Protecting Your Fuel Economy

It’s common knowledge that, at some point, motor oil must be changed. But many drivers are unaware of what makes oil changes necessary. High operating pressure and temperatures of the engine and contamination by combustion products all degrade motor oil and alter its viscosity. And that’s important because oil viscosity can impact your fuel economy. 

Today’s engines are running hotter than ever. In the complex world of motor oil, heat makes the oil thinner or thicker, depending on the circumstance. Once the viscosity improving additives that allow for multi-grade oil formulations begin to break down, the motor oil is liable to become thinner at high temperature, providing less protection from wear. However, if that same motor oil remains in the engine for an extended period of time, at high temperatures the small, light molecules in conventional oil tend to evaporate, leaving large, heavy molecules behind. This makes the oil thicker and heavier. This viscosity increase contributes to poor circulation, drop in oil pressure, wear and emissions, and reduced fuel economy. 

Combustion also produces several by-products that may act as contaminants. Water and acids can lead to sludge, rust and corrosion. When motor oil becomes contaminated, with soot, dirt, oxidation or sludge, its viscosity increases.

Quality Tune Up Shop only uses Chevron® and Havoline® lubricants in your vehicle. Havoline® with the Deposit Shield® formulation has been proven to retain its viscosity under harsh operating conditions, which helps protect fuel economy.