1. Lubrication: Fresh oil provides optimal lubrication to the engine’s moving parts, reducing friction and wear. This helps the engine run smoothly and efficiently.
2. Cooling: Oil helps dissipate heat from the engine. Over time, oil can break down and become less effective at cooling, so new oil helps maintain proper engine temperature.
3. Cleaning: Oil carries away dirt, debris, and metal particles from the engine. New oil is better at cleaning these contaminants, which can improve engine performance.
4. Preventing Sludge: Old oil can thicken and turn into sludge, which can clog the engine and reduce efficiency. Fresh oil helps prevent sludge buildup.
5. Improving Fuel Efficiency: Well-lubricated and clean engine parts reduce friction and resistance, which can improve fuel efficiency.
6. Protecting Engine Parts: New oil contains additives that help protect the engine against corrosion, oxidation, and other forms of wear and tear.

While new oil itself doesn’t directly increase the power of the engine, it ensures that the engine operates under optimal conditions, which can result in better performance and longevity. Regular oil changes are a crucial part of vehicle maintenance for maintaining engine health and efficiency.

Feeling that your car is faster after an oil change can be attributed to several factors:

1. Improved Engine Efficiency: Fresh oil reduces friction between the engine’s moving parts, allowing them to move more freely. This improved lubrication can make the engine run more smoothly and efficiently, which can translate to a feeling of increased responsiveness and power.
2. Better Combustion: Clean oil ensures that the engine’s components are functioning correctly, leading to more efficient combustion. Efficient combustion can improve throttle response and acceleration, making the car feel quicker.
3. Reduced Engine Noise: Old or degraded oil can cause increased engine noise and vibration. Fresh oil can reduce this noise and vibration, making the car feel smoother and more responsive.
4. Psychological Effect: Knowing that your car has been serviced and is in better condition can influence how you perceive its performance. This psychological effect can make you more attuned to positive changes in how the car drives.
5. Improved Oil Viscosity: Fresh oil has the proper viscosity to effectively lubricate engine components. Over time, oil can become contaminated and lose its viscosity, leading to increased friction and reduced performance. New oil restores the proper lubrication, which can make the engine feel more powerful.
6. Reduced Sludge and Deposits: Old oil can accumulate sludge and deposits that hinder engine performance. An oil change removes these contaminants, allowing the engine to operate more efficiently and potentially making the car feel faster.

Overall, while an oil change doesn’t increase the engine’s power output, it optimizes the engine’s operating conditions, leading to a smoother, more responsive driving experience that can feel like improved performance.