Does My Car Need Different Engine Oil in the Winter?
Best Engine Oil to Use in the Winter
When the temperature begins to drop, your vehicle may need different engine oil. Colder temperatures can change how well a vehicle’s motor oil protects your engine, so you may need to change the oil before winter arrives. The reason there is motor oil in your engine is to keep it protected, lubricated and clean, so you’ll want to make sure you have the right oil in your vehicle. Does your car need different engine oil in the winter? Keep reading to find out if it does and what kind may be the best for it.
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What Kind of Oil Should You Use?
Having the right kind of engine oil in your vehicle can keep your engine protected. During the cold months and lower temperatures, oil can thicken which makes it move more slowly through your vehicle’s engine. When this happens, it puts a strain on many of your engine’s moving parts and even your car battery. Your first step is to visit your vehicle’s owner’s manual to get a better understanding of what engine oil is recommended and if it can handle an oil that is designed for the cold temperatures of winter. Generally, a lower-viscosity oil is the best to use during winter as it is thin enough to flow more freely while also still being able to provide enough lubrication to protect your engine. A widely recommended engine oil in the winter is 5W-3, but before you use it, be sure to check your owner’s manual to ensure that your vehicle can handle it.
Having the right engine oil can help keep your engine protected during cold start-ups, and make it easier for your engine to turn over in cold weather. There are also certain types of synthetic oil that can be beneficial to your vehicle’s engine in the winter. To learn more about what type of engine oil you should use in your vehicle during the winter, please visit the service centre at Terra Nova Buick GMC and one of our knowledgeable service advisors can help you choose the best oil.
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