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Fuel efficiency is the measure of how well a vehicle converts the energy stored in fuel into usable energy for propulsion, specifically in terms of distance traveled per unit of fuel consumed. It is commonly expressed as fuel economy and is typically measured in miles per gallon (mpg) or kilometers per liter (km/l). The higher the fuel efficiency, the more miles or kilometers a vehicle can travel on a given amount of fuel.
In practical terms, the better your fuel efficiency, the less you need to stop and refuel at a gas station.
Understandably, fuel efficiency is a key consideration for both manufacturers and consumers due to its impact on operating costs, environmental sustainability, and energy conservation. Vehicles with higher fuel efficiency contribute to reduced fuel consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and decreased dependence on fossil fuels.
As a driver, it's in your benefit to have a vehicle with good fuel efficiency. That means you need to take care of certain maintenance items, like oil changes, to optimize the amount of miles you can drive before needed to refuel.
But you might wonder from time to time how much of an effect dirty oil truly has on a vehicle's fuel economy.
In 2019, Chemical & Engineering News (C&EN) published an article looking at the connection between gas mileage and engine oil. The primary takeaway was that oil viscosity has perhaps the biggest impact on fuel economy. The heavier the oil, the more drag on the vehicle. However, there are other factors that contribute to a loss of fuel economy with dirty oil.
While the overall effect of new engine oil on mpg might seem small to some, it can make a noticeable impact in combination with other efforts, such as the design of the tires and any weight reduction efforts the vehicle manufacturer employs.
Regardless, the benefits of changing oil also go beyond fuel economy. As a result, the service remains an important part of routine maintenance.
Dirty or contaminated engine oil can have a notable impact on fuel efficiency, due to:
Increased Friction:
Clean engine oil provides effective lubrication, reducing friction and wear between engine parts. When oil becomes dirty, its lubricating properties diminish, leading to increased wear on engine components. This wear, in turn, can decrease fuel efficiency.
Decreased Engine Performance:
Contaminated oil can contribute to the formation of deposits on critical engine components, such as fuel injectors and valves. These deposits can interfere with the fuel combustion process, resulting in incomplete burning of fuel and decreased fuel efficiency.
Heat Buildup:
Efficient engine oil helps dissipate heat generated during the combustion process. Dirty oil may have reduced heat-dissipating capabilities, leading to increased temperatures within the engine. Higher temperatures can negatively impact fuel efficiency and overall engine performance.
Clogged Oil Filters:
Over time, dirty oil can clog the oil filter, reducing the flow of oil to the engine. Restricted oil flow hinders proper lubrication and cooling, potentially leading to increased fuel consumption and decreased efficiency. Vehicle manufacturers typically recommended that you have the oil filter changed at every oil change or every other oil change as well.
Engine Overloading:
In extreme cases, severely dirty oil may cause the engine to work harder, leading to increased fuel consumption. This can result in a significant drop in fuel efficiency and overall vehicle performance. It may also lead to a build up of oil sludge.
To maintain optimal fuel efficiency and keep your vehicle's performance strong, adhere to the oil change intervals recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. Routine oil changes keep the engine lubricated with clean oil, promote smooth operation, minimize friction, and support efficient fuel combustion.
If you need an oil change in Wilmington, NC, visit Delaney Tire & Auto. We are ready to assist with your automotive maintenance and LOF service needs.
*Tire installment package required for online only. Goodyear Credit Card offers are subject to credit approval. Get up to $100 back by mail-in or online rebate on a qualifying purchase of a set of 4 select Goodyear tires with any form of payment method; plus get an added rebate of up to $100 more when the purchase is made on the Goodyear Credit Card from 4/1/2024 to 6/30/2024.
Get a $100 Visa Prepaid Card with purchase or $200 Visa Prepaid Card with purchase on the Goodyear Credit Card of: Assurance ComfortDrive®, Eagle Exhilarate® and Wrangler DuraTrac® RT.
Get a $75 Visa Prepaid Card with purchase or $150 Visa Prepaid Card with purchase on the Goodyear Credit Card of: Assurance WeatherReady®, Eagle® Sport All-Season Family (includes ROF and SCT), Wrangler® All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar® and Wrangler Steadfast HT®.
Get a $50 Visa Prepaid Card with purchase or $100 Visa Prepaid Card with purchase on the Goodyear Credit Card of: Assurance MaxLife®.
Get a $25 Visa Prepaid Card with purchase or $50 Visa Prepaid Card with purchase or $50 Visa Prepaid Card with purchase on the Goodyear Credit Card of: Assurance® All-Season.
Limit one (1) mail-in or online rebate per qualifying purchase, per visit. Limit one (1) rebate form per tire purchase, per envelope. Limit four (4) rebates per individual consumer, per promotion period. Tire rebates are on a set of four select tires. If your vehicle requires six tires, rebates are available on a prorated basis for the two additional tires. The prorated rebate amount, per additional tire, is 25% of the rebate amount listed above. The minimum purchase is a set of four tires, and the maximum purchase is six tires per invoice. Complete purchase must be made on the Goodyear Credit Card to receive maximum rebate offer. Offers available only at authorized participating U.S. Goodyear retailers and websites. Offer valid only for U.S. residents who are individual consumers with mailing addresses in the U.S. and U.S. territories. Offers valid for consumer accounts in good standing. Not valid on previous purchases. Cannot be combined with other Goodyear tire rebate offers. Base portion of rebate offered by Goodyear, and bonus portion of rebate offered by Citibank, N.A. The Goodyear Credit Card is issued by Citibank, N.A.
Completed rebate forms must be postmarked or submitted online no later than 7/31/2024. Invoice must have eligible tire name and proof of purchase on Goodyear Credit Card (when applicable) clearly indicated. Online purchases must include copy of the online purchase invoice and the installation invoice from authorized Goodyear retailer. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for Visa Prepaid Card/Virtual Card delivery. Goodyear reserves the right to substitute a check of equal value in lieu of a Visa Prepaid Card at its discretion. For additional questions, or to check the status of your rebate, you may visit www.Goodyear.com/rebates or call the Goodyear Rebate Customer Service at 1-888-683-8724 Monday to Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. ET and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET on Saturday. Fraudulent submissions will not be honored and may be prosecuted. Sponsor is not responsible for noncomplying rebate submissions or for lost, late, illegible, postage-due or undeliverable mail. Noncomplying rebate submissions will not be honored, acknowledged or returned. Void where taxed, restricted or prohibited by law. All decisions made by Goodyear (or its authorized representatives) relating to the validity of any submissions are final and binding. This promotion is subject to all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Retain copies of the materials you submit. Additional terms and conditions apply. Ask participating retailer for complete details and rebate form.
Rebate paid in the form of a Goodyear Visa Prepaid Card or Virtual Card. Prepaid Card/Virtual Card is issued by Pathward, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. No cash access or recurring payments. Prepaid Card can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Virtual Card can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted online or for phone/mail orders. Prepaid Card/Virtual Card valid for up to 6 months; unused funds will forfeit after the valid thru date. Prepaid Card terms and conditions apply. Pathward does not endorse or sponsor the Goodyear Credit Card offer.
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