A car that runs at it’s peak will produce the best fuel economy.  Anything that interferes with peak engine performance will decrease fuel economy and cost you gas and money.  That is the reason that proper oil maintenance of your engine is critical to maintaining good fuel economy.

A regularly scheduled oil change should be one of the priorities for maintaining your car. Changing it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations is essential to keeping your vehicle in top operating condition and keeping your fuel economy at its best.

Oil lubricates the moving parts of the engine, preventing metal-to-metal contact, minimizing friction and carrying away excess heat - all of which promote better gasoline efficiency and reduced emissions.

This automotive lubricant also removes dirt, metal shavings and other impurities from the motor and captures them in the filter. You can pay a severe penalty for neglecting motor oil, possibly even needing to replace the motor itself. Keeping track of your last oil change will save you money at the gas pump and decrease your fuel consumption.

You should follow the manufacturers recommended maintenance schedule. If the manufacturer says to change the oil every three thousand miles or every three months, do it.  If this lubricant is not replaced at the proper time it becomes saturated with impurities it is supposed to remove from the engine.  If it becomes saturated with these impurities, it will be less efficient in doing its job.  That will cause the engine performance to decline and your fuel economy will decline with it.

Make sure that you are using the right grade that is required by your car or truck. By using the lowest multi grade recommended in your owner’s manual, you can improve the gasoline efficiency of the engine, particularly when starting it cold.

Using the right grade of oil  ensures that your car will run as smoothly as it should in all types of weather. If you use a grade of lubricant that is too heavy it will force the engine to work harder to overcome it’s resistance.  If the motor works harder it uses more gasoline. You can improve your gas mileage by 1-2 percent by using the manufacturer’s recommended grade and not a higher grade.

As an example, using 10W-30 motor oil in an engine designed to use 5W-30 can lower your gas mileage by 1-2 percent.  For best engine performance, fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, use only the type and grade recommended in the owner’s manual.

Many car owners neglect the proper routine of oil changes. Don’t loose gas mileage and money by putting it off.  Make sure your oil is changed at the correct time and make sure the right grade is used.  This simple routine will help you control your gas costs.