Does Changing to Better Engine Oil Improve Fuel Efficiency?
2 Answers
Changing to better engine oil does improve fuel efficiency. Classification of Engine Oil Types: Full Synthetic Oil: Full synthetic oil offers superior quality, better fuel economy, longer oil change intervals, extends engine lifespan, and reduces maintenance frequency. Due to its excellent cleaning properties, the engine cylinder remains cleaner. Semi-Synthetic Oil: Semi-synthetic oil is formulated using semi-synthetic base oil, specifically Group III base oils internationally, which are refined from mineral oil through hydrocracking technology. Mineral Oil: Mineral oil is primarily derived from crude oil. After extracting gases, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and heavy oil from crude oil, the remaining product is mineral oil base. Typically, mineral oil is less expensive, but it oxidizes more easily. What is Oil Burning: When the engine is running, the pistons move rapidly up and down within the cylinders, with engine oil acting as both a lubricant and a protective agent. During operation, some oil inevitably remains on the combustion chamber walls and gets burned. If excessive oil enters the cylinder and participates in combustion along with the air-fuel mixture, it leads to excessive oil consumption. Excessive oil entering the combustion chamber also promotes carbon buildup, resulting in higher emissions.
I've driven many cars before and found that changing to good engine oil can really help save some fuel. Old oil becomes dirty and thick over time, increasing internal engine friction and raising fuel consumption. Switching to high-quality oil, such as fully synthetic oil, makes the engine run smoother, reduces friction, improves efficiency, and can lower fuel consumption by 3-5%. It's not a huge change, but the long-term savings add up. I recommend regular oil changes, every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers, depending on the car model and usage. Also, choosing the right viscosity is crucial; oil that's too thick creates more resistance, while oil that's too thin offers insufficient protection. I've used both mineral and synthetic oils, and while the latter is more expensive, its fuel-saving effect is more noticeable. Driving habits also affect fuel consumption, like sudden acceleration, but good oil is a fundamental maintenance step that keeps the car running more efficiently overall. Don't forget to check the oil level to avoid bigger problems caused by low oil.
