This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of the correlation between the lubrication characteristics of an engine and its fuel economy. Improving the lubrication characteristics of the engine oil is one of the most efficient ways to improve a car's fuel economy. The methods to accomplish this include lowering the viscosity, adding a friction modifier and optimizing the shear stability index of a viscosity index improver. In addition, it is necessary to use different methods to reduce the friction to individual lubrication areas, because different lubrication regimes are used for different engine parts. The experimental investigation in this study is based on design of experiments ; this paper presents the results of a modified Sequence VID test, which is an ASTM standard test used to measure the effects of automotive engine oils on the fuel economy of passenger cars. The results demonstrate the effects of the following lubrication factors on the fuel economy : the low temperature cranking viscosity, high-temperature high shear (HTHS) viscosity, friction modifier, polymer type and shear stability index of the viscosity index improver. Moreover, this study involves an analysis of variance based on design of experiments. The test results show that the HTHS viscosity, friction modifier and shear stability index of the viscosity index improver are more effective than the other factors. Therefore, lowering the viscosity, adding a friction modifier and optimizing the shear stability index of a viscosity index improver should be considered to improve fuel economy.