As winter weather rolls in, now is the perfect time to give your vehicle a little extra attention. Cold temperatures and winter driving conditions strain your engine and affect how your vehicle performs.
Whether you’re driving on snow-covered highways or heading out on a chilly morning, take steps to protect your vehicle this winter. Check your engine oil on a regular basis and look for warning signs, so you can prevent engine damage.
At Strickland Brothers 10 Minute Oil Change, we’re here to help you stay informed and confident on the road. A simple, routine oil change protects your vehicle and gives you peace of mind all winter long.
What Does Winter Weather Do to Your Engine Oil?
When temperatures drop, your car’s engine oil thickens and flows more slowly. Oil moves throughout your engine based on its viscosity, how thick or thin it is.
While in warm weather, oil thins and moves around freely; in the cold, it thickens and moves more slowly, making it harder to reach essential parts of your car’s engine. When oil doesn’t flow freely, it can’t properly lubricate your engine, leading to more wear and a higher risk of damage.
Your Winter Car Care Questions Answered
Do you really need an oil change during the winter months?
Yes! Even if you are not driving as much during the winter months, it is still important to get an oil change. Cold weather thickens oil and makes it harder to circulate properly through your engine. You should follow your car manufacturer’s recommended guidelines for oil to keep your engine protected.
Can engine oil actually freeze in cold weather?
Your vehicle’s engine oil is not likely to actually freeze in cold weather, but it does thicken and flow more slowly. Think of it like trying to pour honey out of a jar on a cold day – it takes longer to move. When this happens, the oil struggles to reach all necessary parts of your engine.
Is it necessary to let your car idle before driving?
Older cars used carburetors, so you had to let them idle to warm up. Today, most modern cars have an electric fuel injection system that delivers the optimal fuel-air mixture for combustion in real time. This means there’s no need to let your car idle before driving. In fact, idling in cold weather can wear away engine oil and put extra stress on your engine.
What are Signs Your Engine Oil Needs Attention?
It’s important to keep a careful eye on your vehicle during the winter months, as cold temperatures can reveal existing issues or create new ones with your car’s engine oil. These are warning signs you need to watch for:
- Engine makes unusual noises: Ticking, knocking, or other sounds, especially when you start your car, signal oil is not flowing correctly.
- Engine cranks slowly or roughly: Thick oil strains the starter motor as it works harder to circulate oil and start the engine.
- Oil pressure light flashes: The light may briefly flash as the pump struggles to properly build pressure with thick oil.
- Car feels sluggish: Rough idling or slower acceleration happens when the engine works harder to circulate thick oil.
Keep Your Engine Winter-Ready with a Quick Oil Change
You can stay ahead of engine and oil issues in cold weather by limiting extended idling and getting oil changes and oil filter checks on a regular basis. These simple steps keep your car running smoothly all year.
Start your winter car care routine with a visit to your local Strickland Brothers 10 Minute Oil Change. Our team is here to help you feel confident on the road this winter!
