How Long does an Oil Change Last in Winter?
The cold days of winter have arrived in full force! If you haven't had that necessary oil change following the hot months of summer, do it now--it is not too late. Don't get caught out in the cold with unexpected engine problems due to neglected oil changes.
To keep your vehicle running smoothly through the cold days of winter, Here are a Few Facts to know about oil changes:
- Oil change. When the oil is cold, it thickens; when it heats up, it becomes thinner. If you have neglected an oil change after hot weather, the oil may have become too thin and lost its cooling efficiency for the motor. Regular oil changes are crucial when it comes to protecting your engine against extremes temperatures.
- Viscosity. Viscosity is measured using two numbers and a letter. For example, 10W-40; 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 the cold months of winter--make sure your engine is protected at startup.
- Engine protection. Your selection of oil will depend on the climate in which you drive, compatibility with your vehicle, and of course, your budget.
- Synthetic - maintains a more consistent viscosity over a wide range of temperatures. But it is more expensive and could be incompatible with certain older engines.
- Synthetic blends - includes a combination of both natural and synthetic, providing the benefits of synthetic without the higher cost.
- Premium conventional – a natural oil of a higher quality with increased levels of protection.
To make sure your vehicle survives winter's cold temperatures, check your owner's manual for the right oil change for your specific vehicle. If in doubt, be sure to ask your oil change specialist for advice.
For more information about the right oil change for winter, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive by calling (608) 221-8321 for more information. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
The cold days of winter have arrived in full force! If you haven't had that necessary oil change following the hot months of summer, do it now--it is not too late. Don't get caught out in the cold with unexpected engine problems due to neglected oil changes.
To keep your vehicle running smoothly through the cold days of winter, Here are a Few Facts to know about oil changes:
- Oil change. When the oil is cold, it thickens; when it heats up, it becomes thinner. If you have neglected an oil change after hot weather, the oil may have become too thin and lost its cooling efficiency for the motor. Regular oil changes are crucial when it comes to protecting your engine against extremes temperatures.
- Viscosity. Viscosity is measured using two numbers and a letter. For example, 10W-40; 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 the cold months of winter--make sure your engine is protected at startup.
- Engine protection. Your selection of oil will depend on the climate in which you drive, compatibility with your vehicle, and of course, your budget.
- Synthetic - maintains a more consistent viscosity over a wide range of temperatures. But it is more expensive and could be incompatible with certain older engines.
- Synthetic blends - includes a combination of both natural and synthetic, providing the benefits of synthetic without the higher cost.
- Premium conventional – a natural oil of a higher quality with increased levels of protection.
To make sure your vehicle survives winter's cold temperatures, check your owner's manual for the right oil change for your specific vehicle. If in doubt, be sure to ask your oil change specialist for advice.
For more information about the right oil change for winter, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive by calling (608) 221-8321 for more information. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
