Now is the perfect time to prepare your vehicle’s engine for the cold season. The last thing you want is to experience a breakdown in the middle of January. Here are a few cold-weather oil tips to keep in mind.
Choose the Right Oil Viscosity
It’s important to always choose the right viscosity motor oil for your vehicle. While a thicker viscosity may perform well during the summer, you could experience trouble when temperatures start to drop below freezing. Remember, lubricants naturally become denser when exposed to colder temperatures. If the oil isn’t able to properly circulate, accelerated wear and tear is bound to occur.
The best approach is to stick with the automaker’s recommended oil and oil change regimen. Regardless of the season, your vehicle’s engine will remain protected throughout the year.
Check Oil Levels Regularly
As a car owner, you should develop a habit of regularly checking the oil level. If the oil level gets too low, major problems can occur. Your engine could seize up, which ultimately translates to a huge repair bill.
Fortunately, checking the oil level will only take a few minutes of your time. Most experts advise doing so about every 1,000 miles. You never want the oil level to drop below the lower mark on the dipstick. If you’re planning to take a long road trip this winter, keep an extra quart of oil in the trunk to be on the safe side.
Switch to Synthetic Oil
While conventional motor oil may be less expensive, it is mostly inferior to modern synthetic oil in all other aspects. Drivers certainly appreciate the superior thermal stability of synthetic oil. Even on extremely cold mornings, you can look forward to experiencing faster start-ups. It flows far better when outdoor temperatures drop, thus promoting enhanced lubrication.
Synthetic motor oil also boasts an extended maintenance interval. While conventional motor oil typically needs to be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, some synthetic formulas can last for 10,000 miles or more. You actually stand to save more money in the long run if you choose the latter option.
Pre-Winter Oil Change
It’s a good idea to get an oil change before colder weather arrives. Winter humidity makes corrosion more likely to occur inside your engine. To no surprise, rust often causes metal components to experience premature degradation.
The additives that help prevent motor oil from solidifying in sub-zero temperatures gradually break down over time. After getting a fresh oil change, you can drive with an extra degree of security.
Allow for Warm-Up Time
Don’t hit the road before allowing your car to properly warm up. Winter mornings can be tough on an engine. While letting the engine idle for a lengthy period will be counterproductive, you should at least give the oil enough time to get flowing.
Mechanics suggest running your vehicle for a minute or two before driving off. However, avoid accelerating hard until the engine reaches its normal operating temperature and other gauges. Being cautious ultimately helps extend the longevity of your engine.
