Can an oil change improve engine performance? – Jalopnik

Sticking to routine oil changes can certainly improve engine performance. However, we’re not talking about a magic formula that will turn your Corolla into a barrel-chested Dodge Viper V10. Changing the oil or switching from semi-synthetic to full synthetic will not add horsepower to your engine or make your car faster. When we say an oil change can improve horsepower, we mean that fresh oil can restore lost performance caused by degraded, muddy oil. And it’s not hard to understand why.

The oil in your engine does not have an infinite lifespan. It degrades over time, even if you don’t use the car, thanks to moisture, oxidation and additive breakdown. If you exceed the manufacturer’s recommended oil change interval of, for example, 8,000 km or six months, the oil will collect larger amounts of dirt and particles. And when it does, it loses its ability to lubricate internal parts, reduce friction, and keep the engine cool, all of which causes additional stress and reduces engine efficiency. If all that happens, the oil has most likely lost its original viscosity and become thicker, causing the engine to work harder while sacrificing performance and fuel economy.

So yes, an oil change can improve your engine’s performance and restore lost power due to months or years of neglect. But fresh oil does more than just keep the engine running while using minimal fuel and producing fewer emissions.

In addition, oil contains detergents and dispersants to dissolve and suspend most common oil contaminants, such as sludge and combustion byproducts. Sludge is an unpleasant byproduct of neglect, and finding it under the oil cap or in the engine indicates that the engine hasn’t had an oil change in who knows how long. Regular oil changes keep your engine clean and prevent sludge from spoiling the fun.

Periodic oil changes keep engine performance like new, prevent unnecessary wear and reduce operating costs. But since oil isn’t for everyone, it’s worth checking your owner’s manual to find out what the best oil is for your car. Keep in mind that using thicker oil has innate disadvantages, and sticking to the recommended viscosity is more important than choosing between name brand oil and store brand oil.