Can Changing to Better Engine Oil Reduce Fuel Consumption?
2 Answers
Changing to better engine oil can reduce fuel consumption. Here are some relevant introductions about engine oil: 1. Engine oil change cycle: It is best to change the engine oil every 5,000 kilometers or once a year, whichever comes first. This can be appropriately extended or shortened based on different driving environments, driving habits, and other factors. Below are the steps for changing engine oil: Run the engine; Drain the oil; Unscrew the oil filter; After all the oil has drained out; Pour an appropriate amount of oil into the oil filler port; Start the engine and listen for any abnormal noises in the vehicle. 2. Classification of engine oil grades: Engine oil grades are classified according to quality and viscosity grades. Oil for gasoline engines is usually represented by the letter S, while oil for diesel engines is usually represented by the letter C. Engine oil is composed of base oil and additives, where the base oil is the main component of the lubricant, determining its basic properties, and additives can improve the deficiencies of the base oil.
Changing to better engine oil can indeed potentially reduce fuel consumption. I often enjoy studying how engines work, and the primary role of engine oil is to lubricate internal engine components, reducing friction and resistance. Using high-quality oil, especially full synthetic oil, can make the engine run more smoothly. With less friction, the engine doesn't have to work as hard, naturally saving some fuel. However, this is just a theoretical possibility—the actual effect depends on the oil's viscosity, the engine's operating conditions, and other maintenance factors. For example, oil with too high viscosity creates more resistance during cold starts, which can actually increase fuel consumption. I've tried different brands and noticed that after changing to new oil, the engine noise decreases, and fuel consumption does drop slightly, roughly by 0.5 to 1 liter per 100 kilometers. Of course, this change isn't dramatic, and it requires combining it with regular maintenance to sustain the effect. Don’t overlook other details, like tire pressure or the air filter, as these can also impact overall fuel efficiency.
