How Motor Oil Affects Fuel Efficiency and the Environment

Your Engine and Oil

If you drive a car, you likely know that you need to get your oil changed every so often. This helps to keep your engine lubricated and protect it from damage. You may not realize, however, that it also has an impact on your fuel efficiency. Furthermore, it can help your engine to be more environmentally friendly.

What Oil Does

Your motor oil is a lubricant that helps the moving parts of your engine to move with minimal friction. It also helps to remove any contaminants from the engine and passes them through a filter. Without oil, your engine would grind against itself, creating wear and potentially damaging the moving parts. This can also happen if your oil is sludgy from not being changed recently enough.

The Impact on Fuel Efficiency

The oil is being moved by your engine. If the oil is thick and difficult to move, it will require more energy from the engine to move it. Simply put, overly thick oil causes your engine to be less fuel-efficient. Please note, this does not mean that you should switch to a lower viscosity (thinner) oil. Instead, you should always follow the recommended oil type indicated in your owner’s manual. However, the oil becomes more viscous over time as it is contaminated. This causes the oil to become sludgy. High heat and the oil additives breaking down also cause engine sludge.

If you have not had an oil change recently, you may be robbing your vehicle of fuel efficiency. Make sure to check your oil often and change it at least as often as recommended in your owner’s manual maintenance schedule.

The Impact on the Environment

Since sludgy oil can cause your engine to be less fuel-efficient, it can also have a negative impact on the environment. The more efficient your vehicle, the kinder you are to the world around you. Furthermore, taking care to dispose of oil properly is also helpful. Dumping oil inappropriately can cause serious harm to animals and plants around you.

Get Your Oil Changed

Contact G&C Tire & Auto Service today for your oil change. Come visit us in Manassas for all your auto repair and maintenance needs. Alternatively, schedule an appointment online.