How Lubricants Help to Save Money: Here Are Some Tips to Save Money on Car Maintenance
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Image credits to Geotab
With the recent spike in oil and gas prices it has increased the cost of goods and services and most Malaysians are feeling the strain which have resorted to devising cost-cutting measures wherever possible.
Apart from that, you should also know that there are numerous hidden and unexpected fees that can build up and unfortunately one of which includes car maintenance rates.
However, worry not! In Caricarz we would like to share a few handy pointers as to help your Ringgit go farther, here are some fuel-saving ideas from Group Chief Technology Officer for PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI), Ravi Tallamraju.
Firstly, try to have a lighter vehicle load which could contribute to fuel savings and especially reduce your car's operating costs. Besides, it's a good idea to conduct monthly check-ups to clear out unneeded weight that's slowing you down, whether it's a gym bag that's been collecting dust in the trunk of your car or some forgotten water bottles that's seeking refuge in the leg-space of the backseat.
The lighter the vehicle, the better its fuel economy!

Image credits to Pinterest
Next, before we go deep into it, are you aware that driving with underinflated or overinflated tyres can increase fuel consumption and shorten tyre life?
Let’s say If the manufacturer recommends a pressure range, the greater pressure should be used to enhance fuel efficiency. Also, deflated tyres grow excessively heated and can endanger your safety.
More than that, it also reduces fuel economy by increasing rolling resistance, so ALWAYS keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure. On top of all of these, the life of the engine can be significantly extended, engine maintenance requirements can be decreased, and fuel efficiency can be considerably increased by using the proper lubricant quality and viscosity grade.
Notably, lubricants with a careful blend of additives and base fluids protect engine surfaces and regulate friction to lower the energy required to operate these mechanical systems.

Image credits to Alibaba
Now, we have enhanced machine fuel economy which is crucial to lowering energy consumption and emissions provided by PETRONAS.
For example, the new PETRONAS Syntium with CoolTech+TM technology which is designed to improve thermal efficiency, control engine heat dissipation, and lower vehicle exhaust emissions offers to improve engine performance for greener along with more cost-effective transportation.
Fast forward to today, motorists could have the confidence to take on new challenges thanks to the new CoolTech+TM technology.
The new CoolTech+TM technology also allows drivers the assurance they need to brave the open road, knowing that their engines, wallets, and the environment as a whole will be less affected.
Last but not least, skipping your routine maintenance to save a few Ringgits may not be the best course of action as it might increase operational costs significantly.
Hence, this pack up the reasons of why maintaining your vehicle on a regular basis will help you to save money on gas.
According to a Fuel Economy article shared by the oil firm, using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil will increase gas mileage by 1% to 2%.
Simply cleaning air filters, changing oil, or addressing any form of vehicle maintenance issue can enhance your auto mileage by up to 40%. In addition, extensive testing on a variety of engines by PLI confirms that a properly designed lubricant can increase fuel efficiency by up to 4% under standard testing conditions.
There you go! We hope this article finds its way to being useful especially to all of our readers in Caricarz.
Written By
Jesica Sendai
from 9 to 5 grinder to 'racing' her way in the automotive industry through editorial work.
JPJ Running Numbers
KUALA LUMPUR
VQQ6395
SELANGOR
BSN4179
JOHOR
JYT3364
PULAU PINANG
PSA5792
PERAK
APG361
PAHANG
CFF8012
KEDAH
KGE7928
NEGERI SEMBILAN
NEJ7865
KOTA KINABALU
SJQ8244
KUCHING
QAB4157N
Last updated 18 Mar, 2026
Fuel Price
Petrol
RON 95
RM 2.59
+0.05
RON 97
RM 3.15
+0.05
RON 100
RM 5.00
VPR
RM 6.23
Diesel
EURO 5 B10
RM 3.04
+0.05
EURO 5 B7
RM 3.24
+0.05
Last updated 26 Feb, 2026
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