The Impact of Oil Changes on Gas Mileage: Engine Oil and Fuel Efficiency
The Timing of Your Oil Change Can Greatly Affect Your Fuel Economy
Did you know that going past your recommended oil change interval can lower your fuel economy by as much as 12%? Your oil change service is one of the most important services that you can provide for your vehicle — it's also one of the most common. While many drivers associate routine oil changes with engine reliability and performance, not many drivers understand how large a role routine oil changes play in your fuel economy.
At Ramona Tire & Service Centers, we’re the automotive experts who are here to help keep your vehicle in its best mechanical condition. We provide quality oil change services to all makes and models of vehicles, and we use only the highest-quality oil to ensure that your engine always enjoys the best protection.
Let's talk about the impact of oil changes on your fuel economy, and be sure to schedule an appointment at Ramona Tire for a quality oil change in Riverside, CA.
The Role of Oil in Your Engine
Your engine oil is responsible for providing vital lubrication, cooling, and cleaning properties for the many moving parts inside your engine. As your engine runs, these moving parts generate immense friction, which leads to extreme heat. Your oil also provides cleaning properties for your engine. As it circulates over these moving parts, it can capture contaminants, such as sludge and carbon deposits, and trap them in your oil filter before recirculating through your engine.
Over time, your oil will slowly begin to lose its cooling and lubricating properties as it grows dirtier and begins to oxidize. As your engine oil loses its lubricating, cooling, and protective properties, friction in your engine begins to build and, if left unchecked, can lead to engine damage.
The Benefits of Routine Oil Changes:
Changing your oil regularly has a profound effect on your engine. Here are a few of the benefits of routine oil changes:
- Engine longevity
- Optimal fuel economy
- Engine reliability
- Lower cost of ownership
Schedule an Oil Change Service
How Motor Oil Plays a Role in Fuel Economy
So far, we've been talking about the importance of timely oil changes and how they affect engine reliability. You may ask yourself, “How does this affect my fuel economy?”
Because your engine has so many moving parts, it is necessary that each of these parts has the proper lubricant to move smoothly with the least amount of effort from your engine. When your engine has fresh oil, it requires less energy to operate. In turn, this translates to better fuel economy from your engine. However, if your oil is unable to provide adequate lubrication for these moving parts, your engine must work harder to operate, which in turn consumes more fuel.
A Practical Example of Friction
Imagine watching an individual go down a water slide. You will notice they can get to the bottom more easily because the water moving beneath them minimizes friction, and allows them to reach the bottom using virtually no energy.
Now imagine if someone tries to get down that same slide without the moving water beneath them. Sliding to the bottom would be extremely difficult due to the friction occurring between their skin and the slide. Additionally, they’ll need to exert extra energy to make it to the bottom.
A person who slides to the bottom of a water slide without water may also experience a few injuries on their skin from the friction. Similarly, your engine can experience damage if it runs without oil which can reduce its internal friction. If you notice your vehicle is consuming more fuel, this could be because it is exerting more energy to operate, much like a person would have to exert extra energy to get to the bottom of the water slide.
Oil Change Types and How Often To Get It Changed
There are three different types of oil, each of which offers its own level of protection:
1. Conventional oil
This oil is derived from crude oil and offers adequate protection for many engines. Conventional oil is not compatible with every type of motor, but those that can use conventional oil are recommended to perform an oil change every 3,000-5,000 miles.
2. Synthetic blend
Synthetic blend oil offers better protection than conventional oil. Often used for high-mileage vehicles, this type of oil can withstand temperatures of up to 400 F (compared to conventional oil’s 275 F) and also features a longer change interval of 5,000-7,500 miles.
3. Full synthetic oil
This type of oil offers the best protection for your engine thanks to its chemically engineered molecular structure that offers protection for up to 500 F. Also offering improved performance in sub-zero conditions, this type of oil is great for high-performance engines and engines that operate in extreme conditions. Thanks to its superior protection, synthetic oil offers the longest change intervals of 7,500-10,000 miles.
What Are the Signs That You Need an Oil Change?
There are a few signs to look out for when your vehicle is due for an oil change:
- Rough idle
- Reduced fuel economy
- Past-due service interval
- Burning oil smell
- Exhaust smoke
Schedule Service at Ramona Tire Today
At Ramona Tire, we offer all of the automotive services that your vehicle will ever need. Whether you're looking for an affordable full synthetic oil change or you need other automotive services, trust the experts at Ramona Tire to handle all of your automotive needs.
We even offer additional oil change coupons that help you save money while enjoying quality service. Schedule an appointment at Ramona Tire today and enjoy peace of mind with a quality oil change in Riverside.
