With fuel prices in South Africa climbing rapidly, and with no end to this trend in sight, motorists are looking for any way they can save on fuel, though many are overlooking the benefit that oil and lubricant maintenance can have.
This is according to Mario Vester, Engen Automotive Products Manager, who shares how drivers can get more efficiency, performance, and value from their cars as fuel prices continue to rise.
“For years, most South African drivers have treated engine oil as a basic commodity. Top it up, change it occasionally, move on. “Oil is oil,” right? Not anymore,” he says.
“With fuel prices climbing, lubricants are playing a far more important role. They’re no longer just about protecting your engine; they directly influence fuel efficiency, performance and long-term running costs.”
Vester explains that what is now found inside automotive oil bottles is much more advanced than many realise.
These modern lubricants have become carefully engineered blends of base oils and additives designed to reduce friction, manage heat and keep engines clean.
“In simple terms, the right oil helps your car run more efficiently, which matters when every litre counts,” he says.
Because modern engines, particularly smaller turbocharged petrol units and modern diesels, operate under much higher stress than before, they rely on precise lubrication to perform optimally.
“Using the wrong oil or simply choosing the cheapest option can increase friction, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. It can also lead to faster wear and more frequent maintenance,” adds Vester.
“Even small gains matter. A 1–3% improvement in fuel efficiency may seem minor, but over time it adds up, particularly at current fuel prices.”
Improving your car’s efficiency and performance
TotalEnergies explains that the main role of engine oil is to lubricate engine parts, which are constantly in motion and experience friction on metal surfaces.
As a result, it reduces friction and saves energy, and also reduces wear and tear by separating moving surfaces, so engine components last longer.
By doing so, automotive oil also prevents the engine from clogging, running inefficiently, and becoming damaged, ensuring mechanical parts corrode less and perform better in the long run.
Conversely, if oil is old and overused, or if the level is too low, the resulting friction alters the engine’s energy efficiency, increasing fuel consumption, as more energy is required to overcome extra friction.
TotalEnergies adds that, in addition to the type of oil, parameters such as viscosity play a critical role in the efficiency and performance of a vehicle.
To choose the right oil, the energy company suggests consulting your vehicle owner’s handbook or getting advice from a professional.
“A well-oiled engine runs better. Good lubrication is, in fact, essential to avoid serious mechanical damage. In addition to engine performance, the cost of maintenance is also affected,” it says.
South Africa’s driving conditions also make engine oils work harder to preserve efficiency and performance, with heat, dust, traffic and long distances all putting extra strain on engines.
However, Vester notes that the right oil helps maintain performance, protect components and reduce the risk of breakdowns, while also extending service intervals, which saves time and money.
“As engines evolve, so do lubricant requirements. Manufacturers are increasingly specifying lower-viscosity, high-performance oils to improve efficiency and reduce emissions,” he explains
“Engine oil is no longer just a maintenance item; it’s part of how your car delivers efficiency and value.”
According to Vester, choosing the right lubricant is one of the simplest ways to keep your car running better, for longer, while saving money where it matters most: at the pump.
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