Skip to content
Al Quoz, Dubai Car repair and roadside help +971 50 608 7150
My Car Repair Dubai
Call us
Engine diagnosis and repair in Al Quoz

Car Engine Repair in Dubai

Warning light, knocking, smoke, oil loss or overheating? We find the cause first, explain what the engine needs, and give you a written estimate before any work starts.

Repair, rebuild or replace? A targeted repair may be enough when the rest of the engine is sound. Internal damage can call for a rebuild or a compatible replacement. We explain the findings, what each suitable option includes and the complete cost before you decide.

Speak to our teamCall 050 608 7150Ask about your carWhatsApp us
Technician inspecting engine components during diagnosis at our Al Quoz workshop
Start with what you notice

Engine symptoms and what they can mean

Choose the closest symptom to understand the possible causes and useful checks. These are starting points for an inspection, not a diagnosis from the warning or noise alone. Follow the vehicle handbook if a warning tells you to stop.

Check engine light is on

Book soon, stop if flashing

Possible causes

  • Faulty sensor, such as oxygen, MAF or camshaft position
  • Misfire from a coil, spark plug or injector
  • Vacuum or intake leak
  • Emissions or evaporative system fault

What we check

  • Stored and pending fault codes
  • Live data and freeze frame data
  • The component the code points to, tested on the car

A fault code does not automatically identify the part to replace. Computer diagnostics combines the recorded information with relevant tests before a repair is recommended.

Knocking, tapping or ticking

Stop and get it checked

Possible causes

  • Low oil level or pressure
  • Worn bearings or connecting rods
  • Valvetrain noise from lifters or tappets
  • Timing chain wear or a failing tensioner

What we check

  • Oil level, condition and pressure
  • Where the noise comes from and when it happens
  • Timing and valvetrain components

A deep knock that rises with engine speed can mean internal damage. Avoid driving until it has been checked.

Engine is overheating

Stop driving now

Possible causes

  • Coolant leak or low coolant
  • Radiator fan, thermostat or water pump fault
  • Blocked radiator
  • Head gasket failure

What we check

  • Cooling system pressure test
  • Fan operation and thermostat opening
  • Combustion gas in the coolant

Never open a hot coolant cap. If the leak is the only fault, a coolant service may follow the repair.

Smoke from the exhaust

Book soon

What the color suggests

  • Blue or gray: possible oil burning, with rings, valve seals or the turbo among the areas to investigate
  • Persistent thick white smoke: check for coolant loss and other engine-specific causes rather than diagnosing from colour alone
  • Black: a fuelling or air-supply concern that needs investigation

What we check

  • Oil and coolant consumption
  • Compression and leak down
  • Turbo seals, injectors and intake

Thin white vapor on a cold start that clears quickly is usually condensation.

Oil leak or oil level dropping

Book soon

Possible causes

  • Valve cover or oil pan gasket
  • Front or rear crankshaft seal
  • Oil filter housing or cooler leak
  • Oil burning internally

What we check

  • Where the leak starts, after cleaning if needed
  • Dye tracing for hard to find leaks
  • Oil consumption between checks

A top-up does not make a leaking engine safe to keep driving. Follow the handbook when checking the level, and stop safely for an oil-pressure warning, heavy leakage or smoke. Oil reaching a hot exhaust can create a fire risk.

Loss of power or rough running

Book soon

Possible causes

  • Misfire from ignition or injectors
  • Clogged air filter or intake leak
  • Turbo boost fault
  • Fuel pump or fuel pressure problem
  • Carbon build up on direct injection engines

What we check

  • Misfire counters and fuel trims
  • Boost pressure and fuel pressure
  • Ignition and injector tests

Reduced-power mode does not guarantee that it is safe to continue driving. Follow the displayed warning and handbook. Stop safely for severe rough running, overheating or an oil-pressure warning, and call to discuss inspection or recovery.

Hard to start or stalling

Plan a visit

Possible causes

  • Weak battery or starter
  • Fuel delivery problem
  • Crankshaft or camshaft sensor fault
  • Idle control or vacuum leak

What we check

  • Battery and charging system
  • Fuel pressure at start
  • Sensor signals during cranking

Many starting problems are electrical. See our battery service if the engine cranks slowly.

Engine repair prices

How much does engine repair cost in Dubai?

Typical prices for common engine repairs at our Al Quoz workshop. All prices include 5% VAT.

Your exact price is confirmed in a written estimate after diagnosis.
RepairWhat it coversPrice
Initial visual assessmentDiscuss the concern and inspect accessible areas. Scanning and diagnostic tests are separate.Free
Initial engine fault diagnosisRelevant scan data and agreed targeted checks. Extended testing, dismantling and repairs are quoted separately.AED 150 to 350
Timing belt or chain replacementBelt or chain kit, tensioners and guides, fitted and timedAED 1,450 to 4,400
Head gasket repairHead removed, checked for warping, new gasket and coolantAED 2,900 to 7,800
Turbocharger repair or replacementBoost faults, oil leaks and worn turbosAED 4,900 to 14,500
Engine rebuildEngine stripped, machined and rebuilt with new internal partsAED 14,500 to 39,000
Engine replacementNew, remanufactured or used engine, fitted and set upQuoted by engine

Prices depend on the engine, how much needs to be removed to reach the fault, and your choice of genuine, OEM or quality aftermarket parts.

Choosing the right fix

Engine repair, rebuild or replacement

The right choice depends on what failed, the condition of the rest of the engine, and what the car is worth. Here is how the three options compare.

Scroll sideways on small screens to compare all three options.
CompareOptionTargeted workRepairInternal wearRebuildSevere damageReplacement
When it fitsOne part or system has failed and the engine is otherwise healthy.Confirmed internal wear, with a block and cylinder head suitable for rebuilding.Cracked block, seized engine, or a rebuild that costs more than a replacement.
Typical workGaskets, seals, timing parts, sensors, turbo, injectors, pumps.Engine removed and stripped, machined where needed, rebuilt with new internal parts.New, remanufactured or quality used engine fitted and set up.
What we confirm firstThat the failed part is the real cause.That the block and head can be reused after inspection.Engine source, specification and history.
Time off the roadUsually the shortest.Often the longest, because of machining and parts.Depends mainly on engine availability.

We explain each option that suits your car, with parts choices and costs, so you can decide. Nothing is dismantled beyond the agreed diagnosis without your approval.

Rebuilding an engine or fitting a replacement

The comparison above is a starting point. The condition of the engine and the contents of a replacement assembly determine what the actual job involves.

What a rebuild includes

After the agreed dismantling, the block, cylinder head and relevant internal components are inspected and measured. Those findings determine which parts can be reused, which need machining and which must be replaced. Fitting new rings or bearings without assessing their running surfaces is not a complete answer to internal wear.

The parts list should identify the bearings, rings, pistons, valves, seals or gaskets required for that engine. Not every rebuild needs the same replacements, and machining must stay within the applicable repair limits. If a major component cannot be reused, compare the revised repair with a compatible replacement before proceeding.

Correcting the cause of damage

Oil starvation, overheating or debris left after a failure can damage a rebuilt or replacement engine too. The repair needs to address the cause and check relevant connected parts, such as the oil supply, cooling circuit, intake and turbocharger. Replacing the engine alone does not correct a fault elsewhere.

What comes with a replacement engine

A new, remanufactured or used engine needs both a compatibility check and a clear description of its condition. Match the engine reference and vehicle configuration, not just the badge or capacity. For a used unit, ask what history and test information the supplier can provide.

A long block generally includes the block, cylinder head and internal valve gear, but suppliers package assemblies differently. Do not assume injectors, a turbocharger, alternator or other accessories are included. Identify what arrives with the engine and what must be transferred, serviced or bought separately.

Checks after installation

Completion checks should address oil pressure, leaks, operating temperature and the original complaint, with required electronic setup for the fitted components. Keep the parts invoice, test findings and applicable warranty terms. Any running-in advice or early oil change must follow the rebuilder or engine supplier’s instructions rather than a universal mileage rule.

Understand the engine condition

Tests that guide the engine repair

The complaint determines which checks are useful. Scan information, pressure measurements and inspection answer different questions; not every engine needs every test.

  1. T01

    Fault codes and live data

    Stored codes, fuel trims, misfire counters and sensor readings while the engine runs.

    Scan tool
  2. T02

    Compression test

    Compares cylinder pressure with the applicable specification. Low readings indicate a sealing or operating problem, but further checks are needed to identify its cause.

    Compression gauge
  3. T03

    Cylinder leak-down test

    Helps locate pressure escaping past rings, through a valve or towards the cooling system, alongside the other findings.

    Leak down tester
  4. T04

    Cooling system pressure test

    Pressurises the cooling circuit to help trace coolant loss. A combustion-gas test is a separate check when exhaust gas entering the coolant is suspected.

    Pressure tester
  5. T05

    Inside the cylinders

    A camera through a suitable access point can reveal visible scoring, deposits or piston damage. It cannot measure every internal clearance or rule out all damage without further inspection.

    Borescope
  6. T06

    Leak and noise tracing

    Smoke testing for intake leaks, dye tracing for oil leaks, and listening tools for knocks and ticks.

    Smoke and dye
Mechanic using diagnostic equipment on a car engine
Not every car needs every test. We choose the checks that answer your symptom.
What you getA clear explanation of what we found, what caused it, and the repair options, before any work begins.
Engine repair and rebuild services

Engine repairs and related maintenance

From a leaking gasket to a full rebuild, on petrol and diesel engines. Filter by engine area to find your repair.

  • Rebuild and replace

    Engine rebuild

    Strip, inspect, machine and rebuild with new bearings, rings, seals and gaskets.

  • Rebuild and replace

    Engine replacement

    New, remanufactured or quality used engines, with the options explained before fitting.

  • Rebuild and replace

    Diesel engine repair

    Diagnosis and repair of diesel engines, including injection and glow plug faults.

  • Head and timing

    Head gasket repair

    Replacement for a confirmed gasket fault, with the head condition and cause of overheating assessed before reassembly.

  • Head and timing

    Cylinder head repair

    Inspect for cracks, distortion and valve damage. Repair or machining depends on the head material, condition and permitted limits.

  • Head and timing

    Timing chain replacement

    Investigate start-up rattles and timing faults, then replace the chain, guides or tensioners required by the confirmed fault.

  • Head and timing

    Timing belt and cambelt service

    Replacement at the interval your manufacturer sets, before the belt fails.

  • Head and timing

    Valve damage repair

    Pressure tests help identify poor cylinder sealing. Inspection then establishes valve damage and the repair needed.

  • Leaks and seals

    Engine oil leak repair

    Valve cover, oil pan and filter housing leaks traced to the source.

  • Leaks and seals

    Engine seal replacement

    Crankshaft and camshaft seals replaced to stop leaks at the engine ends.

  • Leaks and seals

    Oil pump repair

    Low oil pressure diagnosed and the pump or pickup repaired.

  • Fuel, air and turbo

    Turbocharger repair

    Investigate boost loss, noise or oil smoke, including oil supply and intake faults that could damage a replacement turbo.

  • Fuel, air and turbo

    Fuel injector repair

    Injector testing, cleaning or replacement for misfires and rough running.

  • Fuel, air and turbo

    Fuel pump repair

    Check fuel pressure, supply and electrical operation before repairing or replacing a pump for hard starting or stalling.

  • Fuel, air and turbo

    Diesel particulate filter

    Blocked DPF warnings diagnosed, with the cause fixed before cleaning.

  • Fuel, air and turbo

    Engine decarbonization

    Carbon cleaning for intake valves and combustion chambers where needed.

  • Fuel, air and turbo

    Engine light diagnosis and programming

    Fault finding and control unit updates or coding when the repair needs it.

  • Cooling

    Overheating repair

    Fans, thermostats, water pumps and radiators, tested before replacing.

  • Cooling

    Coolant leak repair

    Trace and repair leaks, then complete the required coolant refill and bleeding. A flush alone does not repair a leak.

  • Maintenance

    Engine oil change

    An oil and filter change uses the required oil approval and viscosity for your engine.

  • Maintenance

    Spark plug replacement

    Correct plugs fitted at the interval in your service schedule.

  • Maintenance

    Engine air filter

    Check filter condition and fitment, with replacement according to the vehicle schedule and operating conditions.

  • Maintenance

    Engine bay cleaning

    Careful cleaning that also makes new leaks easier to spot.

  • Maintenance

    Drive belt replacement

    Worn, cracked or noisy auxiliary belts and tensioners replaced.

Engine repair by car brand

MercedesBMWAudiLand RoverLexusNissanJeepFordChevroletKiaHyundaiMitsubishiMazdaJaguarMaseratiBentleyFerrariLamborghini
How much does engine repair cost?

What your engine repair estimate includes

Engine repairs range from a gasket to a full rebuild, so a fair price needs a diagnosis first. These are the things that shape the total.

  1. What failed, and whyA leaking seal and a damaged bearing are very different jobs.
  2. Engine type and accessSome engines need more dismantling to reach the same part.
  3. Parts choiceGenuine, OEM or quality aftermarket, explained with the difference in price.
  4. Machining and extra findingsIf we find more once the engine is open, we stop and call you first.
Driving in the UAE

Engine care for Dubai driving conditions

Heat, dusty roads and frequent short trips can affect maintenance needs. Use the manufacturer’s schedule, including severe-use guidance where it applies, rather than choosing an arbitrary shorter interval for every car.

Summer heat

Cooling system under strain

High outside temperatures leave less margin before an engine overheats, especially with the AC running.

What helps: check coolant level and fan operation before summer.

Stop and go traffic

Oil works harder

Long idling and slow traffic heat the oil with little airflow, which can shorten its useful life.

What helps: follow the severe service interval if your manual lists one.

Dust and sand

Filters clog faster

A restricted filter can reduce airflow. A damaged element or poor seal is a different problem that can allow unfiltered air into the engine.

What helps: inspect the air filter at every service.

Short trips

Engine rarely warms up

Moisture and fuel can build up in the oil, and carbon forms faster on some engines.

What helps: follow the time and mileage limits in the applicable oil-service schedule.

A few useful answers

Engine repair questions

Not sure what your car needs? Describe the symptoms and we will tell you the next step.

Call 050 608 7150
How much does engine repair cost in Dubai?

The initial visual assessment is free. Initial engine diagnosis, including a relevant scan and agreed targeted checks, is AED 150 to 350 including 5% VAT. Extended tests and dismantling are quoted separately before work. Timing belt or chain replacement typically costs AED 1,450 to 4,400, head gasket repair AED 2,900 to 7,800, and a full engine rebuild AED 14,500 to 39,000, all including 5% VAT. We confirm the exact price in a written estimate after diagnosis.

Should I repair, rebuild or replace my engine?

A targeted repair suits a confirmed fault when the rest of the engine is serviceable. A rebuild depends on the condition of the block, head and internal parts. Compare a compatible replacement when repair is unsuitable or less economical. Tests and, where agreed, dismantling establish which choices are realistic.

How long does an engine repair take?

Many repairs are finished the same day or the next. A rebuild or replacement takes longer because of dismantling, machining and parts. We give you a time estimate with the quote.

Is it safe to drive with the check engine light on?

A steady light alone does not establish that driving is safe. Follow the handbook and the displayed message, and contact the workshop about the symptoms. For a flashing engine light, severe rough running, an oil-pressure warning or overheating, stop safely and switch off the engine before seeking assistance.

What causes engine knocking?

Common causes are low oil, worn bearings, timing chain wear or valvetrain noise. A deep knock that gets faster with engine speed can mean internal damage, so avoid driving until it is checked.

Will my car insurance cover engine damage?

It depends on your policy and on what caused the damage. Wear is not usually covered, while damage from an accident or flooding may be. Check with your insurer. We can provide a diagnosis report for your claim.

Do you repair diesel and turbo engines?

Yes. We work on petrol and diesel engines, including turbochargers, injectors and diesel particulate filters.

Can you collect my car if the engine has failed?

Yes. Call us with your location and we will arrange car recovery to our workshop in Al Quoz.

Let’s find out what your engine needs

Discuss your engine repair

Call or send your car’s model, year and what you have noticed on WhatsApp. We’ll advise whether to drive in, book a diagnosis, or arrange recovery.

Describe the symptomsCall 050 608 7150Send model and yearWhatsApp us
Scroll to Top