Top 10 SUVs for 2024: Discover Your Options with Saleh Cars

As part of strengthening strategic partnerships among leading companies in the automotive sector, Saleh Cars Group, in collaboration with Petromin, hosted a distinguished official event to unveil the all-new Commander 2026 model.

The ceremony was attended by:

• Terence Patrick Perrin – Chief Executive Officer
• Rami Hankir – Senior Executive Director
• Elias Abu Hasira – Executive Director of Wholesale Sales
• Rohit Verma – Executive Director of Marketing

Alongside a number of automotive industry enthusiasts.

The event took place at Saleh Cars Group’s headquarters in Riyadh – Al Thumama Branch, at 3:30 PM on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

The launch showcased the vehicle’s latest features and advanced technologies, reflecting both companies’ vision to deliver cutting-edge models to the Saudi market.

One mysterious number holds your car’s secrets—its origin, engine, safety, and past. Discover how the VIN unlocks everything you need to know before buying, selling, or trusting your vehicle.

What Is a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?

• The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character code composed of letters and numbers, assigned to every motor vehicle at the time of manufacture.
• It serves as the car’s digital identity, and no two vehicles in the world share the same VIN.
• This code contains essential information such as the manufacturer’s name, country of origin, engine type, model year, and the vehicle’s serial number. It’s a trusted reference for identifying the exact specifications of a car, making it a critical tool for inspection, registration, and insurance processes

Where to Find Your Car’s VIN

Here are the most common places to locate your VIN:

1. Windshield (Driver’s Side)

   The VIN is clearly visible on the dashboard and can be seen from outside the vehicle through the windshield.

2. Driver’s Door or Door Frame

   Open the door and look for a sticker or metal plate, usually affixed to the inner frame.

3. Official Documents

   Such as the vehicle registration certificate, insurance policy, or maintenance records. This method is useful if the vehicle isn’t physically available.

4. Engine Block

   On some models, the VIN is engraved on the engine itself. You’ll need to open the hood to inspect it.

5. Chassis (Undercarriage)

   The VIN may be stamped on the chassis beneath the car, which might require lifting the vehicle or using a mirror to view it.

6. Online Lookup

   Certain websites allow you to search for the VIN using the license plate number, depending on the availability of databases in your country.

What Does the VIN Reveal?

Each segment of the VIN provides specific information about the vehicle:

1. WMI (First Three Characters): Identifies the country of origin and the manufacturer.
2. VDS (Characters 4–8): Describes the vehicle’s attributes such as model, engine type, and transmission system.
3. Ninth Character: Used to verify the authenticity of the VIN.
4. Tenth Character: Indicates the model year.
5. Eleventh Character: Specifies the assembly plant.
6. VIS (Characters 12–17): Represents the vehicle’s unique serial number for precise identification.

Why Is the VIN Important When Buying a Used Car?

Knowing the VIN is crucial for several reasons:

1. Identity and Specification Verification: Ensures the car matches the seller’s claims.
2. Access to Vehicle History: Reveals maintenance records, accident history, or previous thefts.
3. Recall Checks: Shows whether the manufacturer has issued any safety-related recalls.
4. Legal Assurance: Detects any tampering or forgery in the vehicle’s identity.
5. Insurance and Financing: Required by insurance companies and banks to provide quotes or loans.
6. Market Value Assessment: Helps accurately evaluate the car’s resale value.
7. Safety and Reliability: Confirms the vehicle hasn’t sustained damage that compromises road safety.

The differential is a hidden yet vital component that plays a key role in vehicle performance and stability. But do you really know how it works and what types exist?

What Is a Car Differential

• The differential is one of the core mechanical components in a vehicle’s drivetrain system. It plays a crucial role in converting engine power into balanced wheel movement. Its importance lies in its ability to distribute torque evenly, allowing the wheels to rotate at different speeds during turns. This ensures smooth maneuverability and enhances vehicle stability.

How Does the Differential Work

• The differential operates through a small gear known as the pinion, which connects to the driveshaft that transmits power from the engine. This gear meshes with a larger gear called the crown wheel, which then distributes motion to the axle shafts connected to the wheels.
• This mechanism enables the wheels to rotate at varying speeds—an essential function for preventing excessive friction or skidding during cornering, thereby improving vehicle control and stability.

What Are the Components of a Differential

A differential consists of several interconnected parts that work in harmony to deliver optimal performance:

- Gearbox: Transfers torque from the engine to the rest of the system and contains a set of gears that ensure balanced power distribution.

- Internal Gears: Responsible for determining wheel speed and directing torque based on driving conditions.

- Axle Shaft: Connects the wheels to the differential and ensures smooth and stable motion during driving.

Why Is the Differential Important

The differential plays a fundamental role in enhancing the driving experience. Its significance can be summarized as follows:

- Allows the vehicle to turn smoothly without resistance or vibration.

- Improves safety by evenly distributing power between the wheels, reducing the risk of losing control.

- Facilitates driving over rough terrain by balancing torque between front and rear wheels, especially in four-wheel-drive vehicles.

What Are the Types of Differentials

Differentials vary depending on usage and driving conditions:

- Open Differential: The traditional type that splits torque between wheels on the same axle. Commonly used in vehicles designed for paved roads.

- Locking Differential: Distributes power equally between wheels, ideal for off-road vehicles requiring high traction.

- Limited-Slip Differential: Reduces wheel spin when traction is lost and offers better control on slippery surfaces.

- Torque-Vectoring Differential: Uses electronic sensors and control systems to precisely distribute torque based on road conditions. Found in high-performance and sports cars.

What Are the Symptoms of a Faulty Differential

When the differential begins to fail, several warning signs may appear:

- Unusual noises from the wheels, such as clicking or grinding, which may indicate gear wear or low oil levels.

- Vehicle vibrations during acceleration, often caused by internal damage or improper torque distribution.

- Difficulty steering, especially during turns or on uneven roads, suggesting reduced system effectiveness.

What Causes Differential Failure

Several factors can lead to differential damage, including:

- Low Differential Oil: Causes excessive friction and internal wear.

- Contaminated Oil: Reduces cooling and lubrication efficiency, accelerating system deterioration.

- Oil Leaks: Result from damaged seals or overheating, leading to insufficient lubrication.

- Heavy or Aggressive Driving: Frequent off-road use or high-speed driving puts extra strain on the system, increasing the risk of failure.

What Is Differential Oil

Differential oil is essential for maintaining system efficiency. It reduces friction and cools internal components. Using the correct type and replacing it according to the manufacturer’s schedule is critical. Neglecting oil maintenance can result in complete system failure.