Oil Changes: Get Ready for Winter!
It's just about time to get out those heavy coats again as summer has ended and winter is on its way. Summer's hot temperatures may have played havoc on your vehicle's engine, especially relating to oil changes. Make sure you schedule an oil change before the cold of winter arrives in full-force. Protect your vehicle with an oil change so you don't get stranded out in the cold with a car that doesn't run.
Get your engine ready for winter:
- Have regular oil changes. This will keep the engine's moving parts from overheating. When oil is cold, it thickens; when it heats up, it becomes less viscous, or more watery. The differences are crucial when it comes to protecting your engine against extremes in weather.
- Viscosity. Viscosity is measured using two numbers and a letter. Use 10W-40 for an example; the first number (10) refers to the thickness at cold temperatures (0ºFahrenheit), and the second number refers to the thickness at high temperatures (212º Fahrenheit.) The first number is crucial for cold temperatures as you want to make sure your engine is protected at startup. The second number is more important once your car is warmed up and going down the road.
- Types of oil. The different types offer varying degrees of protection. While synthetics maintain a more consistent viscosity over a broad range of temperatures, they're also significantly more expensive, and sometimes incompatible with certain older engines. Synthetic blends include a combination of both natural and synthetics, offering many of the benefits of the pricier oil without the high cost. Premium natural conventional oils are of higher quality with increased levels of protection.
Your selection of oil type and viscosity will depend on the climates where you live and how you drive, compatibility with your vehicle, and your budget. The most important source of information about oil changes for winter weather for your specific engine is your car's owner's manual. Read it carefully, and follow the recommended oil change schedule.
Looking for affordable and quality oil changes? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Care Auto by calling 507-625-8005, or go on-line at www.expresscareautomn.com for more information and to find our oil change coupons. Our automotive repair shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
It's just about time to get out those heavy coats again as summer has ended and winter is on its way. Summer's hot temperatures may have played havoc on your vehicle's engine, especially relating to oil changes. Make sure you schedule an oil change before the cold of winter arrives in full-force. Protect your vehicle with an oil change so you don't get stranded out in the cold with a car that doesn't run.
Get your engine ready for winter:
- Have regular oil changes. This will keep the engine's moving parts from overheating. When oil is cold, it thickens; when it heats up, it becomes less viscous, or more watery. The differences are crucial when it comes to protecting your engine against extremes in weather.
- Viscosity. Viscosity is measured using two numbers and a letter. Use 10W-40 for an example; the first number (10) refers to the thickness at cold temperatures (0ºFahrenheit), and the second number refers to the thickness at high temperatures (212º Fahrenheit.) The first number is crucial for cold temperatures as you want to make sure your engine is protected at startup. The second number is more important once your car is warmed up and going down the road.
- Types of oil. The different types offer varying degrees of protection. While synthetics maintain a more consistent viscosity over a broad range of temperatures, they're also significantly more expensive, and sometimes incompatible with certain older engines. Synthetic blends include a combination of both natural and synthetics, offering many of the benefits of the pricier oil without the high cost. Premium natural conventional oils are of higher quality with increased levels of protection.
Your selection of oil type and viscosity will depend on the climates where you live and how you drive, compatibility with your vehicle, and your budget. The most important source of information about oil changes for winter weather for your specific engine is your car's owner's manual. Read it carefully, and follow the recommended oil change schedule.
Looking for affordable and quality oil changes? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Care Auto by calling 507-625-8005, or go on-line at www.expresscareautomn.com for more information and to find our oil change coupons. Our automotive repair shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
