Does engine oil affect fuel consumption increase?
4 Answers
Engine oil affects fuel consumption. It provides good lubrication for the engine, reducing friction, cleaning, cushioning, and sealing. Poor lubrication: If the engine oil provides poor lubrication, it will increase the engine's movement resistance, leading to higher fuel consumption. Therefore, engine oil not only affects fuel consumption but also the engine's lifespan. It is recommended to change the engine oil every 5,000 kilometers. Long-term use of engine oil: After prolonged use, engine oil gradually deteriorates, reducing viscosity and lubrication efficiency, which increases friction. Over time, this causes severe engine wear, enlarging the gaps between moving parts. As a result, the engine may produce abnormal noises, which grow louder with increasing wear.
Engine oil can indeed affect increased fuel consumption. Through my long-term research in automotive technology, I've observed that the key factor is the oil's viscosity grade. If your engine oil is too thick—for instance, using a high-viscosity SAE 10W-40 instead of the manufacturer-recommended 0W-20—the engine will encounter more frictional resistance during operation, requiring more fuel to maintain speed. This is especially true during cold starts, where thicker oil's poor flowability forces the engine to work harder, leading to additional consumption. Additionally, when engine oil degrades or is of poor quality, its lubricating performance declines, similarly driving up fuel consumption. I always recommend selecting the correct viscosity as specified in the vehicle's manual and using full synthetic oil to enhance efficiency. Regularly checking the oil's condition is also crucial, such as changing it every 5,000 kilometers, which not only reduces fuel consumption but also protects the engine from wear.
Having driven for over a decade, I've personally experienced how engine oil affects fuel consumption. When I used conventional mineral oil before, the car felt normal, but after switching to a higher-viscosity synthetic oil, the fuel consumption noticeably increased, especially during long-distance trips. I've also encountered situations where the oil was too old and not changed in time, leading to insufficient lubrication that made the engine run harder, resulting in weaker power and slightly higher fuel consumption readings on the dashboard. These small lessons taught me to choose the right type of engine oil and not to compromise on quality for cheaper options. Developing a habit of changing the oil during every maintenance, typically checking every 6 months, helps stabilize fuel consumption and saves on fuel costs.
During car repairs, I often encounter oil-related issues causing high fuel consumption. If the oil is too thick or too old, friction between engine components increases, leading to higher fuel usage. For example, high-viscosity oil creates more resistance during startup, forcing the engine to work harder; or dirty oil with poor lubrication also raises fuel consumption. It's recommended to choose the correct viscosity grade as per the owner's manual—typically, low-viscosity 0W or 5W series oils are more fuel-efficient for modern vehicles. Also, ensure the oil level is appropriate, as too much or too little affects efficiency. Checking is simple: use the dipstick monthly to inspect color and level, and timely oil changes can prevent unnecessary fuel waste.
