Ninety four per cent of UK motorists are unaware of the benefits offered by synthetic engine oils, according to research from Mobil 1, which is running a competition on its website in which one lucky UK motorist will free fuel for a year from Esso.

The research also revealed that three quarters of motorists don’t know how to check their car’s oil level, and almost 50 per cent are not sure why oil is needed in an engine.

The company has enlisted the help of 2009 Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button, who took time out of his busy schedule with the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 team to demonstrate how to check a car’s lubrication levels, at the UK headquarters of ExxonMobil in Leatherhead, Surrey.

When asked about the potential fuel efficiency gains offered by Mobil 1, Jenson said: "I rely on Mobil 1 to help improve the efficiency and performance in my Vodafone McLaren Mercedes race car. But you can also benefit from these fuel economy savings by changing your engine oil to Mobil 1."

Mobil 1 claims to provide exceptional cleaning power, wear protection and overall performance, and have the potential to improve fuel economy and save consumers money.

"Mobil 1 is dedicated to educating consumers on the benefits of using synthetic engine oil technology, which includes helping to minimise lubricant breakdown and contamination in a car engine," said Dan McGoldrick, field marketing advisor UK, Nordic and Benelux for ExxonMobil Lubricants & Specialities, makers of Mobil 1. "We have enlisted the support of Jenson to help consumers become more aware that using the right oil for your engine can potentially improve fuel economy, reduce engine wear and save lots of expense in the long run."

The competition runs until the end of the year.