Once a Week, Every Week: New Calls for Drivers to Check Engine Oil Regularly
in Drive to Protect Engine Performance and Maximise Efficiency
- Drivers should make inspecting their engine oil part of a weekly motoring routine, says Institute of Advanced Motorists and Mobil 1
- Failure to keep oil levels topped up will lead to increased engine wear, fuel usage and diminished performance; as well as a potential drop in vehicles’ residual values
- New research reveals one in five UK drivers only check their engine oil levels when an instrument panel warning sign is activated; and 52% leave this important task to others
- Two out of three UK consumers saved fuel by using Mobil 1 engine oil*
- Mobil 1 engine oil’s advanced formula means outstanding engine protection and cleaning power, increasing engine life and maximising efficiency
Advanced engine technology means today’s cars are exceptionally reliable and can go further than ever between trips to the workshop. That’s good news for drivers, but means it is more important than ever to check engine oil regularly and top it up if necessary. Failure to do so – or waiting until a dashboard oil warning sign is illuminated – may mean motorists are taking a real risk with the health of their vehicle.
Comprehensive new research of 1,000 UK drivers** conducted on behalf of Mobil 1 has revealed that one in five (19.4%) admitted they were only prompted to check their engine oil when an instrument panel warning sign was activated. By the time this comes on, the oil pressure in your engine may have dropped meaning either there isn’t enough oil in the system or the oil pump isn’t circulating enough lubricant to keep the critical surfaces lubricated.
When it eventually comes to checking oil levels, over half of those questioned (51.6%) said that they leave this important task to others, for example a petrol station attendant, relative or friend.
Another two thirds of respondents (60.2%) stated that they only had their oil changed once a year at most, with nearly one in ten people (8.6%) saying their engine oil hadn’t been changed in over two years. An explanation for this may be that a worrying 45.7% of respondents were unaware of their vehicle manufacturer’s recommended oil change intervals.
“People inspect their house smoke alarm and their tyre treads and pressures on a regular basis because these are safety issues,” said Dan McGoldrick, Field Marketing UK, Nordic and Benelux for ExxonMobil Fuels & Lubricants, makers of Mobil 1. “We believe everyone should now add an engine oil check to that list. It takes just a few minutes and can have a major impact on the cost-effective and smooth running of your vehicle, prolonging its life. By the time the warning light is illuminated on the dashboard, it’s possible that lasting damage has already been done to your engine. It’s also vital to have your engine’s lubricant changed in line with manufacturer recommendations.”
Tim Shallcross, Head of Technical Policy at the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), added: “Oil is the hardest working component in your engine; it makes the moving parts move more easily, keeps the hottest areas cool and absorbs harmful and corrosive exhaust fumes. A low oil level or missed oil change is the quickest way to wear an engine out, which not only risks hazardous breakdowns, but can also knock hundreds of pounds off the value of your car.”
Engine oil levels usually drop because the fluid is leaking or finding its way into the combustion process. This means the remaining oil in the engine has to work harder, becoming dirtier and has a shorter useful life. The result is that vehicle performance is compromised. The consequences of running your engine with lower than optimum oil levels can be expensive and dramatic, with increased component wear, increased fuel usage, engine over-heating and even total mechanical seizure all possibilities.
Throughout its near-40-year history, Mobil 1 engine oil has been at the forefront of automotive lubrication innovation. Its advanced formula means outstanding engine protection and cleaning power, increasing engine life and maximising efficiency. In fact, two out of three UK consumers experienced fuel economy benefits when using Mobil 1 as their preferred engine oil. Ask your mechanic or look for the Mobil 1 range at leading retailers and auto parts stores.
How to check and top up your oil:
1. Park on a level surface, turn off the engine and wait for 3-4 minutes to allow oil to settle.
2. Find the dipstick, pull it out, wipe and re-dip before taking reading.
3. If reading is less than maximum, check the fill guide to find out which oil grade and viscosity is required and how much you need to add.
4. Remove the oil filler cap on top of your engine, add the right amount of oil and replace the cap.
5. Wait 60 seconds to allow oil to drain into your engine, then follow step 2 again. Add more oil if necessary and replace the oil filler cap.
Notes for editors
About the Survey
*Findings based on an independent survey of 1,103 Mobil 1 users conducted at www.mobil1.co.uk between 01/02/13 and 30/04/13. Excludes additional factors that may impact fuel consumption.
**Nationwide online survey (EAME Stay Ahead Campaign) of 1,000 UK motorists aged 18+, conducted on behalf of Mobil 1 by GfK Automotive Research – market research experts, in February 2013.
About Mobil 1TM motor oil
The world’s leading synthetic motor oil brand, Mobil 1TM oil features anti-wear technology that provides performance beyond our conventional motor oils. This technology allows Mobil 1 engine oil to meet or exceed the toughest standards of car builders and to provide exceptional protection against engine wear, under normal or even some of the most extreme conditions. Mobil 1 synthetic lubricant flows quickly in extreme temperatures to protect critical engine parts and is designed to maximise engine performance and help extend engine life.
About the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM)
The IAM is the UK’s leading independent road safety charity. They passionately believe that our roads can be made a safer place by improving the standards of the people who are using them. With over 50 years of experience, passion and insight, the IAM is uniquely positioned to help improve the skills and understanding of UK drivers, riders & cyclists.
Press release sent by Victoria Tomlin, Weber Shandwick UK
