Can 5w40 engine oil be used in summer?
2 Answers
5w40 engine oil can be used in summer. Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant, serves multiple functions such as lubrication and wear reduction, auxiliary cooling, sealing and leak prevention, rust and corrosion protection, and shock absorption. Often referred to as the 'blood' of a car, engine oil consists of base oil and additives. The base oil is the primary component of lubricating oil, determining its fundamental properties, while additives compensate for and enhance the performance shortcomings of the base oil. The engine is the heart of a car, containing many metal surfaces that move against each other at high speeds in harsh environments, with operating temperatures reaching 400 to 600 degrees Celsius. Under such severe conditions, only qualified lubricating oil can reduce engine component wear and extend service life.
I've been driving my own car for many years and often use 5w40 oil, which works perfectly in summer. The number 40 refers to the high-temperature viscosity, meaning the oil stays thick in hot weather to protect the engine from thinning and wear due to high temperatures. In summer, especially when stuck in city traffic, oil temperatures can soar, and 5w40 performs stably. Last year, I drove in the south where temperatures hit 40 degrees, and the engine ran smoothly without any issues. The key is to follow the vehicle manual's recommendations and not randomly switch to other viscosities. Remember to regularly check the oil level and color to ensure there are no leaks or degradation, saving money, hassle, and ensuring safety.