Ignoring the problem won’t just hurt your wallet—it can also lead to long-term engine damage. The good news is that most fuel efficiency issues can be fixed with professional engine repair service in Dubai maintenance and timely repairs. In this guide, we’ll go over the most common reasons why your car might be using too much fuel and how to fix them.
1. Dirty or Clogged Fuel Injectors
Fuel injectors play a crucial role in your engine’s performance. They spray the right amount of fuel into the engine for combustion. Over time, dirt, carbon deposits, and impurities can clog the fuel injectors, causing poor fuel atomisation. This forces the engine to burn more fuel than necessary to compensate for the inefficient fuel delivery.
Signs of Clogged Fuel Injectors:
- Decreased fuel efficiency
- Rough idling or engine misfires
- Slow acceleration
- Engine hesitation or jerking
Solution:
A fuel injector cleaning service removes deposits, allowing fuel to flow properly again. Professional cleaning ensures that the injectors are thoroughly cleaned without damage. In severe cases, you may need to replace the fuel injectors entirely.
2. Worn-Out Spark Plugs
Spark plugs ignite the fuel-air mixture inside the engine. If they become old or worn out, they can cause incomplete combustion, meaning your car will need to use more fuel to produce the same amount of power. This inefficiency directly impacts your fuel consumption.
Signs of Faulty Spark Plugs:
- Hard starting or trouble turning over the engine
- Engine misfires or rough idling
- Decreased acceleration
- Poor fuel economy
Solution:
Regular spark plug replacement ensures proper combustion and improves fuel efficiency. Most spark plugs need to be replaced every 30,000–50,000 kilometres, depending on your vehicle and driving habits.
3. Low Tyre Pressure
Underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance, making your engine work harder to move the vehicle. Even slightly low tyre pressure can reduce your fuel economy significantly over time.
Signs of Low Tyre Pressure:
- Uneven tyre wear
- Poor handling and braking
- Lower fuel mileage
- Tyres appear visibly deflated
Solution:
Check your tyre pressure regularly and keep it at the manufacturer’s recommended level. Properly inflated tyres not only improve fuel efficiency but also enhance safety and tyre lifespan.
4. Faulty Oxygen Sensor
Your car’s oxygen sensor measures the air-fuel mixture and ensures that the engine burns fuel efficiently. A faulty oxygen sensor can send incorrect data to the engine control unit (ECU), leading to excess fuel consumption.
Signs of a Bad Oxygen Sensor:
- Check engine light turns on
- Poor fuel efficiency
- Engine running rough or stalling
- Increased emissions
Solution:
A quick engine diagnostics test can identify a faulty oxygen sensor. Replacing it ensures that your car maintains the correct fuel-air ratio, preventing excess fuel wastage.
5. Dirty or Clogged Air Filter
Your engine requires a steady supply of clean air to run efficiently. A clogged air filter restricts airflow, causing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel.
Signs of a Dirty Air Filter:
- Reduced acceleration and engine power
- Increased fuel consumption
- Unusual engine sounds
- Black smoke from the exhaust
Solution:
Replacing the air filter is a simple, inexpensive fix that improves airflow and fuel efficiency. In dusty environments like Dubai, it’s best to check your air filter regularly and replace it as needed.
6. Poor Engine Maintenance
Skipping regular maintenance can lead to multiple issues that affect fuel efficiency, from dirty engine components to inefficient combustion.
Solution:
Routine engine maintenance service in Dubai includes oil changes, spark plug checks, fuel system cleaning, and general inspections to ensure everything is in top condition. A well-maintained engine burns fuel more efficiently, helping you save money in the long run.
7. Engine Oil Issues
Using the wrong engine oil or failing to change it on time can increase friction inside the engine, forcing it to work harder and consume more fuel.
Signs of Engine Oil Issues:
- Dark, dirty oil on the dipstick
- Louder engine noises
- Reduced fuel efficiency
Solution:
Regular engine oil changes with the right type of oil for your car improve engine performance and fuel economy.
8. Excessive Idling & Aggressive Driving
Driving habits also play a role in fuel consumption. If you frequently leave your engine idling or drive aggressively, you’ll notice higher fuel usage.
How Driving Habits Affect Fuel Consumption:
- Idling wastes fuel without moving the car
- Rapid acceleration and hard braking use more fuel
- Driving at high speeds increases air resistance and fuel consumption
Solution:
Avoid unnecessary idling, accelerate smoothly, and drive at a consistent speed. Adopting fuel-efficient driving habits can make a noticeable difference in your car’s mileage.
9. Misaligned Wheels
Wheel misalignment causes uneven tyre wear and increases rolling resistance, making the engine work harder. This leads to reduced fuel efficiency and affects vehicle stability.
Signs of Misaligned Wheels:
- Vehicle pulling to one side
- Uneven or rapid tyre wear
- Vibrations in the steering wheel
Solution:
Regular wheel alignment ensures your tyres wear evenly, improving both fuel efficiency and handling.
10. Carrying Excess Weight
The more weight your car carries, the harder the engine has to work. Unnecessary items in the boot or heavy roof racks can reduce fuel efficiency.
Solution:
Remove any non-essential items from your car and avoid carrying extra weight unless necessary.
Conclusion: Improve Your Fuel Efficiency with Regular Maintenance
If your car is consuming more fuel than usual, don’t ignore the warning signs. Small issues like dirty fuel injectors, worn-out spark plugs, or low tyre pressure can quickly add up to a significant increase in fuel costs.
The best way to keep your fuel consumption in check is through regular maintenance. A fuel injector cleaning, spark plug replacement, and routine engine diagnostics can restore efficiency and improve performance.
If you're experiencing poor fuel economy, book a professional inspection today and start saving on fuel costs!