure the sensors are calibrated after a bumper or windscreen repair.

A five-seat family car is usually enough if no more than five people ride with you regularly and the child seats you need install correctly in the rear seat, while a seven-seat car becomes the practical choice when your regular passengers exceed five or you often travel with relatives. Seat count alone does not settle the decision, though: boot (trunk) space, access to the back row and child-seat fitting all need to be tried in the actual car. This guide walks you through the choice, from counting passengers to a final checklist.

How do you work out how many seats your family needs?

Start with the number of passengers, not just the size of your family, and write down two clear scenarios to compare each car against:

• A normal day: the school run, commute and shopping, and who rides with you on most days.
• A longer trip: intercity travel or family visits, with suitcases, a pushchair and trip essentials.
• Regular passengers from outside your immediate family, such as relatives or a household helper, each of whom needs a seat and belt.
• How many child seats you need now, and what you may need over the next few years.

If the third row would be used only a few times a year, a five-seat car with a large boot may suit your daily life better, and bigger trips can be handled in other ways. If you would need it almost every week, put it at the top of your priorities.

What is the practical difference between five-seat and seven-seat cars?

The table below is a general comparison; details can differ greatly between models, so verify them in the car you are considering.

How do you test the third row before choosing seven seats?

1. Set the second row to a comfortable position for its occupants first, then sit in the third row; judging it with the second row pushed forward does not reflect real use.
2. Check knee room, foot room and headroom yourself, and notice whether a low floor pushes your knees up.
3. Try getting in and out and folding the second-row seat, and ask the child or person who will actually use the third row to try it.
4. Make sure every seat has an easily reachable seat belt and a suitable head restraint.
5. Look for rear air-conditioning vents for the third row and how they are controlled, and confirm they are fitted to the trim you will buy, not only the higher trim.
6. Ask how passengers reach the back when a child seat is installed in the second row, and do not assume the folding mechanism works with it fitted; check the vehicle manual and the child-seat instructions.

The second row may be a single bench for three passengers or two separate captain's chairs with a walkway between them; separate chairs make it easier to reach the back, but they reduce total seating by one compared with a bench.

Does the boot hold your belongings with every seat in use?

Luggage space with the third row folded answers a completely different question from the space available with the whole family on board, so compare both configurations:

• Raise every seat you will need on a family trip, then load your actual belongings, or their measurements, into the boot.
• Try fitting a folded pushchair, a large suitcase and the weekly shopping.
• Notice the height of the loading lip, how easily items can be lifted in and how much room the tailgate needs to open in your parking space at home.
• Check the maximum payload in the owner's manual or on the label fixed to the vehicle, and secure luggage as instructed, because a car full of passengers and belongings may approach this limit.
• If you are considering a roof rack, ask specifically about the permitted roof load.

How do you make sure your child seats fit the car?

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends choosing a seat that suits the child's age and size, then making sure it fits the vehicle itself, and referring to the car-seat manufacturer's instructions and the vehicle owner's manual on installing it with the seat belt or the lower anchors and a top tether, if available. In practice this means:

• Use the vehicle manual to identify the seating positions intended for child seats, and do not assume every rear seat has identical anchor points.
• If you need two or three child seats, try installing them together in their actual arrangement, and make sure each one can be secured and used correctly.
• Make sure the other passengers can still reach their belts and buckles once the seats are fitted.
• Do not rely on an anchoring-system logo in an advert; it does not mean your particular seat will fit that position.

Which comfort details do many buyers overlook?

• Sit in the back for a few minutes with the air conditioning on, and check that air reaches every row in hot summer weather.
• Assess the step height for older passengers and children, and how wide the rear doors open in tight parking spaces.
• Check the view from the rear windows and whether there are sunshades for the rear windows if you need them.
• Look for charging ports, cup holders and small-item storage for each row.
• During the test drive, ask passengers to judge the seating, noise level and stability on the road from their own seats, not just from the driver's seat.

We cover the general steps of a test drive and comparing trims in our new car buying guide; here, what matters is testing the car from your own family's seats.

How does a family car's size affect daily use and running costs?

• Measure your home parking space and driveway, and make sure the car's length and tailgate opening suit them.
• Try parking in a busy or tight car park, and check that the chosen trim has a rear camera and parking sensors.
• A bigger, heavier car may use more fuel; if economy matters to you, review our list of the best fuel-efficient cars when comparing.
• Ask about the tyre size and the manufacturer's maintenance schedule, as both are recurring ownership costs.

What is the short checklist before you decide?

• Every regular passenger has a suitable, easily reachable seat and belt.
• The child seats you need install in the correct positions according to the instructions.
• Your essential belongings fit in the boot with the necessary seats still upright.
• The rear air conditioning and comfort features you need are included in the chosen trim.
• The car's dimensions suit your home parking space and the places you drive to every day.
• The periodic maintenance schedule, tyre size and warranty terms are written down and clear before purchase.

After you buy, keeping up with routine car maintenance helps keep your family comfortable and safe on long trips.

Frequently asked questions about choosing a family car

Is every seven-seat car suitable for seven adults on a trip?

Not necessarily; in many cars the third row suits children or short journeys best. Have an adult sit in it, and check boot space and payload limits with all seven passengers and their belongings.

Can three child seats fit in a five-seat car?

It depends on the width of the rear seat, the number of anchor points and the size of the seats themselves. Check the vehicle manual and try installing all three seats together before buying.

Are two separate second-row seats better than a bench?

Separate seats make it easier to reach the third row and give their occupants more comfort, but they reduce total seating by one compared with a bench, so choose according to your passenger count.

Can a car's exterior size tell you how spacious it is inside?

Not on its own; the seating layout, floor height and boot opening shape all affect the usable space, so try sitting in the car and loading your belongings yourself.

When is a five-seat car enough for a large family?

When regular passengers on most journeys do not exceed five, and trips needing more seats are rare and can be handled in another way.

The right family car is the one that serves both your normal day and your longer trips, not the one with the most seats. Count your passengers, try the third row, child seats and your own belongings, then compare the results calmly. You can also browse the cars available at Saleh Cars Group to compare options that suit your passenger count.

To get real value from a test drive before buying a car, ask to drive the same trim you plan to buy, and drive it on a route similar to your daily journeys: streets with speed bumps and traffic lights, a stretch of highway, and a place to park. Test the air conditioning, visibility, noise and family seating, and record your notes under the same items for every car. Budget, trims and the contract are covered in the new car buying guide.

How do you prepare for a test drive before visiting the showroom?

A successful test drive starts before you sit behind the wheel; good preparation makes you test what matters to you, not whatever catches your attention in the moment.

1. Write a short description of how you will use the car: city journeys, a daily highway commute, intercity travel, passengers in the rear seats, or a tight parking space at home.
2. Choose three priorities you will not compromise on, such as back comfort, easy parking and strong cooling, and make them the focus of your assessment.
3. Ask the showroom in advance whether the model, trim and engine you are considering are available to test, how long the drive lasts, which route is available and which documents are required, and bring your driving licence.
4. If the test car is a different trim, ask the team to explain the differences in engine, equipment, and wheel and tyre size, because they affect how the car feels and how much noise you hear.
5. If you are comparing two cars, try to drive both on the same day and at a similar time, so the heat, traffic and road conditions are alike.

What should you check before the car moves?

Set aside a few minutes before driving off; much of what will bother you in everyday use shows up while the car is standing still.

• Adjust the seat, steering wheel and mirrors, and check that you can reach the pedals comfortably without stretching your leg or sitting too close.
• Stay seated for several minutes and notice whether the seat supports your back and thighs, or whether you keep changing position.
• Make sure the instruments and the dashboard screen are readable in sunlight, and that the screen does not reflect on the windscreen.
• Look at the front pillars and side sightlines: do they hide pedestrians or cars at junctions?
• Pair your phone and set a navigation destination while parked, and try the air conditioning controls without looking at them for long.
• Before handing the car back, unpair your phone and delete your data from the infotainment system.

What is the right route for a test drive?

If the showroom's arrangements allow it, ask for a route that resembles your daily driving instead of circling the building, and always keep to the speed limit and the accompanying employee's instructions.

1. City streets with stop-and-go traffic: notice how smoothly the car moves off, how the transmission shifts and how the accelerator responds.
2. Speed bumps and uneven asphalt: listen to the suspension, and notice whether the cabin shakes uncomfortably or the car absorbs bumps quietly.
3. A roundabout or a series of bends: notice the steering weight and feel, and how much the car leans in corners.
4. A stretch of highway: notice the car's stability, how easily it merges with traffic and overtakes, and the level of wind and tyre noise.
5. A U-turn in a permitted place: it shows you how easy the car is to manoeuvre in narrow streets.
6. Brakes: press them gradually as in normal use, and do not create a hazardous situation to test the brakes or driver assistance systems.

How do you test the air conditioning in Saudi heat during the drive?

Air conditioning is one of the most important things to test in the Kingdom's climate, but a short drive only gives a first impression and cannot prove cooling performance in every condition.

• If possible, try the car after it has been parked in the sun, which is closer to your real use than a car pre-cooled inside the showroom.
• Run the air conditioning at the setting you normally use, and notice when the air from the vents becomes cool and comfortable.
• Notice whether cooling stays good when stopped in traffic or at a signal, not only while moving.
• Ask about rear air vents, and ask your companion to assess the airflow reaching the rear seats.
• Raise the fan speed and listen to it, as some cabins become noisy at high settings.
• When comparing two cars, test the air conditioning in similar heat and at a similar time; otherwise, note the difference next to your observations.

How do you assess noise, visibility and parking?

These items are hard to judge from a specification sheet, but they become clear on a real drive.

• Noise: talk to your companion in a normal voice on the highway, and notice whether you have to raise your voice because of the tyres, wind or engine.
• Unusual sounds: if you hear a knock, squeak or vibration, ask about it and note it rather than diagnosing it yourself or treating it as a trait of every car of that model.
• Rear visibility: notice the size of the rear window and how clear the mirrors are, and whether you need to turn your head a lot when changing lanes.
• Camera and sensors: assess how clear the camera image is in strong sunlight, and how clear the sensor alerts are when approaching obstacles.
• Parking: try reverse and parallel parking in a safe, permitted place, and notice how easy it is to judge the car's corners.
• If your parking space at home is tight or its entrance is sloped, compare the car's published length and width with your space before the visit.

How do you test family seating and luggage space?

If the car is for the family, the opinion of whoever sits in the back matters as much as yours.

1. Set the driver's seat to your position, then sit behind it and notice the room left for knees and head.
2. Ask a family member to try getting in and out through the rear door, especially older relatives.
3. If you have children, ask about the child seat anchor points (ISOFIX) and try fitting the seat with the showroom's agreement.
4. In cars with a third row, try reaching it and folding the seats, and notice how much boot space remains.
5. Put the pushchair or a suitcase in the boot, as written dimensions become clearer when compared with your own belongings.

How do you compare two cars after the test drive?

Write down your notes as soon as you step out of the car, before impressions get mixed up, and use a notes sheet with the same items for each car, like the table below:

Give each item a score from one to five with a short reason, and give your three priorities more weight than the rest.

• Do not judge by the total score alone; one car beating the other on an item you do not care about does not make up for weakness in a key priority.
• Record the test conditions: the time, the heat, the route and the trim you drove.
• If the two cars are close, ask for a second drive focused on the item that remains undecided.

What are the common mistakes on a test drive?

• Settling for a short loop around the showroom that does not resemble your daily driving.
• Driving a higher trim and assuming all its equipment comes with the trim you will buy.
• Getting distracted by conversation or the screen while driving instead of focusing on the road and the car.
• Comparing two cars driven in very different conditions without noting it.
• Deciding in the first rush of excitement before calmly reviewing your notes.

Frequently asked questions about test drives

1. How long should a test drive take? There is no fixed duration; what matters is that it is long enough for a route that resembles your use. A short drive may be enough to rule out a car, but it may not settle long-journey comfort.
2. Should I test a higher trim if I plan to buy the base trim? It can still be useful if you know the differences, so match the engine, equipment and wheel size to the trim you want before relying on your impressions.
3. Is a used car test drive different? Yes. In addition to the above, ask for the engine to be started cold, make sure the warning lights on the dashboard go out after starting, and do not rely on the drive alone; read our vehicle inspection tips before buying a used car.
4. Should I take someone with me on the drive? A companion can assess the rear seats and notice what you might miss, after checking the showroom's policy on passengers.
5. Do I have to decide on the same day? No. Review your notes once you are away from the showroom atmosphere, compare them with your priorities, then decide.

An organised test drive turns a general impression into information you can compare: prepare your priorities, choose a route that resembles your day, test the air conditioning, visibility, parking and family seats, and record everything under the same items. You can browse the cars available at Saleh Cars Group to compare models and trims, and contact the team to ask whether a test drive of the trim you are interested in is possible.