As the winter season approaches, many car owners wonder how cold weather affects their engines and the oil they use to keep them running. Cold weather can significantly impact your engine oil and its ability to lubricate and protect your engine’s components.
Here are 11 significant effects of cold weather on your engine oil.
1. Lower Viscosity
Cold weather causes the oil to become more viscous, making it thicker. This can cause the oil to flow more slowly and make reaching all engine parts difficult. This can cause the oil to take longer to get to high-friction areas, leading to increased wear and tear on components.
2. Varnish Buildup
Cold weather can cause the oil to form a varnish coating on the internal engine parts. This varnish can reduce the oil’s ability to lubricate and cause engine parts to wear more quickly.
3. Sludge Formation
Cold weather can cause the oil to become contaminated with sludge. This sludge can reduce the oil’s ability to flow and can cause engine parts to become clogged and wear more quickly.
4. Poor Starting
Cold weather can cause the oil to become so thick that it cannot flow properly, leading to poor engine starting.
5. Increased Wear
Cold weather can cause the oil to become less effective at lubricating engine parts, leading to increased wear and tear. This can lead to a decrease in the engine’s performance and can even cause the engine to fail prematurely.
6. Decreased Lubricity
Even the quality of the oil can get worse with cold weather. In this case, you might need an urgent oil change to prevent further engine problems.
7. Increased Fuel Consumption
Cold weather can cause the engine to work harder, increasing fuel consumption.
8. Corrosion
Cold weather can cause the oil to become more acidic, which can cause corrosion of the engine parts. This can lead to engine failure and costly repairs.
9. Increased Emissions
As the oil thickens, it can result in increased emissions from the engine, which can be harmful to the environment.
10. Oil Breakdown
Cold weather can cause the oil to break down more quickly, decreasing its ability to lubricate and protect the engine. This can lead to increased engine wear and tear and reduced performance.
11. Temperature Extremes
Cold temperatures can cause the oil to become too cold, which can cause it to become more viscous and reduce its effectiveness in lubricating and protecting the engine. Conversely, too-hot temperatures can cause the oil to become too thin and cause it to break down faster, leading to increased wear and tear on the engine.
Conclusion
To prevent these effects of cold weather on your engine oil, it’s essential to use the correct type of oil for your engine and to regularly set an oil change to ensure it’s in good condition. Additionally, it’s vital to take care of your engine by periodically checking and maintaining it to ensure it’s running as efficiently as possible.
Hoover Automotive Car service and repair is a full-service auto shop that can help you with all your automotive needs. We offer brake service, new tires, auto repair, engine repair, off-road vehicle repairs, and oil changes in Hoover, AL. Our car technicians have the knowledge and experience to provide you with the highest quality service and repair. For more details, contact us today to get the best oil change service for your car.