In Dubai’s scorching climate, your engine oil works overtime to keep your car running smoothly. Consistent high temperatures and dusty conditions put extra stress on oil performance and longevity.

In this blog, we’ll break down the most common engine oil issues in Dubai’s climate and what you can do to avoid them.

The Triple Threat: Heat, Dust, and Humidity

Dubai’s climate is a combination of high temperatures, fine dust, and sometimes, high humidity. These factors works against your engine oil, breaking it down faster than you might think.

• Heat: High temperatures cause engine oil to thin out. When oil loses its thickness, it becomes less effective at lubricating engine parts. This leads to increased friction, which generates even more heat, causing serious wear and tear on your engine’s components.
• Dust: The fine dust particles common in our environment can get into your engine through the air intake system. While your air filter does a great job, tiny particles can still make their way in and mix with your engine oil. This turns the oil like a liquid sandpaper, which can scratch and damage critical engine parts.
• Humidity: High humidity can contribute to condensation inside your engine. This can mix with the oil, forms sludge, a thick, tar-like substance that clogs up oil passages and restricts flow.

Common Oil Problems Caused by Dubai’s Climate

1. Oil Thinning Due to High Temperatures

When it’s extremely hot, your engine oil can become too thin. Thin oil doesn’t protect engine parts as well—especially during long drives or stop-and-go traffic.

Tip: Use high-quality synthetic oil designed for high temperatures. It keeps its viscosity better than conventional oil.

2. Faster Oil Breakdown

Heat causes oil to oxidize and degrade faster. This reduces its ability to lubricate and clean the engine properly, leading to sludge build-up.

Tip: Don’t wait too long between oil changes. For most Dubai drivers, an oil change every 5,000 to 7,000 km is ideal for conventional oil and 10,000 to 15,000 km for Synthetic oil.

3. Increased Oil Consumption

In hotter climates, some cars may burn more oil than usual. You might not see leaks, but your oil level could still be dropping—especially in older vehicles.

Tip: Check your oil level regularly, especially before long drives.

4. Oil Leaks from Heat-Related Wear

Dubai’s heat can cause rubber gaskets and seals to dry out and crack over time. This leads to oil leaks, which not only waste oil but can cause long-term engine damage if left unchecked.

Tip: If you notice oil spots under your car, get it checked ASAP.

5. Using the Wrong Type of Oil

Not all oils are made for hot climates. Using low-viscosity oil in Dubai’s heat can cause quicker wear, overheating, or engine noise.

Tip: Always follow your manufacturer’s recommendations and choose oil that’s rated for high-temperature performance.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Engine in Dubai

• Get regular oil changes from a trusted service center
• Use synthetic oil suited for hot climates
• Check oil levels monthly, especially in summer
• Look out for oil warning lights or burning smells
• Inspect for oil leaks or sludge during service visits

Conclusion

Don’t let the heat get the best of your engine. Staying on top of oil checks, choosing the right product, and investing in cooling upgrades will keep your engine protected and efficient. Book your next oil service at First Track Car Services, Dubai to drive with peace of mind.