Exterior Features: Wipers, Tailgate, and Running Boards

Exterior features are the functional accessories mounted on the outside of the vehicle. They handle tasks like clearing the windshield, opening the cargo area, protecting the underside, and providing steps for entry. While often overlooked during a casual walkaround, these components affect daily usability and their replacement costs add up. AutoFay inspects 15 exterior feature checkpoints on every vehicle.

Wipers and Washers: Visibility Is Safety

Front Wiper Blades are rated Good, Streaking, Worn, or Needs Replacement. Wiper blades in the UAE degrade faster than in temperate climates because UV exposure hardens the rubber edge. A streaking blade leaves areas of the windshield uncleared, creating visibility gaps during the rare but intense UAE rain events. Worn blades may also scratch the windshield glass over time. The Rear Wiper Blade is checked separately where equipped. Rain-Sensing Wipers are tested — these automatically activate and adjust speed based on rainfall intensity. The system relies on a sensor on the windshield that can be affected by aftermarket window tinting or windshield replacement.

The Windshield Washer system is rated Working, Weak, or Not Working. A weak washer produces insufficient spray to clear dust and sand — a daily need in UAE driving. The Rear Washer is tested separately where equipped. During sandstorms, a functional washer system is essential for maintaining visibility.

Power Tailgate and Access Features

The Power Tailgate or Trunk is rated Working, Slow, or Not Working. A slow power tailgate has weakening gas struts or a motor that is wearing out. A non-functional power tailgate means the cargo area must be opened and closed manually — losing a convenience feature that owners rely on daily, especially when carrying groceries or luggage. Hands-Free Tailgate — the foot-kick sensor that opens the tailgate without touching it — is tested where equipped. This feature is particularly useful in the UAE where hands may be full of shopping bags.

Running Boards, Guards, and Towing

Running Boards are checked as Good, Damaged, or N/A. On SUVs and trucks, running boards take abuse from entry and exit, parking curbs, and off-road contact. Deployable Running Boards — the powered steps that extend when the door opens — are tested as Working or Not Working. These motorized systems are expensive to replace and can fail from sand and moisture intrusion into the actuator mechanism.

Splash Guards are verified as Present, Missing, or Damaged — they protect body panels from sand and debris kicked up by the tires. Skid Plates are checked on off-road capable vehicles — Good, Damaged, Missing. A damaged skid plate indicates the car has been used on rough terrain. The Tow Hitch is rated Good, Rusted, Damaged, or N/A. The Trailer Wiring Connector is tested on vehicles equipped for towing. The Antenna is checked for condition, and Exterior Chrome and Trim are assessed as Good, Faded, Peeling, or Missing — UV exposure causes chrome trim to deteriorate over time in the UAE.

AutoFay checks 455+ points including 15 exterior feature checkpoints, with HD photos and a detailed PDF report. Mobile inspection across all 7 Emirates. Book at autofay.ae or call +971-50-806-6937.