Does Engine Oil Affect Fuel Consumption?
2 Answers
Engine oil does affect fuel consumption. It provides good lubrication for the engine, reducing friction, cleaning, buffering, and sealing. Poor lubrication from engine oil increases the engine's movement resistance, leading to higher fuel consumption. Engine oil not only impacts fuel consumption but also influences the engine's lifespan. The functions of engine oil include: 1. Reducing friction and high temperatures to minimize wear; 2. Sealing effect—engine oil forms a seal between the piston rings and pistons, reducing gas leakage and preventing contaminants from entering; 3. Anti-rust effect—lubricating oil adheres to parts' surfaces, protecting them from water, air, acidic substances, and harmful gases; 4. Buffering effect—when pressure in the engine cylinder rises sharply, the load on pistons, piston skirts, connecting rods, and crankshaft bearings increases significantly. This load is transmitted and lubricated through bearings, cushioning the impact; 5. Cleaning effect—flushing away dirt generated on the working surfaces of parts.
Having driven for several years, I've found that the choice of engine oil does affect fuel consumption. When the oil is too thick or old, the engine works harder with increased friction, leading to higher fuel consumption. On the other hand, using the right oil, such as low-viscosity synthetic oil like 5W-30, makes the car run more smoothly and saves fuel. Maintenance-wise, timely oil changes are crucial—I usually change it every 5,000 kilometers, as dirty or thickened oil increases fuel consumption. This is noticeable in daily driving; after each oil change, acceleration feels smoother, and the fuel gauge drops slower. The car manual recommends the oil type, and following it has proven reliable. In short, while oil may seem like a small detail, its impact on fuel efficiency is significant and shouldn't be overlooked.
