Petrol and diesel owners could save '£120 per year' with one change

Motorists could save up to £120 per year on fuel by making one important but often overlooked change to their petrol and diesel vehicles this winter. Car engine oil is one of the most important parts of a vehicle with the solution cooling the engine and stopping corrosion.

However, road users may not be aware that changing oils ahead of the colder months could be crucial. According to experts at Show Plates World, most modern cars use multigrade oils all-year-round. However, In colder conditions, the wrong or degraded oil thickens which can slow circulation and delay the engine reaching its optimal temperature.

In turn, experts stress that this can increase fuel consumption ahead of this autumn and winter.

A spokesperson for Show Plates World said: "Most people think about tyres or batteries in cold weather, but engine oil matters just as much. Thick or degraded oil makes the engine work harder, so you use more fuel. Checking or changing oil in autumn is a simple, low-cost step that can improve efficiency before winter arrives."

Switching to the manufacturer-specified grade of oil can improve a vehicle's cold-start efficiency and cut operating costs. According to experts, a high-mileage driver covering 15,000 miles a year at 36 mpg spends roughly £3,030 on fuel at £1.60 per litre.

It means that a modest 4% efficiency gain from using the correct cold-flow oil could save about £120 over a year. However, specialists have stressed that actual savings will vary depending on a range of factors such as mileage, driving patterns and pump prices.

According to the RAC, motorists should already be making sure that they are changing their oil frequently. They suggest that oil should be changed at least every 12,000 miles or every 12 months, whichever comes first.

However, in some cases, drivers may decide to get their oil changed every 6,000 miles. The RAC explained there was several key indicators that usually suggest a vehicle may require an immediate oil change.

This includes clicking, knocking, or crunching sounds from the engine, excess smoke coming from the exhaust and an oil smell coming from the cabin.

The RAC even admits that drivers noticing their cars have poor fuel economy is one of the leading signs that oil may need to be changed.