The Relationship Between Oil Changes and Fuel Efficiency
With today’s high fuel prices, it’s hard not to wince when your car’s gas tank is almost empty. While you can’t control the price of gas, you can have an impact on how efficiently your vehicle uses fuel.
Prioritizing oil changes is one of the most effective steps you can take while trying to improve your car’s gas mileage — when you pay attention to this service, your vehicle will run as smoothly as possible. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about the link between fuel efficiency and oil changes.
Fuel Efficiency in Southern California
As every Southern California resident knows, this part of the country can get hot, especially during the summer. That heat can actually benefit your fuel efficiency: Your engine won’t need to spend time warming up, and warm air has less aerodynamic drag than cool air. However, you’ll probably want to beat the heat with your air conditioning system in the summer, which can reduce your fuel economy by 25% or more.
Southern California communities such as Ontario and Mission Viejo are also relatively close to Los Angeles, a city that has some of the worst traffic in the United States. When your vehicle is stuck in stop-and-go traffic, your engine will continue to burn gas even though it’s getting zero miles per gallon. Automatic start-stop systems can help, but if you regularly visit LA, you should still consider this factor.
How Can Oil Changes Boost Fuel Efficiency?
Living in Southern California can pose some unique challenges related to fuel efficiency, so you’ll want to do everything you can to maximize your miles per gallon. One of the most important things you can do in pursuit of this goal is also incredibly simple: Schedule frequent oil changes. By following a regular oil change interval, you’ll be able to:
Remove Thick Oil
Given enough time, your car’s motor oil will start to break down; when that happens, it will develop a sludgy, thick consistency. At that point, your engine will need to work extra hard to keep this oil flowing, and it will burn fuel faster as a result. You can make this a nonissue by getting an oil change and replacing your old, dirty oil with thinner oil.
Keep Contaminants From Accumulating
Regular oil changes can also keep contaminants such as dirt from building up in your motor oil. These particles can make it harder for your oil to lubricate your engine’s moving parts, eventually leading to a situation where they start to grind against each other. That friction can reduce your fuel efficiency (and potentially result in severe internal engine damage), making this another reason why you need regular oil changes.
Prevent Engine Clogs
The sludge-like particles found in aging motor oil can easily clog engine components such as spark plugs and filters. When that happens, fuel vapors will have a much harder time getting where they need to go or burning off like they should. By eliminating engine sludge, oil change service can make this a nonissue.
Other Fuel Efficiency Tips
Though no driver can safely skip oil changes, focusing on this service isn’t the only way you can keep your engine running as efficiently as possible. Along with getting frequent oil changes, you’ll want to:
Focus on Auto Maintenance
Spark plug failure, bad connections, and air filter clogs can all impede your car’s ability to use fuel. Fortunately, regular preventative maintenance can allow the mechanics at your go-to auto shop to identify and resolve these issues.
Don’t Neglect Your Tire Pressure
When your tires aren’t sufficiently inflated, you won’t get the fuel economy you’d expect from your vehicle. With that in mind, make a point of regularly checking your tire pressure.
Travel at Steady Speeds
Did you know that your driving speed can impact your overall fuel efficiency? At speeds above 45 mph, your car will use gas less efficiently than it would at slower speeds. It’s wise to follow recommended speed limits, use cruise control whenever possible, and brake and accelerate gradually.
Keep Your Vehicle Clean
Storing 100 pounds of items in your vehicle might not seem like a big deal, but it can reduce fuel economy. If you have old books or lawn chairs in your trunk or an unused bike rack on your roof, consider getting rid of this extra weight.
Where To Find Southern California’s Best Oil Change
Though these tips can help your vehicle use fuel more efficiently, they can’t replace your need for an occasional oil change. When you need to take care of this service, look for a Southern California auto shop offering:
- ASE-certified mechanics
- Service quotes
- Convenient locations
- Exceptional customer service
- Online coupons
At Ramona Tire & Service Centers, we deliver all of these advantages and more — that’s why we’ve been this region’s go-to auto shop since 1969. If you’re overdue for an oil change, start by scheduling an appointment online!
