Brian Jeffrey
Post Storm Vehicle Repair Surge in Quang Ninh and Nam Dinh
A week following the storm’s impact, Quang Ninh province is seeing an overwhelming increase in demand for car repairs, with local garages operating beyond their usual limits.
In Ha Long City, on September 16, auto service shops were flooded with vehicles, some owners reporting waits of over four days for assistance.
HT2 Auto Garage, a reputable establishment in Ha Long’s Hong Ha ward, has experienced a constant stream of cars requiring repairs in the past week.
One resident, Mr. H.Q.V (37), recounted, “I moved my car before the storm to prevent flooding, but debris still damaged my windshield. Now, I’m told it will take three days for them to start the repairs.”
Mr. Bui Hoang Hiep, the owner of Hoang Hiep Tire Garage in Bai Chay, shared that never before in his 30 years of roadside service has he seen such high demand for tire repairs and replacements. His garage sustained damages during the storm but he hasn’t had time to fix it due to the influx of customers.
“We’re currently handling around 200 tire repairs a day, with some vehicles having up to five punctures due to debris on the road,” Mr. Hiep stated.
In Nam Dinh province, the situation is similar following heavy rains and flooding. Hoang Tung Auto Interior Workshop on Giai Phong Road, led by Ms. Tran Thi Thu Quynh, is currently overwhelmed with vehicles in need of repairs and cleaning.
“In just five days, we’ve managed to service over 50 flood-affected cars. The demand has necessitated all our 20 employees to work overtime, focusing on water-damaged vehicles,” Ms. Quynh explained.
Due to floodwaters affecting vehicles’ electrical systems, timely repairs are critical to prevent immediate or delayed failures caused by oxidation.
“Repair processes differ based on how severely a vehicle has been flooded. Lightly submerged cars require their interiors to be removed, dried, disinfected, and deodorized, which can take two to three days, costing around 1.5 million VND,” she added.
To assist those affected by the storm, Hoang Tung Auto is offering a 50% discount on flood damage repairs and a 70% discount for service vehicles. Additionally, they provide free services for drivers facing severe difficulties.
Meanwhile, An Nam Auto Care Center on Song Hao Road is also at full capacity. Staff member Ms. Bui Thi Phuong noted that their team has received over 20 flood-damaged cars within just a few days, necessitating everyone to work extra hours.
After completing repairs, vehicles are thoroughly cleaned before they’re returned to their owners.
