Will Not Changing Engine Oil Increase Fuel Consumption?
3 Answers
Not changing engine oil will increase fuel consumption. Below is the relevant explanation: 1. Impact: Prolonged failure to change engine oil affects a car's fuel consumption. Not changing engine oil for an extended period significantly reduces its sealing, lubrication, and cooling functions, leading to decreased engine power and increased fuel consumption. 2. Specific reasons: During use, engine oil's performance gradually declines due to contamination and oxidation, and there is also some consumption. Simply topping up without changing can only compensate for the lack of oil quantity but cannot make up for the loss of lubrication performance. It's like mixing cold water with room temperature water; it can only become warmer, not cooler. Therefore, only adding oil without changing it will result in progressively worse performance.
Not changing the engine oil does increase fuel consumption. As someone who frequently drives to work like me, I was too busy to get maintenance done for several months last time, and I noticed I had to refuel more often. Checking the records, I found that my car used to burn 9 liters per 100 kilometers, but now it's jumped to 11 liters. When chatting with my mechanic friend, he told me that over time, engine oil gets dirty and thickens, making it less effective at lubricating the engine's internals. With increased friction between parts, the car has to "work harder," naturally leading to higher fuel consumption. After changing to fresh oil, the consumption immediately dropped back below 10 liters. It's advisable to regularly check the oil condition, such as changing it every 5,000 kilometers—this not only saves on fuel costs but also extends the car's lifespan. Forgetting this might seem minor with just higher fuel consumption, but engine damage is a much bigger issue. Don't lose the big for the small.
Not changing the engine oil for a long time will definitely increase fuel consumption. Having worked as a mechanic for over a decade, I've seen too many car owners complain about this issue. Engine oil is like the blood of a car; when it ages, it turns black and becomes viscous, reducing its lubrication effectiveness. This causes increased friction between the engine pistons and bearings. The car has to burn more gasoline to maintain power, naturally leading to 10% or even 20% higher fuel consumption. Simply put, change it when it's time—don't wait until it starts consuming more fuel. Generally, perform maintenance every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers, including an oil change, to keep fuel consumption stable and the engine noise low. Don’t forget, if this issue accumulates over time, it won’t just waste fuel but could also lead to component damage, increasing the cost of major repairs—it’s not worth it.
