The Right Oil for the Season (Engine Oil Viscosity)
November 10, 2024
As the temperatures plunge, certain types of engine oil may not flow as easily as they did when it was warmer. Makes sense, doesn't it? Just like molasses gets thicker as the temperature goes down, engine oil does the same thing. So, maybe you're wondering if you have to change your oil as the seasons change so it's just the right thickness to lubricate your engine parts.
How well engine oil flows is called its viscosity. There are different types of oil—some that have just one viscosity and others called "multigrade" oils. Here's the difference.
A single viscosity oil will flow better when it's hot but not as well when it's cold. A multigrade oil is engineered so that its flow properties at cold temperatures are different than they are at warm temperatures. In other words, a multigrade oil can start out in colder temperatures acting like a thinner oil and then behave like a thicker oil when it's warm. That's a pretty cool trick and it's why multigrade engine oil is used in nearly all vehicles. Your vehicle's manufacturer has the correct viscosity of oil for your particular model included in the owner's manual.
Another choice you have to make when it comes to engine oil is whether you use conventional oil, synthetic oil or a blend of the two. Synthetic oils have some advantages over conventional, such as resisting breakdown better and withstanding higher temperatures.
Check with your service advisor to see which viscosity and type of oil is recommended for your vehicle. It's important that in cold weather, the oil flows through your engine at the right thickness so that parts are being properly lubricated. That will make sure you'll get good fuel economy and performance, no matter what the temperature is.
Ron's Auto Service
1517 SE 25th Ln
Cape Coral, FL 33904
2398290873
Need Service?
More articles from Ron's Auto Service
Automotive Tips from Ron's Auto Service: Battery Testing
January 12, 2025
The simple fact is that 70% of car batteries fail within 4 years. They just need to be replaced at Ron's Auto Service when they are no longer able to hold a full charge.Batteries are a big ticket item for most Cape Coral drivers and its tempting to put off buying a new one as long as possible. Bu... More
The Edible Engine
January 5, 2025
You may have had a friend whose vehicle was the victim of hungry rodents. After all, mice, rats and squirrelseven rabbitshave been known to gnaw on wires in engine compartments, causing vehicle electrical systems to go haywire. They can disable a vehicle completely and be very expensive to fix.... More
Know Your Towing Limits in Cape Coral
December 29, 2024
Some Cape Coral drivers figure that anything they can attach to their trailer hitch can be towed by their vehicle. Nope. If you're going to do any towing around Cape Coral, you should be aware of safety issues, FL towing laws and potential liability.Understanding tow ratings is important for safe... More