The main reasons for increased fuel consumption in the UAE are often related to driving habits in hot weather, vehicle maintenance neglect, and specific component wear common to GCC-spec vehicles. For example, prolonged idling with the air conditioning on during Dubai's summer can easily increase fuel use by 15-20% for a car like a Toyota Camry, according to general efficiency studies. A primary cause is the degradation of the oxygen sensor or mass airflow sensor, which are constantly exposed to dusty conditions on roads between Emirates; a faulty sensor can misreport air data, causing the engine control unit to enrich the fuel mixture unnecessarily. The RTA Dubai consistently emphasizes in its awareness campaigns that proper tire pressure is critical for fuel economy, as under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance—a common issue when temperatures drop slightly during UAE "winter" months, leading drivers to overlook monthly checks. Data from the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure indicates that regular servicing, including air filter changes (clogged quickly due to desert sand), can restore a vehicle's fuel economy by up to 10%. From a total cost of ownership (TCO) perspective, a Nissan Patrol consuming 5.5 km/l instead of its potential 6.2 km/l means an extra cost of about 0.15 AED per km when using Special 95 fuel, which over a typical annual mileage of 25,000 km in the UAE translates to nearly 3,750 AED in wasted fuel annually, not accounting for accelerated depreciation from poor maintenance records.
