With the winter months approaching, many people think only of their car tyres, battery, or even the windshield wipers. But perhaps the most significant factor many drivers ignore is winter oil changes. Watching your car’s engine oil is necessary to enable your vehicle to perform and be reliable through the colder months. We will take a look at why winter oil changes are necessary and how it helps avoid some potential problems.
Engine oil for cold temperature: Why is it important?
The winter experiences very cold temperatures, and that can really affect the functioning of your engine. The moment the temperatures fall, so does the viscosity of your engine oil. It makes the oil thicker and more viscous. As much as it lessens the ability for oil to flow and provide much-needed lubrication to the engine’s parts, it also increases the friction. Further, there is a risk of more wear and tear in your engine.
The importance of car oil changes during winter cannot be underestimated. Use the right engine oil for cold temperatures. That is how your engine is kept smooth in lubrication and finds it easy to start on the coldest of mornings. A good winter oil change involves using oil with a low viscosity. It flows more easily through your engine at low temperatures. It minimizes the strain because the engine warms up faster. Thus, it causes less damage to the car at the start in freezing conditions.
Need help with winter oil changes? Contact us at Fine Tuned Autos and get tips on winter car care, protecting your engine in cold weather, and improving car performance in winter.
Keeping your Engine Safe in the Cold
Cold weather puts a strain on your engine, and if the oil is not up to snuff, then the car will suffer for it. Heavy, old, or dirty oil does not protect your engine parts very well. As it sits, contaminants such as dirt, moisture, and debris settle into your engine oil and do their devious little jobs at reducing its effectiveness. They get into even worse trouble in the wintertime, particularly if the oil already is at the end of its recommended life span.
A winter oil change actually keeps the risks at bay, as fresh, clean oil is the replacement of old oil. This makes proper lubrication for your engine, and harmful contaminants are extracted before they get a chance to begin their havoc. Fresh oil also tends to keep your engine running smoother, increasing its fuel efficiency and reducing the unnecessary strain placed upon your car’s systems.
Improving Your Car Performance in Winter
So you see, not changing the oil during winter has a certain risk in cutting down on your overall car performance in winter. For example, your vehicle may be a bit harder to start if the temperature is really low. If it were to have an engine that would idle really rough at that time, it may mean frustrating delays and even more serious engine damage down the road. However, well-timed oil changes ensure that your engine is prepared for whatever winter may throw at you.
Old or wrong viscosity oils can impair the performance of your car, particularly on cold mornings. Cold-temperature oils thicken and become viscous, causing hard circulation that increases the cranking time and puts additional strain on the battery and starter. A winter change thus makes starting the engine faster and keeps it smoother, even in extremely cold temperatures.
The importance of proper winter car maintenance
Winter car maintenance goes beyond checking that your tyres are in ideal condition or that you have proper antifreeze levels. For example, winter oil changes are very important for the optimal condition of your car. Thus, by scheduling a winter seasonal oil change, you help to prevent the engine from the cold and improve your car’s chances for traversing the winter months without trouble.
This may also include oil changes, battery inspections, and adequate antifreeze levels in your vehicle. Brake and tyre conditions must also be checked. But no matter how many checks you do, nothing is more important than having engine oil up to the job of protecting your engine in cold weather.
Get professional assistance on winter car care and protect your engine in cold weather for the best car performance in winter. Contact us at Fine Tuned Autos by calling (416) 243-0949.
Trust the Professionals at Fine Tuned Autos
If you’re not quite sure what type of oil is right for your car or when you should get a winter oil change, the experts at Fine Tuned Autos have got you covered. We know that these are going to be trying conditions for winter vehicles. We will give you the information that you need to keep your vehicle running right. From oil recommendations to a complete winter inspection, we will ensure that your vehicle is winter ready.
At Fine Tuned Autos, we do the professional oil changes needed by your vehicle for the full protection of your engine. It ensures the best performance from your car. If you want to focus on keeping your engine well protected from cold weather effects or winter car care, feel free to ask. Call us today for your scheduled oil change, and ready your vehicle for the journey ahead of it this winter.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let a snowstorm or a drop in temperature urge you to prepare your vehicle for the cold months ahead. Undergo a winter oil change today. It is practically the cheapest maintenance work possible. The oil change really makes all the difference between an efficiently running, smoothly operating, reliable car. Protect your engine, improve performance in winter, and enjoy worry-free driving by making sure your engine oil is suitable for the cold months.
