Does Engine Oil Affect Fuel Consumption?
2 Answers
Using high-quality engine oil can reduce fuel consumption. Here is some relevant information about engine oil: 1. Engine Oil Replacement Interval: It is best to replace engine oil every 5,000 kilometers or once a year, whichever comes first. This interval can be appropriately extended or shortened depending on different driving environments, driving habits, and other factors. Below are the steps for replacing 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 filler port; start the engine and listen for any unusual noises. 2. Engine Oil Classification: Engine oil is classified by quality grade and viscosity grade. Oil for gasoline engines is usually denoted by the letter S, while oil for diesel engines is usually denoted by the letter C. Engine oil consists of base oil and additives, where the base oil is the main component of the lubricant, determining its basic properties, and the additives can compensate for the shortcomings of the base oil.
As a veteran driver who frequently takes long-distance trips, I can confirm that motor oil affects fuel consumption. Last year, my old sedan suddenly had a spike in fuel consumption, and upon inspection, it turned out the oil viscosity was too high. After switching to the recommended 0W-20 synthetic oil as per the manual, fuel consumption noticeably dropped by several liters. Oil that's too thick increases internal engine friction, forcing the engine to consume more fuel to run smoothly, and over time, these small fuel costs add up. However, oil shouldn't be too thin either, as insufficient lubrication can damage parts. I recommend checking the oil condition every 5,000 kilometers—replace it promptly if it's dirty or too thick. Also, don't overlook the oil level: overfilling causes drag, while too little fails to control friction. Developing this habit not only saves money but also extends engine life, especially during extreme seasonal temperature changes. Simple preventive measures yield significant returns.
