The purpose of this work was to investigate a new nano-additive for improved internal combustion engine oils designed for increased fuel economy and a cleaner environment. The friction and wear characteristics of nano-lubricants containing hybrid nano-materials of Al2O3 and TiO2 were been evaluated under reciprocating test conditions to simulate a piston ring/cylinder liner contact. Al2O3/TiO2 nanoparticles were suspended in a commercially available lubricant in various concentrations. The Al2O3 and TiO2 nanoparticles had sizes of 8–12nm and 10nm, respectively. The morphology and microstructure of the tribofilms produced during frictional contact were investigated via FE-SEM, EDS and a 3-D surface profiler. In the best case, there was a reduction of frictional power losses for the simulated piston ring assembly by 40–51% compared to a commercially available lubricant. The nano-additive composition in that case was 0.05wt% Al2O3+0.05wt% TiO2. Moreover, the wear rate of piston ring decreased by 17% after a sliding of 50km due to the delamination of Al2O3 and TiO2 nanoparticles on worn surfaces. In that case, they acted as a solid lubricant to reduce both wear and scuffing. These results present a promising and straightforward approach to automotive fuel economy and an increased life span for engine parts. Display omitted •The frictional power losses were reduced by 40–51% using hybrid nano-lubricants.•The wear rate of the ring decreased by 17% due to the delamination mechanism.•The results showed that hybrid nano-lubricants improve the scuffing resistance.•These results present a promising approach to automotive fuel economy.