Why is it necessary in winter to use a lighter oil for automobiles than in summer?
Drivers would use a winter grade oil during cold weather, since it was designed to be thin and flow more easily in low temperatures. In the summer, they would swap out their winter oil for a thicker one, since hot temperatures thin out oil.
Which oil viscosity is better for warm climates?
10W and 15W are more for hot climates. The other number that comes after the hyphen indicates the viscosity at higher temperatures. So the higher the number, the better the oil flows even at very high temperatures because it has a higher viscosity and it doesn’t get too thin.
When to use a lower viscosity motor oil?
As such, it’s beneficial to use an oil that flows readily at startup to reach engine components as quickly as possible. Since lower-viscosity oils flow more readily, they provide better cold-weather startup protection compared to higher-viscosity oils.
Which is better for cold weather motor oil?
The lower the oil’s viscosity, the more readily it flows at cold winter temperatures. Of course, the opposite is true – the higher the oil’s viscosity, the more slowly it flows when cold. That means an 0W-20 oil will flow better when it’s cold than a 10W-30. Which brings me to my next important point.
When to use lighter motor oil in winter?
The manufacturer typically recommends a lighter viscosity when the temperature drops during the winter. Your vehicle owner’s manual may contain a viscosity chart like this one. In this case, we recommend using the lightest recommended viscosity of motor oil during the winter. Why?
What is the viscosity of multi grade oil?
Fortunately, now we have what is called multi-grade oil which adjusts viscosity according to weather. The first number with the W is the oil’s winter viscosity, or how thick the oil will be at -35 degrees Celsius, or -31 degrees Fahrenheit.
When to use higher or lower viscosity motor oil?
For engines that do not have a recommended weight – winter and colder temperatures, you should use a lower viscosity oil for cold start up. For warmer temperatures, you should use a higher viscosity oil. In addition, motor oil not only lubricates engine parts, but it also cleans acids and silicon oxide from engine parts.
What does the viscosity of winter oil mean?
The viscosity of the winter number is tested at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. The 30 refers to the viscosity at higher temperatures. This indicates that the oil is thicker at higher temperatures, so it adheres to the metal parts of the engine, protecting them as they operate. This number is tested at 212 degrees Fahrenheit.
The lower the oil’s viscosity, the more readily it flows at cold winter temperatures. Of course, the opposite is true – the higher the oil’s viscosity, the more slowly it flows when cold. That means an 0W-20 oil will flow better when it’s cold than a 10W-30. Which brings me to my next important point.
Can you use lighter viscosity motor oil in winter?
Motorists sometimes ask if they should use a lighter viscosity of motor oil once winter arrives. Yes – provided your vehicle manufacturer allows it. Run out to your vehicle and fish the owner’s manual from the glove box. Or open a digital copy on your phone. Somewhere in the back you should find the motor oil recommendations.