What's the best Oil Change for Winter?
Oil change services are quite important for your vehicle in the middle of the coldest months of the year. Motor oil can become sluggish and stop flowing through the engine properly, leading to possible engine damage. Every preparation made for the winter months must include an oil change appropriate for winter.
The change of seasons and temperature are important factors to consider when choosing the right oil change. The cold temperatures of winter and the summer heat affect the rate at which motor oil flows. The measure of this flow is the viscosity rating you see displayed on containers of motor oil.
Take a look at the viscosity on the side of the oil can, expressed as a number. Thicker oils have a higher viscosity number. Thinner oils have a lower number. Cold weather viscosity is crucial to the survival of an automobile engine during the first few seconds of operation in extremely cold weather. The old saying “slower than molasses” definitely applies to motor oil. Engine damage is likely if motor oil is too thick and is unable to flow to the engine parts; especially during cold weather startups.
The best resource for deciding the right type of oil change is found in your owner's manual. It will indicate which oil viscosity is best to use during cold and hot temperatures, as well as the blend of the oil to be used. If your vehicle has high mileage (over 75K), there is a special blend that can be used. Synthetic blends and full synthetics offer added protection as they will flow more easily during severe cold then conventional oils. Also, remember that stop–and–start driving at any time of year is considered severe driving by most manufacturers. An oil change and clean filter at the appropriate intervals can save expensive engine repair, plus extend the life of your vehicle.
If you have not yet had oil changes this winter, don't delay. Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair for more information about the benefits of oil changes and to schedule an appointment. Our auto repair shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
Oil change services are quite important for your vehicle in the middle of the coldest months of the year. Motor oil can become sluggish and stop flowing through the engine properly, leading to possible engine damage. Every preparation made for the winter months must include an oil change appropriate for winter.
The change of seasons and temperature are important factors to consider when choosing the right oil change. The cold temperatures of winter and the summer heat affect the rate at which motor oil flows. The measure of this flow is the viscosity rating you see displayed on containers of motor oil.
Take a look at the viscosity on the side of the oil can, expressed as a number. Thicker oils have a higher viscosity number. Thinner oils have a lower number. Cold weather viscosity is crucial to the survival of an automobile engine during the first few seconds of operation in extremely cold weather. The old saying “slower than molasses” definitely applies to motor oil. Engine damage is likely if motor oil is too thick and is unable to flow to the engine parts; especially during cold weather startups.
The best resource for deciding the right type of oil change is found in your owner's manual. It will indicate which oil viscosity is best to use during cold and hot temperatures, as well as the blend of the oil to be used. If your vehicle has high mileage (over 75K), there is a special blend that can be used. Synthetic blends and full synthetics offer added protection as they will flow more easily during severe cold then conventional oils. Also, remember that stop–and–start driving at any time of year is considered severe driving by most manufacturers. An oil change and clean filter at the appropriate intervals can save expensive engine repair, plus extend the life of your vehicle.
If you have not yet had oil changes this winter, don't delay. Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair for more information about the benefits of oil changes and to schedule an appointment. Our auto repair shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
